Course Description
This course is an introduction to the art and science of herbal medicine and how it fits into our conventional healthcare system. An overview of global herbal traditions, CAM (complementary and alternative medicine,) the history of herbal medicine and the regulation of the herbal products industry will provide a framework for understanding this topic. A review of herbal chemistry, actions, pharmacy and safety, discussion of common ailments treatable by herbs as well as an in-depth survey of common herbal remedies will comprise the bulk of the course. Students will collaborate to create an online Materia Medica project. Students will also produce an infographic on DSHEA, to demonstrate an understanding of the laws regarding herbal product use in the USA. Two research papers, including an evaluation of an herbal supplement product are required. PowerPoint software is required. (3 credits)
Prerequisite
- None
Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
- Describe the placebo effect.
- Define CAM (Complementary and Alternative Medicine).
- Critique the usefulness of Herbal Medicine and the role that herbs can play in our healthcare system.
- Discuss the categories of herbs used in the U.S., their actions and how they are used to create and maintain health.
- Create a Materia Medica of twenty- five herbs commonly available in U.S commerce and describe their traditional uses, actions, contraindications, methods of administration, etc.
- Discuss how herbs are used to treat common ailments.
- Differentiate between scientific, evidence- based Herbal Medicine and historical, folkloric or traditional uses of herbs.
- Be able to cite key resources used in researching Herbal Medicine (PubMed, etc.) and use them to create a Materia Medica as a classroom community.
- Explain the relationship between Herbal Medicine and other disciplines, such as: Ethnobotany, Pharmacy, Integrative Medicine, etc.
- Design an infographic to educate the general public about DSHEA (Dietary Supplements Health Education Act) and how herbal medicines are regulated in the U.S.
- Compare and contrast one traditional healing system (Ayurveda, TCM, etc.) or healing paradigm with that of evidence- based conventional medicine and develop an opinion regarding its usefulness through a written report.
- Using the knowledge gained in the course, analyze a commercially available herbal product and decide who would benefit from taking it. Share this recommendation as a discussion post.
- Create a Wiki about the history of Herbal Medicine in the U.S.; the people, events and cultures which have shaped it.
Course Activities and Grading
| Assignments | Weight |
|---|---|
Discussions | 20% |
Global Herbal Traditions Paper (Week 2) | 10% |
DSHEA Infographic Project (Week 4) | 20% |
Materia Medica Group Project (Week 8) | 30% |
Evaluating an Herbal Supplement Paper | 10% |
Herbal Medicine History Wiki | 10% |
Total | 100% |
Required Textbooks
(Available through Charter Oak's online bookstore)
- McIntyre, A. The Complete Herbal Tutor, 2nd, Aeon Books, 2019. ISBN-13: 9781911597469
Course Schedule
| Week | SLOs | Readings and Exercises | Assignments |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2,3,9 | Topic: Introduction
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2 | 3,7,11 | Topic: Global Healing Traditions
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3 | 1,3,4 | Topics: Herbal Chemistry, Actions & Pharmacy
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4 | 10 | Topic: Regulation of Herbal Products
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5 | 5,6,7,8 | Topic: Herbs for Common Ailments
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6 | 5,6,7,8 | Topic: Herbs for Common Ailments (continued)
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7 | 5,6,7,8 | Topic: Herbs for Common Ailments (continued)
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8 | 5,6,7,8,12 | Topic: Herbs for Common Ailments (continued)
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COSC Accessibility Statement
Charter Oak State College encourages students with disabilities, including non-visible disabilities such as chronic diseases, learning disabilities, head injury, attention deficit/hyperactive disorder, or psychiatric disabilities, to discuss appropriate accommodations with the Office of Accessibility Services at OAS@charteroak.edu.
COSC Policies, Course Policies, Academic Support Services and Resources
Students are responsible for knowing all Charter Oak State College (COSC) institutional policies, course-specific policies, procedures, and available academic support services and resources. Please see COSC Policies for COSC institutional policies, and see also specific policies related to this course. See COSC Resources for information regarding available academic support services and resources.