Description
As we age, certain facets of health often become more challenging. For the clinician, elder clients represent a high percent of people seeking natural alternatives and integrative care. They may have more multifactorial health concerns and often take many pharmaceuticals. The four classes in this series are applicable to a wide range of clients (not only those in the 65+ community), but they are also of particular importance in supporting older bodies. While geared towards herbal practitioners, this series is also of value for other health professionals as well as people looking to support their own health.
Class 1: Herb-Drug Interactions and Alternatives
Most Americans take one or more pharmaceuticals, and elders are more likely to take a cocktail of five or more. This can be daunting for the herbalist to safely recommend herbs alongside or to support clients as they work with their doctors to reduce medications. We will discuss some of the most important negative herb-drug interactions, safer support strategies, as well as herbalist practitioner ethics and scope of practice, and bridge-building teamwork tips in client healthcare.
Class 2: Assessing and Supporting Nutrient Deficiencies
Nutrient deficiencies are somewhat common in the general population, particularly in elders and clients with complicated health concerns or due to medication side effects. A missed nutrient deficiency could also trigger or exacerbate a range of health concerns including heart palpitations, fatigue, brain fog, and chronic pain. In this class we will discuss specific common nutrient deficiencies, possible signs of them, integrative health strategies, herbalist practitioner ethics and scope of practice, and herbal, food, and natural support options.
Class 3: Building Strong Bones
The best time to build bone is in our younger years, but it’s never too late to start. In this class we will discuss both evidence-based and traditional natural approaches for bone strength — including food, supplement, and lifestyle tips — with an emphasis on herbs, remedy making tips, and clinical pearls.
Class 4: Holistic Support for Pain
Pain is among the most common health concerns in adults, often worsening as we age, and many of the pharmaceutical interventions risk a slippery slope of side effects. In this class, we will discuss key natural pain support strategies through the lens of general inflammation, nerve pain, muscle pain, and joint/tendon pain emphasizing favorite herbs to consider for each while addressing root causes and triggers.
Plus an added BONUS CLASS!
Instructor Bio:
Maria Noël Groves, RH (AHG), western clinical herbalist, runs Wintergreen Botanicals, nestled in the pine forests of New Hampshire. Her business is devoted to education and empowerment via classes, health consultations, and writing with the foundational belief that good health grows in nature. She is the author of the award-winning, best-selling Body into Balance: An Herbal Guide to Holistic Self Care, Grow Your Own Herbal Remedies, and the new Herbal Remedies for Sleep, and a fourth book in winter 2025. Learn more about Maria and herbs at WintergreenBotanicals.com.