A 15-session self-study course, co-sponsored with IPAK EDU
Course Description
This course, jointly offered by the Institute for Pure and Applied Knowledge and the Gaeta Institute for Wholistic Health Education, is designed to give health professionals and the health-conscious public reliable, practical training in the use of botanical medicine to improve and maintain health. Both traditional herbal practice and modern research will inform the topics covered in the course. Classes are taught by a range of expert clinical herbalists, published authors and researchers, and herbal scientists. Students will have the opportunity to ask questions during the live classes, and receive research studies or abstracts of research relevant to that topic. The course provides a foundational understanding of herbal medicine, and specific application of phytotherapy for specific health challenges.
Your Faculty
Michael Gaeta, DAOM: https://michaelgaeta.com/
James Lyons-Weiler, PhD: https://ipaknowledge.org/
Sara Woods Kender: https://www.sarasherbs.com/
Dale Brown, DC: https://thewilddoc.com/
Charlotte Kikel, MS: https://www.charlottekikel.com/
15-Class Curriculum
Dr Michael Gaeta hosted each class often added something on that topic.
Class One: Course Overview. Herbalism: History, Overview of World Systems, Phytochemistry
Instructor: Michael Gaeta, Sara Woods Kender, Dale Brown
Class Two: Home Herbalism Part One: Identifying, Collecting, Growing, Drying & Storing Medicinal Plants
Instructor: Sara Woods Kender
Class Three: Cardiovascular Health
Instructor: Michael Gaeta
In this class you will learn the contributors to cardiovascular disease, the disease process, and specific botanical support to promote cardiovascular health.
Class Four: Pain & Inflammation
Instructor: Michael Gaeta
Class Five: Stress, Anxiety & Insomnia
Instructor: Michael Gaeta
Class Six: Mental Clarity; Longevity
Instructor: Dale Brown
“A mind is a terrible thing to waste, but a wonderful thing to invest in.” The iconic slogan of the United Negro College Fund. This world is destroying the minds of both children and adults. Autism, ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Dementia, and many more neurological “brain conditions” are plaguing almost all westernized societies. What can we do about it? How can we lower our risk? How can we use plant medicines to help our friends and family?
Class Seven: Digestion
Instructor: Charlotte Kikel
“All disease starts in the gut.” -Hippocrates There are nine times as many messages coming from the gut to the brain than there are from the brain to the gut. So who’s really in charge? Millions of people suffer from chronic acid reflux, gas, bloating, diarrhea and constipation, but they don’t have to. In this webinar, we will explore what is now known as the second brain and what you can do to empower your digestive fire with healing plants.
Class Eight: Enhancing Immunity; Cold, Flu, COVID-19 & Immunity Biosimilars
November 29, 2023
Instructor: Dale Brown
The immune system is the key system that protects us from “invaders.” Whether it be viral, bacterial, parasitic, fungal, etc. as well as toxins. How can we support our bodies with herbals so when the day comes that we have to face that “horrible virus” or whatever it may be, we can weather that storm with ease and confidence.
Class Nine: Metabolic Syndrome & Diabetes
December 6, 2023
Instructor: Sara Kendra Woods
Millions of people suffer from blood sugar control issues. In this class I will discuss the types of diabetes as well as how an individual can use herbs, diet, and lifestyle changes to control blood sugar and reduce dependency on pharmaceuticals for management.
Class Ten: Respiratory System, Allergies, Asthma, COPD
December 13, 2023
Instructor: Charlotte Kikel
“Environmental allergies are the froth on the sea of food allergies.” -Paul Bergner All the drug commercials on television make it look like pollen is out to get us, but it’s not about the pollen, it’s about you! Allergies are the story of our broken relationship with our bodies and environment, but there is hope. We can use herbs to quiet the mast cells that produce histamine, to open up the respiratory tract, to modulate mucus production and much more. This week’s class is about building your natural medicine cabinet and enjoying the outdoors again.
Class Eleven: Autoimmune
December 20, 2023
Instructor: Dale Brown
The prevalence of diagnosed, not counting the likely thousands of people who go undiagnosed, autoimmune conditions in the US was 7% in 2019. This condition favors women, but why? Can herbs and medicinal mushrooms be harnessed to help those suffering with autoimmunity? Can herbs be dangerous for those with autoimmune conditions and if so, which would be best to avoid in some cases?
Class Twelve: Home Herbalism, Part Two
December 27, 2023
Instructor: Charlotte Kikel
Class Thirteen: Cancer
January 3, 2023
Instructor: Dale Brown
Cancer is a devastating condition. Few other conditions strike fear in the hearts of those who are diagnosed with it. I believe that plant “medicines” should always be utilized when developing a treatment strategy to help people combat cancer. Whether an individual chooses conventional treatments or natural strategies, herbs can help support our bodies’ natural defenses against cancer and reduce the toxic detrimental effects of radiation or chemo.
Class Fourteen: Medicinal Mushrooms
January 10, 2023
Instructor: Sara Woods Kender and Dale Brown
Immune health is an important aspect of being in balance and medicinal mushrooms can provide that balance and support. In this discussion I will show you some common mushrooms that grow right here in the US, the habitat they grow in, how to harvest and make medicine with them. I’ll also talk about the wonderful benefits mushrooms possess for every day use as well as for acute situations. Mushrooms are food and they are medicine and an essential part of staying healthy.
Class Fifteen: Herb & Drug Interactions
January 17, 2023
Instructor: James Lyons-Weiler
Student Comments
“Thank you so much for your explanation of Ginseng. I learned a huge amount.” – Navjyoat Kingsnorth, PhD
“A very interesting class with lots of great information. Thank you!” – Janet Huerlimann
“Hi, I am from Montana and love learning about everything natural! This course is helping me reach my future healthcare goals!” – Tory Engelke