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Reflection

For the Be Your Own Herbalist course, I had a number of different topics to choose from for discussion prompts and an assignment. I chose to create two discussion prompts that incorporate a bit of research into herbs. This "homework" is the type of skill students will need when selecting herbs for themselves in the future. The second discussion is a mock case study that will be graded with a rubric. The assignment is a continuation of the case study learning, where a student selects one of three cases students and prepares a presentation about a custom-designed herbal plan.

Course Learning Outcomes & Lesson Modules

Here are the Course Learning Outcomes for Be Your Own Herbalist.

At the end of the course, students will be able to:

  1. Define the scope of practice for an herbalist in the context of the laws regarding practicing medicine without a license.

  2. Explain the basics of Ayurvedic, TCM, and Western herbal frameworks and list their similarities and differences.

  3. Identify the main herbal energetic qualities and their relationship to a variety of common health conditions.

  4. Evaluate health concerns to determine when to consult a health professional based on herbal scope of practice guidelines.

  5. Select basic herbal remedies for common conditions along with dosage and type of delivery, prioritizing safety by checking any potential contraindications.

  6. Communicate the benefits of herbal remedies ethically and cautiously with awareness of personal knowledge limitations.

Students will be leveraging knowledge they gained from the modules Herb Safety, Herbal Frameworks and Energetics, and How to Use Herbs.

Discussion Prompt 1: Herb Research & Safety

Review the materials in the Herb Safety module for information that will help you complete this discussion prompt.

For this discussion, choose one herb that interests you. Conduct research to identify any potential side effects and drug interactions associated with this herb. In your post, include the following:

  1. Herb Identification: Name the herb and provide a brief description of its common uses.

  2. Potential Side Effects: List any known side effects of the herb. Are there any situations where it should be used with caution?

  3. Drug Interactions: Identify any known drug interactions. Are there specific medications that should not be taken with this herb?

  4. Personal Reflection: Reflect on what you have learned about this herb. Did anything surprise you? Would you consider using or recommending this herb, given the information you found?

Engage with at least two classmates by commenting on their posts. Share your thoughts on their findings and reflect on how these discussions inform your understanding of herbal medicine.

Course Learning Outcomes:

This discussion prompt aligns with the following Course Learning Outcomes:

5) Select basic herbal remedies for common conditions along with dosage and type of delivery, prioritizing safety by checking any potential contraindications.

6) Communicate the benefits of herbal remedies ethically and cautiously with awareness of personal knowledge limitations.

Class Materials

The class materials for this discussion prompt are in the module titled "Herb Safety."

Discussion Prompt 2: Case Study: Heartburn

Review the materials in the Herbal Frameworks and Energetics module for information that will help you complete this discussion prompt.

Alex, a 35-year-old office worker, has recently been experiencing frequent heartburn and acid reflux. He describes a burning sensation in his chest and occasional nausea. Despite his hectic schedule, Alex often feels irritable and struggles to concentrate. He is seeking natural options to alleviate these symptoms and restore balance to his digestive system.

Instructions:

In this discussion, focus on Alex's symptoms from an Ayurvedic perspective. As beginning herbalists, your task is to explore herbal remedies that are traditionally used in Ayurveda to calm the digestive system. Discuss how these herbs might help alleviate Alex’s symptoms and promote overall digestive health. You should also then select some Western herbs using allopathic medicinal properties.

First, identity the energetics involved (dosha, gunas, etc.). Then, select appropriate Ayurvedic herbs. Explain your choices. Third, choose herbs based on Western medicinal properties. Explain your choices. You do not need to worry about dosage or type of herbal delivery yet, as we will get to that in the next module. Once you have posted, comment on at least two other posts.

Course Learning Outcomes:

This discussion prompt aligns with the following Course Learning Outcomes:

3) Identify the main herbal energetic qualities and their relationship to a variety of common health conditions.

5) Select basic herbal remedies for common conditions along with dosage and type of delivery, prioritizing safety by checking any potential contraindications.

Class Materials

The class materials for this discussion prompt are in the module titled: "Herbal Frameworks and Energetics."

Assignment: Herbal Case Study Analysis

Review the materials in the Herb Safety and Herbal Frameworks and Energetics modules for information that will help you complete this assignment.

While the scope of this course is not to teach you how to become a professional herbalist, practicing with case studies is a good way to build your knowledgebase, make you better equipped to help friends and family, and help prepare you to become an herbal professional in the future.

Instructions:

Choose one of the following three case studies. Your task is to analyze the case and provide herbal recommendations for treatment. Focus on selecting appropriate herbal remedies, considering dosage, type of delivery, and prioritizing safety by checking for any potential contraindications. Ensure your recommendations align with the scope of practice for an herbalist and communicate ethically and cautiously.

Case Studies:

  1. Case Study 1: Seasonal Allergies

    • Profile: Alex, a 30-year-old male, experiences mild seasonal allergies characterized by sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes during the spring. He has a sturdy build, smooth skin, and often feels sluggish or lethargic.

    • Lifestyle: Alex plays video games professionally on Twitch. He tends to sit too much and eat junk food when stressed. He lifts weights at the gym for exercise.

  2. Case Study 2: Pre-Menopause

    • Profile: Jamie, a 50-year-old female, is starting to develop hot flashes as she enters pre-menopause. She has a medium build, oily skin, and a tendency to feel warm. She enjoys spicy foods but often eats late at night due to her busy schedule.

    • Lifestyle: Jamie works in a stressful corporate environment and exercises moderately. She would prefer lifestyle changes and herbs over using HRT for menopause.

  3. Case Study 3: Stress and Mild Anxiety

    • Profile: Taylor, a 25-year-old female, experiences stress and a feeling of anxiety due to work pressure. She says she feels like her mind is a "hamster wheel." She often feels cold, has dry skin, and a light build. Taylor is looking for ways to manage stress naturally.

    • Lifestyle: She works as a graphic designer with flexible hours but often stays up late working on projects. She practices yoga regularly and follows a vegetarian diet. Although she has a stable job, she often feels anxious about work deadlines.

Assignment Requirements:

  • Define the scope of practice for your recommendations.

  • Identify and explain herbal energetic qualities related to the chosen case study.

  • Provide a detailed recommendation of herbal remedies, including dosage and type of delivery.

  • List any potential contraindications and when to consult a health professional.

  • Ensure all communication is ethical and within personal knowledge limitations.

Submit your completed analysis by the due date in a clear, well-organized document or video report with transcript - linking to your video that is publicly accessible, such as on YouTube.

Course Learning Outcomes:

This assignment aligns with the following Course Learning Outcomes:

1) Define the scope of practice for an herbalist in the context of the laws regarding practicing medicine without a license.

3) Evaluate health concerns to determine when to consult a health professional based on herbal scope of practice guidelines.

4) Select basic herbal remedies for common conditions along with dosage and type of delivery, prioritizing safety by checking any potential contraindications.

5) Communicate the benefits of herbal remedies ethically and cautiously with awareness of personal knowledge limitations.

Class Materials

The class materials for this discussion prompt are in the modules titled "Herb Safety" and "Herbal Frameworks and Energetics."

Links

Note: To access direct links to discussions and assignments, you can sign up to the course for free here:

https://canvas.instructure.com/enroll/B8WJNW

Discussion Prompt 1: Herb Research & Safety

https://canvas.instructure.com/courses/11030706/discussion_topics/24591800?module_item_id=125617066

Discussion Prompt 2: Case Study: Heartburn

https://canvas.instructure.com/courses/11030706/discussion_topics/24602520?module_item_id=125685732

Assignment: Herbal Case Study Analysis

https://canvas.instructure.com/courses/11030706/assignments/53047819?module_item_id=125617382

Copyright Stephanie Brail, CC BY-NC-ND 4.0. Images are either AI generated or free stock photography from Unsplash.

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