This course is a starting point for the study of medical ethnobotany, which involves the plants found in a particular place and how they can be used to treat illnesses. By examining the historical applications of plant-based medicines, the compounds that are commonly found in plant-based medicines, the potential safety considerations when using plant-based medicines, and how to critically evaluate the labels and packaging of plant-based medicines, you will be prepared to understand the applications of these types of medicines and what information people need to be aware of if they plan on using them. This is not a replacement for consulting with a physician; it is intended as an exploration of alternatives that you may not have considered.

In this course, you will focus on a few of the human body systems that can potentially be impacted by medicinal plants. The musculoskeletal, urogenital, and reproductive systems each have specific functions and ailments, and medicinal plants can be a useful complement to established Western medical practices. You will examine plants such as arnica, willow, turmeric, and ashwagandha, along with many others from around the world, that are used to treat the same illnesses in different ways. Through consideration of active ingredients and potential interactions, you will be able to propose appropriate choices of medicinal plants when presented with the problem of treating an illness or achieving a wellness goal.

Historical Applications of Plant-Based Medicine must be completed prior to starting this course.

In this course, you will focus on the central nervous system and how it can be affected by different types of medicinal plants. The major categories of effects on which this course is focused are stimulants, antidepressants, psychoactives, and systemic pain relief. This can include things like your morning cup of coffee or tea; the chocolate bar you have in the afternoon as a mood elevator; or stronger, more mind-altering vegetation such as psilocybin or cannabis. In addition to recreational uses, there are clinicians studying the psychological applications of many of these plants in controlled environments. Through consideration of active ingredients and potential interactions, you will be able to propose appropriate choices of medicinal plants when presented with the problem of treating an illness or achieving a wellness goal.

Historical Applications of Plant-Based Medicine must be completed prior to starting this course.

The cardiovascular and respiratory systems are critical to an optimally functioning body; their ailments are some of the leading causes of death around the world. Several medicinal plants can be used to complement established Western medicine treatments in reducing the effects of heart attacks, stroke, and high blood pressure, including digitalis, hellebore, and garlic. In addition, many people around the world depend on plants to soothe their respiratory systems, with plants that act as cough suppressants, bronchodilators, and mucus-membrane balms, such as camphor, eucalyptus, and echinacea. Through consideration of active ingredients and potential interactions, you will be able to propose appropriate choices of medicinal plants when presented with the problem of treating an illness or achieving a wellness goal.

Historical Applications of Plant-Based Medicine must be completed prior to starting this course.

The next time you have an upset stomach or a patch of dry skin, you may want to think about what types of plants would be helpful instead of your normal over-the-counter medicine. There's a wide variety of medicinal plants that you might want to consider, such as ginger, chamomile, or cassia for the digestive system, and aloe, tea tree, or marigold for the skin. If you're aware of the appropriate ways to use them, these types of herbs can be effectively combined with the medicines with which you are already familiar. Through consideration of active ingredients and potential interactions, you will be able to propose appropriate choices of medicinal plants when presented with the problem of treating an illness or achieving a wellness goal. This course will help you to be more confident when discussing these types of treatment options with your primary care physician.

Historical Applications of Plant-Based Medicine must be completed prior to starting this course.

Your immune system is one of your most important body systems, as it constantly defends you against invasion by a variety of pathogens. In addition to a good diet and regular exercise, there are some plants found around the world that may be beneficial to keeping your immune system working at peak efficiency. In many developed countries, one of the major causes of death is cancer. While it is impossible to predict or prevent cancer, there are some medicinal plants that may be helpful in boosting your natural defenses against this disease. In this course, you will learn about plants such as gotu kola, Madagascar periwinkle, mistletoe, and many others, that have the potential to improve the function of your immune system and possibly impede the development of cancer.

Historical Applications of Plant-Based Medicine must be completed prior to starting this course.

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