https://www.spoonfulherbals.org/courses

“I loved the hands-on aspect of this course and our ability to interact with our community. A perfect blend of science and humanities with a little spice of something different and engaging.” - Student Testimonial Students explore the historical perspectives of Herbalism, as well as its present-day context within both the realms of complementary/integrative and Western allopathic biomedical medicines. The sustainable harvesting, preparation, and storage of herbs are covered, in addition to specific herbs as support for specific organs or systems of the body. Students will practice plant medicine making in their own homes using materials provided in a “home lab kit” purchased by students. A “weed walk” to view medicinal plants growing on the UVM campus is included. Guest speakers include area herbalists, gardeners, activists and integrative health practitioners. This course is part of a pilot program that will be using Brightspace, UVM's new learning platform that's replacing Blackboard. Since only a limited number of courses will be piloting Brightspace this coming semester, you may have courses in Blackboard as well. For more information on Brightspace: go.uvm.edu/brightspace-pilot

This course is taught by a white, femme, cis gendered herbalist of european descent. Herbalism, when conducted by white herbalists with ignorance of Eurocentrism, institutional racism, Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) histories, and cultural appropriation, runs the risk of contributing to racism and perpetuating harm. Herbalism can also be a movement to combat oppression and dispossession and to heal the fragmentation and unworthiness created by centuries of settler colonialism and capitalism on this earth. This course strives to introduce and encourage the practice of herbal medicine through this critical lens everyday.

Class Participation (Attendance, completion of home lab activities, and participation in class discussion) - 20% 2 Critical Reflection Papers (15% each) - 30% “Plant of the Week” journals - 10% Group project and presentation - 10% Plant monograph research - 10% Final Critical Reflection Paper - 20%