Staff Development Presentations: Alternative Medicine Series

Staff Development Presentations: Alternative Medicine Series

The Staff Development Committee is sponsoring a series of presentations devoted to alternative medicine for University Libraries’ staff. This is a five part series devoted to herbal medicine, and will be led by Stacey Krim. Each session will last between an hour to an hour and a half, and will be offered twice a month. Here is a brief description of planned sessions:

January: Introduction to Herbalism History and Theory

Every form of medical care follows a paradigm of health and wellbeing. How each perspective interprets health and wellness will affect diagnosis and treatment. Before you pick up a book on herbalism, read a website, or engage an herbalist, you need to know the perspective of health care that is being assumed. In this session, we will discuss the basic models of health and treatment in Ayurveda (traditional Indian medicine), Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Western herbal traditions, and how the viewpoint of each model influences how herbal medicines are prescribed.

February: Using Herbs Safely: Herbal Preparations, Laws, and Regulation

What is a dietary supplement, and how does it differ from taking a prescription drug or just eating a vegetable, for that matter? In this session, we will discuss what you need to know to be a safe and savvy consumer of commercial herbal medicines. Additionally, the main types of herbal preparations (tisane, capsule, infusion) will be explained. If you are only able to attend one session, attend this one.

March: Herbal First Aid

From food poisoning to burns, we will cover specific alternative health remedies for these as well as the following conditions:

~Cuts/abrasions/burns
~Headaches and migraines
~Cold and flu symptoms

***If you have any other conditions you would like me to address, please let me know.

April: Herbs for Wellbeing

In this session, we will discuss specific herbs commonly used in treating:

~Fatigue (sleep problems/lack of energy)
~Depression and Anxiety
~Hormonal Balance (women and men)
~Diabetes

***If you have any other conditions you would like me to address, please let me know.

May or June: Herbal Miscellanea—Other Uses for Medicinal Plants

Do flowers really have an energy field that can heal emotional trauma? Is it really possible for an essential oil to increase mental clarity? Follow me as I tackle some of the lesser understood herbal models, as I explain the basics of Bach Flower Essences, homeopathy, and aromatherapy.

May or June: Wild Crafting and Herb Walk
How many medicinal and edible plants can you spot from the front steps of the library? Join me on a campus hunt for medicinal plants.


If anyone has any questions about these presentations, or would like to suggest a particular topic please let me know.