Herbs for the Common Person

Length: 2 hours Format: Interactive Class – Lecture, Discussion, & Hands-On Practice

Description:Herbs for the Common Person is an accessible, engaging introduction to understanding health and wellness through the lens of both

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Western Herbology. This 2-hour class bridges ancient wisdom and modern herbal knowledge, empowering participants to recognize common imbalance patterns and match them with safe, supportive herbs.Students will learn:

• Core Principles of TCM Diagnosis – including Yin/Yang balance, the Five Elements, and key pathogenic patterns such as heat, cold, dampness, and deficiency.
• Western Herbal Actions & Energetics – how to identify herbs by taste, temperature, and physiological effect.
• Pattern Recognition – connecting common symptoms (e.g., digestive upset, fatigue, colds) with their corresponding TCM patterns and Western herbal classifications.
• Herbal Profiles – in-depth look at 8–10 common herbs used in both traditions, including their properties, preparation methods, and safety considerations.
• Practical Application – how to select herbs for everyday self-care while knowing when to seek professional help.

Class Activities Include:

• Tasting & sensory evaluation of selected herbs
• Guided comparison of TCM and Western uses for each plant
• Quick-reference chart creation for personal use
• Q&A with the instructor for real-life herbal questions

Who It’s For: Perfect for beginners, home herbalists, wellness enthusiasts, and anyone curious about herbal self-care through a holistic and culturally diverse approach.

Outcome: Participants leave with the confidence to identify common health patterns and choose herbs that align with both TCM and Western herbal perspectives—bringing the art of plant-based healing into everyday life.

Host or Publisher Obsidian Institute of Integrative Medicine