Heartsease Herbal Practice 



About Christina

Herbal medicine

First Visit

Treatment

Workshops

Email course

Nettle Monograph

Contact Us

Links

Home



NEW - EMAIL COURSE IN
Successful Aging

In 9 Modules at £25 each or £200 for the whole course. An in-depth look at the systems of the body, how they age and what we can do with exercises, diet and herbs to help us to stay youthful and energetic for as long as possible. Games, puzzles, recipes and light research make this a fun way to learn.
The course is set out in nine modules in order to help you to build a basic understanding of the way in which each of your body systems works, ages and is integrated with all of the others so that you function as a whole person. Looking at other people and the way in which they have aged can sometimes be scary, and at others, inspiring. The aim of this study in which you participate as fully as possible, is to encourage you – whatever your present age – to give regular time, thought and effort to caring for your body, in the hope of becoming one of those inspiring seniors.
Your body will still change through aging, but there are ways with various physical and mental exercises, diet, and use of nutritive and supportive herbs that may help in maintaining your physical and mental strength and more accurate natural renewal of tissues.
Research has shown that Centenarians and Super-centenarians (those who live to be over 110 years) are truly stronger than most. They are able to endure a much higher rate of tissue injury than others without showing the effects of damage. Their brains may give physical evidence at autopsy of classic signs of dementia without the symptoms having been apparent. They are generally still mobile and able to enjoy life. Their rocketing numbers need not therefore be seen as a burden on health systems around the world.
For most of us however, longer lives can eventually mean chronic illness and treatment for one condition being followed by the appearance of another. Prevention is always better than cure and the desire to continue to live our lives to the full is something we all have. By understanding our own body better and providing the necessary nutrition and care as time passes, we can increase our chances of aging successfully into a healthy old age.
In the coursework, anatomy and physiology are treated in depth, yet selectively, so that the course is not burdensome, but is at the same time usefully informative. Simple diagrams aid understanding. In each section those diseases associated with a later age range will be looked at in the spirit of understanding warning signs for early diagnosis, the probable progress of the disease and what orthodox treatment and herbal support might offer. The whole approach is light, with elements of fun in activities and puzzles. Additionally there will be questions to establish understanding of physiology, diet and herbs to direct a willing participation in giving ourselves the best preventative care.
Further practical involvement can include both physical activities and making herb teas, syrups, hand or foot baths, ointments or other applications. There will be recipes for everyday and even for luxuries alongside information on the most important herbs which may be included in diet and home to support a particular body system. For safety there will be information about symptoms and conditions which should lead you to consult a medical practitioner rather than self-medicate. Contra-indications will be given for specific herbs, information which too often remains unknown to all except herbalists.
New herbs are introduced in each section and will be referred back to as they appear again in relation to other body systems. A single herb may have effects in several areas of the body at the same time. Just as your appreciation of a holistic picture of the workings of the body will be steadily built during the course, so your appreciation of the whole action of the herbs will grow.
Individual Modules are available singly at a cost of £25 each, or as part of the whole course with the last module free for pre-payment [£200]. The first four Modules are currently available and can be bought singly at present. For others you may wish to purchase without taking the whole course, please email to be on a waiting list for when they are ready.

Outline of the first illustrated Module
In Module 1 we will look at the Brain (part 1) and Nervous System (part 2). This includes such important matters as memory and the continued ability to engage with the world around us. Understanding what constitutes natural changes, what signals disease and knowing how to help ourselves in both situations; can save unnecessary worry and help us to cope. Gradual changes in the nervous system with age are discussed and the practical exercises involve our appreciation of pain and touch and the senses of taste and smell. The latter two will be explored further in the respiratory and digestive modules respectively.

Main herbs that may have special nutritive and supportive roles for the brain and that may be used as part of diet are explored together with recipes, Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), a Mediterranean herb introduced by the Romans then re-introduced in the 14th century; and Sage (Salvia officinalis), also introduced from the Mediterranean by the Romans. Descriptions of the actions, uses, interactions and contraindications of herbs which may be prescribed are also given. These are Betony, (Stachys betonica), a native British herb; and Gingko biloba, a Chinese herbal tree.
In Part 2 herbs to use in everyday life as supports for the nervous system are Lavender (Lavandula officinalis), a Mediterranean herb introduced by the Romans; and Oats (Avena sativa), a grain plant grown in Britain since the Iron Age. Herbs which may be prescribed are Greek valerian (Valeriana officinalis), a native British herb; and St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum), a native British herb. Other calming herbs will be mentioned.

 
For a complete Free Introduction to all 9 Modules including
● Brain and Nervous System
 
● Heart and Circulation

● The Respiratory System and Breathing

● The Digestive System
 
● Kidneys, Skin and Hair
 
● The Immune System
 
● Muscles and Joints
 
● Reproductive System
 
● Eyes and Endocrine

Please email:
(our email address is coded to prevent spam: you must have java enabled to view the email address)


 

 
 Quemerford, Wiltshire, Tel 01249 821087