Oil of oregano for colds and flus. Mustard plasters for bronchitis. Horseradish for sinusitis. Garlic for just about everything!

Herbal medicines and natural remedies are all around us.  Are they just old wives tales or could there be some truth to these traditional remedies?

Join medical herbalist and clinical aromatherapist Chanchal Cabrera, to learn about growing and using herbs for first aid and healing. In this dynamic and interactive day-long workshop you will:

• plant a herbal ‘first aid kit’ to take home and grow
• harvest herbs in the medicine gardens at Innisfree Farm
• make infused oils and medicinal teas
• make a salve from infused oils and beeswax
• make a cough syrup, a sore throat spray, and a sore muscle liniment
• sample a sinus clearing snuff and a herbal eyewash with cayenne in it (yes, really)

This day of fun and hands-on learning will give you knowledge, tools and information to make simple home remedies for your family and friends. Do you spend too much money buying pure, natural self-care products and herbal remedies? Do you ever wonder if you could make them yourself at home?

Well, now you can learn to do just that!

When: Saturday June 8th     9.30 am – 5.30 pm
Cost: $90.00 includes taxes and all supplies
Where: Innisfree Farm, 3636 Trent Road, Royston (just south of Courtenay)

To sign up, go to registration form- make your own first aid kit

Directions here

From Anise to Zingiber officinale (aka Ginger) Spices
have been highly valued for thousands of years

To find out why, join Chef and best-selling author, Joseph Forest and Medical Herbalist, Chanchal Cabrera on Friday June 7^th for a culinary medicine and cooking adventure. 

From the comfort of the newly renovated teaching kitchen at Innisfree Farm, explore the history behind the ancient spice trade routes. Discover why these exotic ingredients – traded and fought over, coveted for use in medicines and sacred ceremonies, cosmetics and cooking – are an essential part of your culinary medicine chest. Learn delicious and easy ways to incorporate this natural pharmacy into your everyday life.

In ancient times, spices were treasured commodaties, traded like precious metals and jewels. From Arabia, India, China and across South East Asia, throughout Europe and the New World, spices have been used for annointing, incense and perfume, to preserve and flavour food, to fumigate homes, and as medicine. 

In  the late 1800s, the German Egyptologist Georg Ebers discovered a remarkable medical papyrus roll dated about 1550 B.C. This comprehensive document lists some 800 medicinal drugs, including many of the herbs and spices we use today as condiments, such as anise, caraway, cassia, coriander, fennel, cardamom, mustard, fenugreek, saffron and tumeric.

As well as being indispensible flavour enhancers, it is now known that spices such as these are a potent source of phyto-nutrients, unique plant chemicals that are the focus of growing scientific interest. ‘Nutrigenomics’ is a fast growing area of scientific research that studies the effect foods and their constituents have on genetic expression. The jury is in: plant compounds found in spices have a positive and powerful impact on health and wellbeing.

 Numerous studies by respected scientists worldwide confirm that volatile oils and resins found in spices act as potent agents in the body, and can be easily prepared and consumed to prevent and combat degenerative diseases such as cancer, diabetes, high-blood pressure, arthritis, and heart disease. Even milder discomforting conditions like morning sickness, headache, flatulence, and menstrual cramps can be alleviated with proper and frequent use of spices.

Learn about the anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric and chili, the anti-cancer compounds in garlic and cumin, the anti-microbial and anti-viral components in cinnamon and black pepper.

Enjoy the conviviality of new friends and truly nourish yourself with foods prepared over the course of the evening as Chanchal and Joseph share cooking techniques, tips, and state-of-the-art scientific facts about the healing properties of food and spices from all corners of the world.

The Friday evening Spice Pharmacy seminar, which includes lecture, hands-on cooking demonstration, plenty of samples and fun, runs 6-9 pm and costs $65 tax included.

Registration and 3 Class 10% Discount

Sign up for the Spice Pharmacy using the online Food as Medicine Registration Form (payment can be made by cheque or by PayPal). To access Paypal, or read more about the Food as Medicine Series and the special 3 Class discount, click here and go to the bottom of the page.

Coming up Next – More Fall Culinary Medicine Workshops

After a break during the summer months, the Food as Medicine Series continues with

• Fri. Sept. 20 & Sat. Sept. 21 – The Cancer Fighting Kitchen ($125)
• Fri, Oct. 4 – A Garlic Lover’s Feast ($65)  
• Fri. Oct. 25 & Sat. Oct. 26 – Eat Well, Age Well ($125)

Questions? Email Chanchal or call 250 336-8767.

Overview

The CHP was created for people with a basic training in human health or with foundation experience of herbalism who want to go deeper. The 10 month course covers anatomy, physiology, pathology, wellness and disease as well as herbal, nutritional and other natural approaches to healing. It follows the body systems to build a holistic and comprehensive understanding of the body in health and disease, and practical applications of herbs and natural medicines. Designed as an ‘intermediate’ level course, CHP Level 1 provides a solid foundation in clinical herbalism and the tools and skills to use herbs safely and effectively.

The program is intended to empower individuals to provide herbal and other natural care to their family, friends and community, for common complaints and for promotion of wellbeing. It is not a certification to practice herbal medicine as a clinician, but rather it supports students to be a resource and a coach or guide for people to seek their own best healing.

The CHP Level 1 Program is also a preparatory course for the keen student to progress into the Community Herbalist Program Level 2 and on into the supervised clinic practicum.

 Philosophical Underpinnings

At the core of natural or holistic medicine, from herbal medicine to nutrition to prayer, is the fundamental belief that the body can get well and be well; that the natural state is ‘well’ and that all our healing agents are designed to move us towards this state.

This foundational belief that nature governs us as well as heals us – that we are of nature not separate from nature – is fundamental to the practice of holistic herbal medicine. The herbalist assesses balance and imbalance on every level of the body and develops therapeutic protocols based on restoring natural harmony and functions. Excess or deficiency, heat or cold, wind or stagnation, there are herbal strategies to regulate and normalize these metaphoric or literal pathologies.

The CHP Level 1 Programis taught as a holistic overlapping of science and practical skills, of taking abstract classroom concepts and visualizing them in the body, and of learning how to use ancient healing knowledge in a modern bio-mechanical world.

Competancies

The CHP is divided into 2 Levels, each comprised of 10 weekend intensives, with additional hours in CHP Level 2 for specialty courses. CHP Level 1 is designed to be a ‘stand alone ‘ course; it provides a solid understanding of the human body, how it is put together, how it works and how it goes wrong, along with a sound review in the practical application of herbs. Taught by a medical herbalist, a chiropractor and a naturopath with a strong focus on self care, it will give a solid foundation in holistic health and community care.  Level 2 will build on what was taught in Level 1 and is designed to introduce clinical and practice skills, to teach assessments and evaluations, and to introduce students to clinical practicum skills.

Graduates of the CHP Level 1 training will be competent to make constitutional and energetic assessments, wellness evaluations and to make appropriate recommendations for enhancing balance and harmony in the body, mind and spirit. They will know how to determine time and reason and resources for referrals. An introduction will be made in how to ‘read’ the body, to assess and evaluate subtle clues such as tongue or pulse assessment, as well as overt signs and symptoms such as blood pressure, urinalysis and lymph node palpation. Blood, urine, saliva and stool testing will also be introduced. We will discuss diet and nutrition for specific conditions as well as other natural medicine modalities where applicable.

CHP Level 1

• Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology of  9 the different body systems
• Primary Materia Medica for the body systems
• Understanding herbal actions
• Constituents and pharmacology
• Applications and safe dosing

CHP Level 2

• Assessments and Evaluations – the constitutional and holistic approach
• Formulating and Treatment Planning
• Dispensary Skills and Clinic Management
• Record Keeping for the Herbalist – SOAP notes and more
• Professional / Business Ethics
• Herbalists as Educators
• Growing, Harvesting and Processing Herbs
• Medicine Making
• Guest Speakers (clinicians) describing their clinical approaches

CHP Level 1

10 weekends (one per month)
September 2013 to June 2014 (Dates in 2014 tba)

Friday 6.30 pm – 9.00 pm
Saturday   9.30 am – 5.30 pm
Sunday 9.30 – 4.00 pm

15 teaching hours / weekend  x  10 weekends = 150 hours

These hours may be applied toward Canadian Herbalists Association of BC or American Herbalist Guild requirements for professional training

Curriculum shall include

• Advanced Anatomy and Physiology
• Western Bio-medical Pathophysiology
• Assessments and Testing of wellness – in-office assessments and  lab work
• Constitutional Definitions (Ayurvedic and Western)
• Definition of Vitalism and Tissue states
• Energetic Assessment of patient and herbs
• Therapeutic Protocols for different body systems

Three of the weekend intensives will be taught by a guest lecturer, Dr. Nik Vizniak, chiropractor, author and director of Professional Health Systems (prohealthsys.com). These sessions introduce the student to a holistic and integrated view of the structure and function of the human body. These weekends will demonstrate the magic and the mystery of the body, as they explain how it is put together and how it works.

The remaining weekends are centered on a specific body system – reviewing anatomy, physiology, pathology and materia medica. Each weekend covers physiology, pathology and clinical assessments of different body systems (taught by Dr Erika Kneeland, ND), as well as the diseases and disabilities that affect different systems, how we get sick, and the  practical applications of herbs and holistic healing principles, treatment principles and materia medica for the body systems (taught by Chanchal)

Each Friday class begins with a 30 minute question and answer session covering materials from the previous class.

Assessments

There is no pass or fail on this course, but in order to get the certificate of attendance you do need to attend a minimum of 80% of the class time and submit work for review. This must be completed before advancing into CHP Level 2.

There are two assignments to be completed before graduation.  Both of these must be presented by the final class.

One

Write up a report (1200 – 1500 words) on a herbal treatment you have administered and what you learned from doing so. You can discuss how you assessed the patient, how you chose the herbs, how you administered the herbs, what the outcome was and what you learned from doing it.

Two

Make a herbarium of 6 pressed plants and write a monograph on each.

Curriculum Details: CHP Level 1

Introduction to Clinical Herbalism                        Chanchal                    September 27/28/29, 2013

• Overview of plant chemistry
• Overview of actions, energetics, and constitutions – clinical applications of herbs
• Herbarium – set assignment of 6 herbarium specimens and monographs
• Plant attunement and plant meditation
• Dosing and dispensing – Strategic thinking and Clinical Formulating

Introduction to Human Anatomy        Dr Nik Vizniak   Session 1         October 18/19/20, 2013

• Structure and function of the human body
• Surface anatomy
• Musculoskeletal structure and connective tissue
  (bone, muscle, tendon, ligament, cartilage, superficial fascia and skin)

The Immune System                                  Erika / Chanchal                 November 15/16/17, 2013

• Physiology of immunity – what are white blood cells and how do they operate
• Inflammation – mediation and modulation with natural medicines
• Fevers  – diaphoretics, fever treatments
• Primary / innate immunity – mucolytics, expectorants
• Secondary / acquired immunity – anti-microbials, immune stimulants
• Lymphatic system – lymphatic stimulants
• Auto-immunity – immune tonics, anti-inflammatories
• Allergies – mucolytics, anti-allergenics, decongestant
• Testing the immune system

The musculoskeletal system                        Erika / Chanchal                 December 13/14/15, 2013

• Bone and bone marrow
• Broken bones, osteoporosis
• Muscle, tendon and ligament
• Cartilage and synovial membranes and fluid
• Connective tissue repair
• Skin and dermatology
• Detoxification
• Connective tissue repair

Introduction to Human Anatomy        Dr Nik Vizniak   Session 2             January 10/11/12, 2014 

• The nervous system
• The endocrine system
• The reproductive systems (male and female)

The Nervous System                            Erika / Chanchal                           February  8/9/10, 2014 

• Sympathetic and parasympathetic balance
• Stress and anxiety, insomnia, tension headaches, PTSD
• Stimulants and sedatives – alkaloids
• Headaches and migraines
• Mental health – depression, schizophrenia, OCD
• Pain management

The Endocrine System                         Erika / Chanchal                             March 14/15/16, 2014

• Hormones and the neuro-endocrine interface
• Pineal gland – melatonin
• Pituitary gland – TSH, ACTH, LH, FSH, GH,
• Thyroid and metabolism – hypo / hyper thyroidism
• Adrenals and metabolism and immune regulation – General Adaptation Syndrome
• Pancreas and diabetes – blood sugar stabilizers
• Men’s and Women’s reproductive health
• Steroidal saponins, hormone balancers
• Testing endocrine systems

Introduction to Human Anatomy                 Dr Nik Vizniak   Session 3           April 2014 tba

• Internal organs / viscera – lung, heart and circulation, digestion, kidney, spleen

The Respiratory System and the Cardiac System      Erika / Chanchal         May 2014 tba

• Lung infections, fibrosis, COPD
• Anti-microbial
• Soothing & stimulating expectorants
• Connective tissue repair
• Hypertension
• Vasodilators, diuretics
• Arrhythmia and palpitations, flutter and fibrillation
• Cardiac sedatives and regulators / tonics
• Cholesterol, atheroma and heart attack
• HDL / LDL
• Testing the lungs and heart and blood pressure

The Digestive System and the Kidneys                  Erika / Chanchal              June 2014 tba

• Cephalic, mechanical and chemical phases of digestion – bitters, enzymes
• Liver, bile and pancreas – hepatics, choleretics, cholagogues
• Renal excretion – diuretics, demulcents, anti-lithics
• Bowel function  – anthraquinones, fibre
• Testing digestive, liver and kidney function

Highly recommended texts (not included in the fee)

• From our teacher, Nik Vizniak – The Muscle Manual available at  ProHealthSystems  http://prohealthsys.com/products/muscle_manual.ph
• David Hoffmann – Medical Herbalism
• Debra St Claire – The Herbal Medicine Chest
• Kerry Bone  – A Clinical Guide to Blending Liquid Herbs
• Matthew Wood – The Practice of Traditional Western Herbalism: Basic Doctrine, Energetics and Classification, Earth wise Herbal: Complete Guide to Old World Medicinal Plants and Earthwise Herbal: A Complete Guide to New World Medicinal Plants
• Stephen Buhner - The Lost Language of Plants and Secret Teachings of Plants
• David Hoffmann  – Medical Herbalism
• Simon Mills and Kerry Bone – Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy
• Simon Mills and Kerry Bone – The Essential Book of Herbal Safety

Recommended texts (not included in the fee)

• Barbara Griggs – Green Pharmacy
• Dennis McKenna, Kenneth Jones, Kerry Hughes – Botanical Medicines: The Desk Reference for Major Herbal Supplements
• Donald Yance – Herbal Medicine, Healing and Cancer
• Francis Brinker – Herb Contra-indications and Drug Interactions
• Francis Brinker – The Toxicology of Botanical Medicines
• James Green – Herbal Medicine Makers Handbook
• Kurt Schnaubelt – Advanced Aromatherapy
• Michael McGuffin, Chris Hobbs, Roy Upton, Alicia Goldberg – Botanical Safety Handbook
• Mitchell Stargrove, Jonathan Treasure and Dwight McKee – Herb Nutrient and Drug Interaction
• Peter Bradley – British Herbal Compendium Vol. 1 & 2
• Thomas Epel – Botany in a Day
• Thomas Bartram – Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine
   

CHP Level 2  (Draft Outline)

10 weekends (one per month)
Held in 2014 and 2015

5 day summer intensive
1 day per month of clinical practicum (10 days total) = 300 hours total

These hours may be applied toward Canadian Herbalists Association of BC or American Herbalist Guild requirements for professional training

Curriculum Shall Include:

• Assessments and evaluations – the constitutional and holistic approach
• Formulating and treatment planning,  advanced therapeutics and materia medica
• Dispensary skills and clinic management
• Growing, harvesting and processing herbs
• Medicine making
• Guest speakers (clinicians) describing their clinical approaches
• Handling clients in follow up and long term
• Deepening Research skills
• Community work/projects
• Designing a Business/Vision Plan

Suggested Instructors for Level 2 – to be confirmed

Matthew Wood – Holistic Assessment Skills (5 day intensive)
Keith and Maureen Robertson, MNIMH – Clinical Practice Skills
Katolen Yardley, MNIMH – Medicine Making (1 weekend)
Erika Kneeland, ND – Assessing & Testing: blood, urine, stool and saliva testing
(1 weekend)

Clinical Practicum

Students will sit in on clinic 1 day per month to observe professional herbalists hold interviews with patients.

Students will also practice clinical skills with each other under supervision

Case Studies

Case presentation and round table discussions are held monthly.

 Total Training for Community Herbalist Program Level 2: 300 hours

Registration

Pre-requisites: CHP Level I or equivalent

To register, print and return the Registration and Waiver of Liability and return with payment.  Also please check the Cancellation and Withdrawal Policy.

• Com Herb-Revised Reg & Waiver
• Com Herb Cancel & Withdraw 2013

OR, pay online through paypal:

Early Bird Rate

(10% off if paid by September 9^th, 2013)

Regular Rate

(Paid by September 27^th, 2013)

Or contact Chanchal for more information about the Community Herbalist Program:

• Call 250 338-8767
• Email Chanchal@chanchalcabrera.com

  COOK. LEARN. LAUGH. EAT

From April through October, Comox Valley’s Innisfree Farm is hosting the 2013 Food as Medicine Series, an exciting array of Friday evening cooking classes and Friday/Saturday workshops delving into a deeper understanding of food as medicine, as well as nourishment for body and soul.

Join us at beautiful Innisfree Farm to explore the power of the natural pharmacy in your garden and kitchen, under the expert guidance of Joseph Forest, Innisfree Farm Chef-in-Residence, cookbook author and food consultant; and Chanchal Cabrera, certified Medical Herbalist, Aromatherapist, Horticulture Therapist and Master Gardener.

Chanchal notes, “Fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, herbs, spices and other plant foods are not only an excellent source of important nutrients and vitamins, they also contain phytonutrients that can significantly boost our immune system, reduce inflammation and help combat disease.”

Recent research in the emerging field of nutrigenics is revealing how the unique molecules called phytonutrients are able to directly interact with our DNA, switching off and on genes, altering metabolism, and influencing biological processes that support either health or disease.

With this growing recognition that nature’s edibles are loaded with anti-oxidants, anti-inflammatories and other health-protecting compounds, science is rapidly illuminating what ancient cultures have long understood: food is potent medicine.

In the Food as Medicine Series you will learn to tap the medicinal benefits of everyday herbs like parsley, rosemary and sage, as well as discovering appetizing new ways to use them. Revel in the fragrant world of spices as you come to better understand their natural healing capabilities, such as turmeric as a powerful anti-inflammatory, or cinnamon’s ability to keep blood sugar levels in check. Investigate the myriad of ways the humble garlic clove lives up to its big health reputation, from reducing cholesterol to enhancing your Killer T cells and combating antibiotic-resistant bacteria, to maintaining a healthy heart and strong circulatory system.

Discover the powerful anti-cancer foods that can help prevent or fight tumors, or help you live well while undergoing chemotherapy. Sample and learn to prepare mouth-watering foods that help combat aging, support heart health, control diabetes or boost low immune function. Learn how to integrate this knowledge easily into your daily life, and delight  friends and family with your new culinary acumen!

Friday Evening Classes:

Evening cooking classes run 6-9 pm and include notes, recipes, plenty of sampling and guaranteed fun. Cost is $65 per class, tax included. 2013 spring classes include:

• Friday May 3 – Herbs in Health and Cooking
• Friday June 7 – The Spice Pharmacy
• Friday October 4 – A Garlic Lover’s Feast

Weekend Workshops:

Weekend workshops begin Friday 6-9 pm and continue Saturday 9:30-5:00 pm. These weekend immersions are educational and hands-on culinary adventures, comprising in-depth lectures and lively discussions led by Chanchal, kitchen demonstrations and culinary skills instruction with Chef Joseph Forest, garden tours and farm foraging, lunch and ample sampling, plus all notes and recipes. This is an extraordinary opportunity meet new friends and try new foods that will beguile your senses, satisfy your taste buds and heal your body.

The cost for a weekend workshop is $125 including lunch and snacks, tea bar and taxes. The 2013 fall roster includes:

• Friday Sept 20 & Saturday Sept. 21 – The Cancer Fighting Kitchen
• Friday Oct. 25 & Saturday October 26 – Eat Well, Age Well

3 Class Discount!

Sign up for any 3 of the above classes and receive a 10% discount. To arrange, call Chanchal at 250 336-8767.

Location:

Innisfree Farm, 3636 Trent Road, Courtenay BC, V9N 9R4,
Tel 250 336-8767

Instructor: Joseph Forest

Joseph Forest is a professional chef and author whose passion for cooking finds expression in the preparation, presentation and teaching of whole foods as a path to healing and well being.  His understanding of food as medicine is the foundation of his current and expanding work.

Joseph has over 25 years experience in fine dining restaurants, hotels (including the Four Seasons), and as a caterer to Hollywood stars and film crews in the Vancouver film industry. His accomplishments include co-authoring the Canadian best-selling ‘Cooking Vegetarian’ with Vesanto Melina, RD, which was reissued in Canada (October 2011, Wiley) and in the USA (April 2012, Book Publishing Co.). He also revised the Wild Rose Herbal College ‘Herbal Detox Cookbook for Cleansing’.

Joseph’s many appearances on television, radio, and cooking stages across Canada and the USA are a source of learning for audiences, where he shines in his enjoyment of teaching people the merits of eating well to be well. He is currently Chef in Residence at Innisfree Farm (www.innisfreefarm.ca) on Vancouver Island, where he is collaborating with medical herbalist, author and educator Chanchal Cabrera, developing new recipes to showcase Innisfree’s bountiful farm-grown foods, and deepening his knowledge of food as medicine.

Instructor: Chanchal Cabrera, MSc, FNIMH, AHG

Chanchal assists people to improved wellness through the use of herbal medicines, aromatherapy, nutritional counseling and allied therapies. Her clinical specialty is helping people manage cancer.  She has been a member of the National Institute of Medical Herbalists (UK) since 1987 and obtained her MSc in herbal medicine at the University of Wales in 2003.

Chanchal has held the faculty chair in Botanical Medicine at the Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine in New Westminster since 2004. She serves on the board of advisors of Dominion Herbal College in Burnaby, on the editorial board of Medical Herbalism clinical newsletter and she publishes widely in professional journals and lectures internationally on medical herbalism, nutrition and health.

Chanchal is the author of the book ‘Fibromyalgia – A Journey Toward Healing’ published by Contemporary Books. She is also a certified Master Gardener and a certified Horticulture Therapist.

Registration: Food as Medicine Series

To pre-register for the 2013 Food as Medicine classes and workshops, print out and complete the Food as Medicine Registration Form and return it to us with payment,  either online using Paypal (below) or by cheque.

If paying by cheque, please include two cheques made out to Chanchal Cabrera:

• $50 non-refundable deposit plus
• post-dated cheque to cover the balance of class(es) you plan to attend

*3 Class Discount of 10% if paid in full upon booking.
To arrange, call Chanchal at 250 336-8767.

Friday Class – $65 (includes tax and $50 non-refundable deposit)

Friday & Saturday Workshop – $125 (includes tax & $50 non-refundable deposit )

Questions?

• call Chanchal at 250 336 8767
• email chanchal@chanchalcabrera.com

Take a guided walk through Chanchal Cabrera’s well stocked herbal garden on Wednesday, May 15^th from 6 – 8:30 pm. The gardens at Innisfree Farm are flourishing this time of year, with a verdant display of herbal allies that are equally at home in the kitchen cook pot and the home medicine cabinet.

From traditional favorites like thyme, rosemary and sage, to equally wonderful but lesser known plants like lovage, borage or hyssop, this is a unique opportunity to explore a professionally planned herb garden with an entertaining and enlightening guide.  Look, touch and sample your way through the garden as Chanchal shares her extensive knowledge of plant botany and history, highlighting the culinary and medicinal benefits, answering questions and offering tips for successfully growing your own herbs.

Chanchal is a certified Medical Herbalist, Horticulture Therapist, Aromatherapist and Master Gardener. She will be hosting only 3 more Wednesday monthly herb walks in 2013 (May 15^th, June 19^th and September 18^th) as this summer she travels to the UK for specialized training in botanical garden management.

Each walk is $15 including tax, and is held at Innisfree Farm, 3636 Trent Road just off Royston Road, 5 minutes south of Courtenay. Call 250 336-8767 if you have any questions, and we look forward to seeing you.

Natural health practitioners have known for years that a little bit of dirt provides a good work-out for the immune system. If all your food is sterilized, if you are vaccinated against viruses and take antibiotics at the first sign of an infection – when does your immune system have the chance to recognize self from pathogen and learn to respond appropriately?

 Plus, we all know how an hour in the garden makes us feel happier!

 Perhaps the old wife knew something in her tall tales that we would all do well to pay heed to.

 Is Dirt the New Prozac?
Injections of soil bacteria produce serotonin—and happiness—in mice.

From DISCOVER, the magazine of Science, technology and the Future (July 2007 Issue)

By Josie Glausiusz

THE STUDY  “Identification of an Immune-Responsive Mesolimbocortical Serotonergic System: Potential Role in Regulation of Emotional Behavior,” by Christopher Lowry et al., published online on March 28 in Neuroscience.

THE MOTIVE  Some researchers have proposed that the sharp rise in asthma and allergy cases over the past century stems, unexpectedly, from living too clean. The idea is that routine exposure to harmless microorganisms in the environment—soil bacteria, for instance—trains our immune systems to ignore benign molecules like pollen or the dandruff on a neighbor’s dog. Taking this “hygiene hypothesis” in an even more surprising direction, recent studies indicate that treatment with a specific soil bacterium, Mycobacterium vaccae, may be able to alleviate depression. For example, lung cancer patients who were injected with killed M. vaccae reported better quality of life and less nausea and pain. Now a team of neuroscientists and immunologists may have figured out why this works. The bacteria, when injected into mice, activate a set of serotonin-releasing neurons in the brain—the same nerves targeted by Prozac.

In a stained mouse brain section, blue indicates serotonin-releasing neurons activated by soil bacteria. Image courtesy of Christopher Lowry

THE METHODS  Some studies have found that treatment with M. vaccae, the inoffensive soil bacterium, eases skin allergies, and other reports—such as the cancer study—show that it can improve mood. Christopher Lowry, a neuroscientist at the University of Bristol in England, had a hunch about how this process might work. “What we think happens is that the bacteria activate immune cells, which release chemicals called cytokines that then act on receptors on the sensory nerves to increase their activity,” he says.

To verify this hypothesis, he and his colleagues carried out a series of experiments on mice. First, Lowry killed and broke up M. vaccae with sound waves. He then anesthetized six mice and injected the pulverized bacteria directly into their windpipes. After killing the mice, he indirectly measured the levels of cytokines in the animals’ bodies and found an increased production of these proteins in their lung tissue.  

The team also looked at the mouse brains to see which neurons, if any, were activated after the bacterial injection. They found that serotonin-producing neurons in a specific region of the brain—the dorsal raphe nucleus—were more active in the treated mice. “That’s important,” Lowry says, “because cells in that part of the raphe project to parts of the brain that regulate mood, including the prefrontal cortex and the hippocampus, which is also involved in mood regulation and cognitive function.” They also found increases in serotonin itself in the prefrontal cortex.

Finally, Lowry and his colleagues studied another set of mice, who were subjected to a stress-response test. They dropped each mouse into water for five minutes and timed how long it would take the animal to switch from active swimming to passive floating. Control mice swam for an average of two and a half minutes, while the M. vaccae–injected animals paddled for four. Researchers already know that antidepressants increase active swimming and decrease immobility. The bacteria “had the exact same effect as antidepressant drugs,” Lowry explains.

THE MEANING  The results so far suggest that simply inhaling M. vaccae—you get a dose just by taking a walk in the wild or rooting around in the garden—could help elicit a jolly state of mind. “You can also ingest mycobacteria either through water sources or through eating plants—lettuce that you pick from the garden, or carrots,” Lowry says.

Graham Rook, an immunologist at University College London and a coauthor of the paper, adds that depression itself may be in part an inflammatory disorder. By triggering the production of immune cells that curb the inflammatory reaction typical of allergies, M. vaccae may ease that inflammation and hence depression. Therapy with M. vaccae—or with drugs based on the bacterium’s molecular components—might someday be used to treat depression. “It’s not clear to me whether the way ahead will be drugs that circumvent the use of these bugs,” Rook says, “or whether it will be easier to say, ‘The hell with it, let’s use the bugs.’”

Discover Article

Culinary herbs add zest to everyday life. Rosemary marries well with potatoes, basil is a classic addition to fresh tomato sauce, thyme augments chicken, and tarragon perfectly accentuates eggs.

Herbs have been used for millennia to add, deepen and enhance flavors in a meal. Most cooks, from amateurs to professionals, have a sense of the flavor component of herbs, but their real power lies in the medicinal properties they possess. Herbs are anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-aging, anti-bacterial, anti-cancer, immune boosting and more.

Herbs for Health and Cooking is part of the 2013 Food as Medicine Series, an intriguing mix of workshops hosted on Innisfree Farm’s beautiful 7 acres by Medicinal Herbalist Chanchal Cabrera and Professional Chef Joseph Forest. The two have refined the recipe for creating unique culinary adventures.  The result – a blend of  informative holistic health lectures, live cooking demonstrations and hands-on culinary skills building, the occasional ramble through the farm’s well-stocked herb gardens, and always an ample dose of communal feasting and fun - is pure magic.

Join Chanchal and Joseph on Friday, May 3rd to find out why coriander improves digestion, parsley cleanses the blood, rosemary enhances memory, and cilantro pulls heavy metals from the body.  From discussion to demonstration to sampling the delicious foods prepared during the 3 hour evening class, the focus is on sharing practical ways to incorporate culinary and botanical medicine into your daily meals.  For $65 all-inclusive, it’s an excellent way to increase your culinary expertise and your good health.

Sign up with the Food as Medicine Registration Form, or read about the Series and the 3 Class discount here.

Food as Medicine fun continues with The Spice Pharmacy ($65) on Friday June 7th and, after breaking for the summer, launches into fall with a September 20/21st healing intensive, The Cancer Fighting Kitchen ($125). October celebrates the seasonal harvest of life-enhancing garlic with a Friday, October 4th  Garlic Lover’s Feast ($65) and the 2013 Series closes with a two day workshop exploring the secret of how to Eat Well; Age Well ($125)

Questions? Email Chanchal or call 250 336-8767.

We look forward to seeing you out at the farm!

SPRING 2013

Monday April 8^th             6.00 pm – 9.00 pm        Beginning with Herbs: Class 1

Do you want to improve your
family’s health with herbal remedies?

Do you want to empower yourself by learning
simple and effective methods for preventing illness?

Discover the Art & Science of Phytotherapy and the benefits of natural healing for you and your family

Beginning with Herbs is designed for the novice or beginner – anyone with a curiosity or question about herbal medicines, how they work and how to use them. It will teach you to make herbal medicines and to use them for simple home healing.

In addition, for students who are really keen and want to study more, Foundations of Herbal Medicine serves as a pre-requisite for the advanced Community Herbalist Program.

During the course you will:

• Understand how the digestive system really works and why
  bitter foods are good for you
• Learn to use herbs for first aid and immune support
• Recognize and identify wild and garden plants as foods and medicines
• Consider the ethics, ecology and sustainability of herbal medicine
• Understand why modern science is incomplete and how holistic science methodology can widen the lens
• Make teas and tinctures, poultices and salves and many more useful herbal remedies

Beginning with Herbs comprises four Monday evenings and one Saturday f
in April, 2013:

Monday 8 / 15 / 22 / 29 April from  6.00 pm – 9.00 pm
Saturday 27 April from 9.30 am – 5.30 pm
20 hours Instruction

Highly recommended reading

• David Hoffmann – Medical Herbalism
• Debra St Claire – The Herbal Medicine Chest
• Thomas Epel  – Botany in a Day
• Thomas Bartram – Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine

Other books for background reading

• Matthew Wood – The Practice of Traditional Western Herbalism; The Earthwise Herbal: A Complete Guide to Old World Medicinal Plants; and The Earthwise Herbal: A Complete Guide to New World Medicinal Plants
• Stephen Buhner – The Lost Language of Plants and Secret Teachings of Plants
• Barbara Griggs – Green Pharmacy
• James Green – Herbal Medicine Makers Handbook

Curriculum Details

 Class 1                 Monday April 8                             6.00 pm – 9.00 pm

• Introduction and opening circle
• Principles and practice of herbal medicine:approaches to using herbs for healing
• Making teas and decoctions: medicinal teas
• Harvesting leaves, flowers, roots and barks
• Ethics of harvesting and conservation
• Techniques and methods of harvesting
• Harvesting log, drying log

Class 2                  Monday April 15                           6.00 pm – 9.00 pm

The language of plants

• Introduction to plant evolution
• Introduction to botany and Plant ID
• Examples of medicinal plant families

Class 3                  Monday April 22                           6.00 pm – 9.00 pm

Introduction to plant chemistry and active constituents – what they are and why they matter:

• Mucilage
• Tannins
• Flavonoids
• Anthraquinones
• Salicylates
• Lignans
• Coumarins
• Volatile oils
• Resins,
• Saponins and steroids
• Alkaloids
• Cardioactive glycosides

Class 4               Saturday April 27                             9.30 am – 5.30 pm

Making tinctures, infused oils, liniments and salves

• A hands on, make it and take it home medicine making class

Class 5                 Monday April 29                             6.00 pm – 9.00 pm

Digestion and Elimination – optimizing the gut with herbs, bitters, choleretics / cholagagues:

• Liver health and gall bladder

Costs

$250 for the complete series includes taxes and supplies (with the exception of 500 mL of vodka to be supplied by the student to make tinctures)
10% deduction if paid in full by March 31^st, 2013

Registration and Payment

Register by printing out and completing the Beginning with Herbs Registration & Waiver and return them to us with your payment:

1. Deposit (non-refundable) $50   plus
2. Balance (if postdated to April 8) $200 or (if paid by March 31^st) $175

Cheques may be made out to Chanchal Cabrera.

OR, pay online through paypal:

*Paypal rates include the $50 non-refundable Deposit. Please see Cancellation & Withdrawl Agreement for important details on refunds.

Early Bird Rate

(10% off if paid by March 31)

Regular Rate

(Paid by April 8)

Wandering slowly through the cornucopia of medicinal plants, both cultivated and wild, on the beautiful 7 acre Innisfree Farm in Royston, we will nibble and smell, look closely and learn about the magic, mystery and medicine of plants.

Join Chanchal and discover the natural pharmacy available in your back yard and in the woods around us. Chanchal has been a medical herbalist for over 25 years and she is passionate about sharing the uses of over 200 medicinal plants growing on the farm. From the tiny wild Purslane, nature’s richest source of essential fatty acids, to the stately Linden tree for high blood pressure and anxiety, there is an abundance to see and learn in every season.

Herb Walks – 2013 Season

• Wednesdays from 6.30 pm – 8 pm
• $15 (HST included) per walk
• bring a water bottle and a sun hat

Wednesday  April 17^th  – The Forest Edge      

Discover the rich diversity of plants growing naturally along the forest edge and under the shade of the trees. Oregon grape root for infections, thimble berry leaf for bleeding, skunk cabbage root for asthma and many more. Your walks – and your health – will never be the same again.

 Wednesday  May 15^th – The Culinary Garden

Investigate the flavours and uses, both culinary and medicinal, of familiar and not-so-familiar plants from rosemary, sage and oregano to sweet Cecily, lovage and hyssop, and many more delicious and useful herbs. Sample your way through the Innisfree gardens and take home herbs to cook with and enjoy.

Wednesday  June 19^th – The Apothecary Garden

Explore the Apothecary Garden at Innisfree, where the beds are planted for the body systems – heart, lungs, kidneys and so on. Discover the medicinal uses of plants including weeds like mullein and burdock, Chinese plants like astragalus and forsythia and European plants like deadly nightshade and milk thistle.

Wednesday  September 19^th  – Medicinal Trees

From the bark of the wild Cherry, Willow and Cascara Sagrada (which means ‘Sacred Bark’ in Spanish) to the fragrant tips of the Grand Fir, the trees around us offer a treasure trove of healing medicines. Learn to properly identify and create natural remedies from these stately forest friends.

Instructed by Chanchal Cabrera MSc, FNIMH

• Practicing herbal medicine for 22 years.
• Master Gardener. Certified Horticulture Therapist.
• Faculty Director in Botanical Medicine at the Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine (New Westminster, BC) since 2004

Questions?

• call Chanchal at 250 336 8767
• email chanchal@chanchalcabrera.com