The Respiratory System for the Herbalist: “Understanding acute and chronic illness of respiratory tract”
The respiratory module (one of the pathophysiology modules) is an in-depth study of the physiology and pathophysiology of the respiratory tract –from the standpoint of the clinical herbalist.
This 4-week, respiratory module is packed with information to introduce you to the anatomy and physiology of the respiratory tract as well as the physiology of disease when it occurs in the respiratory tract. How do we understand the respiratory tract from the viewpoint of herbal medicine, and what information do we need to know specifically as a clinical herbalist?
This class will delve into some of the most common disorders (symptoms and root causes) of the respiratory tract and will also present a materia medica (specific herbs) as well as preparation/administration of those herbs in order to most effectively help the body heal itself when facing these disease processes.
Some of the respiratory disease processes that will be studied include:
- Acute upper respiratory tract illness (colds, flu, strep throat, mono)
- Sinus infections (acute and chronic)
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) illness – Asthma, Chronic Bronchitis, Emphysema
- Lower respiratory disease (Pneumonia, Pleuritis, Sarcoidosis, Tuberculosis, Cystic Fibrosis)
Additionally, we will discuss lifestyle and nutritional needs for good respiratory health, and examine how to support the respiratory tract as a vital component to fitness and health.