Description
INDIGENOUS HERBAL MEDICINE
3-DAY FOUNDATION COURSE
for Healthcare Professionals
Join us for a three-day introduction to indigenous herbal medicine. This course is open to Traditional Health Practitioners, Health and Allied Health Practitioners, Nurses and Midwives, Pharmacists, Veterinarians and Para-Veterinarians, as well as students of these professions. No prior experience with herbal medicine is required.
List of Eligible Professions
Unique learning experience:
- Integration of traditional wisdom with modern science
- Learning from both traditional and biomedical healthcare professionals
- Theoretical and hands-on practical sessions
- Networking and collaboration opportunities
DATE: 6 – 8 September 2024
VENUE: Frances Ames Conference Room, UCT Health Sciences Faculty, Anzio Road, Cape Town
COST: R4,000.00 (includes practical materials, handbook, and lunches and teas)
CPD ACCREDITED: 20 Points (19 Clinical, 1 Ethical) by HPCSA
COURSE THEME:
The theme for this foundation course is wound healing. This theme allows for the exploration of indigenous plants for wound healing while also addressing the wounding of healers, healthcare, communities, and the natural environment.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
- Enhance communication and collaboration among healthcare professionals.
- Improve patient outcomes with culturally sensitive, patient-centered approaches.
- Connect primary healthcare to nature through indigenous herbal medicine.
- Contribute to healthcare transformation in South Africa.
APPROACH:
- Integrative: Traditional wisdom and modern science.
- Evidence-based: Traditional knowledge, published research, clinical experience.
- Collaborative: Encouraging knowledge and expertise sharing.
- Teach-the-teacher: Empowering delegates to share with their communities.
TOPICS COVERED:
Indigenous herbs
Agathosma betulina, Aloe ferox, Artemisia afra, Bulbine frutescens, Carpobrotus edulis, Dodonaea viscosa var. angustifolia, Eriocephalus africanus, Helichrysum odoratissimum, Leonotis leonurus, Lessertia frutescens, Lobostemon fruticosus, Mentha longifolia, Pelargonium graveolens, Salvia africana, Tulbaghia violacea
- 15 indigenous medicine plants that are easily cultivated, non-toxic, and useful as herbal first-aid for minor complaints
- Pharmacognosy, plant identification, phytochemistry, pharmacology
- Safety and herb-drug interactions
- Herbal processing and preparations
- First-aid for wounds and common minor disorders
- Cultivation and sourcing
Additional topics
- Herbal medicine practice in South Africa
- Healthcare paradigms and perspectives
- Legal framework, ethics, and Indigenous Knowledge Systems
- Sustainable practices and biodiversity conservation
- Research on indigenous herbs and herbal practice
- Community outreach and collaboration
COURSE OUTCOMES:
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:
- Grasp the Fundamentals – Understand the principles of indigenous plant medicine and its practice within the South African context.
- Herbal Knowledge – Share information on 15 key indigenous medicinal plants, including their identification, preparation, and application as herbal first-aid.
- Legal and Ethical Awareness – Navigate the legal and ethical frameworks surrounding indigenous herbal medicine and traditional healing practices.
- Sustainable Practice – Implement sustainable practices in harvesting and conservation, recognizing the importance of environmental stewardship.
- Healthcare Solutions – Identify the potential for affordable, sustainable, and culturally relevant healthcare solutions through indigenous herbal medicine.
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration – Connect with a diverse range of healthcare practitioners to enhance treatment outcomes and patient satisfaction.
- Community Engagement – Contribute to the design and implementation of community herb gardens and first-aid workshops.
- Research and Development – Participate in ongoing research and development, contributing to the evolving field of indigenous herbal medicine.
FACILITATORS:
Facilitated by a diverse team of experienced healthcare professionals who use indigenous plant medicines in their clinical practice or have a special interest in indigenous herbal medicine.
- TDr John Ontong – Traditional Health Practitioner
- Dr Caren Hauptfleisch – Phytotherapy Practitioner
- Dr Gaynor Grace – Medical Doctor
- TDr Vulikhaya Sihluku – Traditional Health Practitioner
- TDr Brian Damonse – Traditional Health Practitioner
- Dr Jimmy Symmonds – Veterinarian
- TDr Noxolo Sekhobo – Traditional Health Practitioner
- TDr Mavuso Gqola – Traditional Health Practitioner
- Dr Craig Wright – Phytotherapy Practitioner
GUEST SPEAKERS: Invited experts present on a variety of related topics.
SCHEDULE: The 3-day course runs from Friday to Sunday, 6 – 8 September, during the holidays. The schedule is 8.00am – 5.00pm on Friday and Saturday, 8.00am – 3pm on Sunday, with a lunch break and tea breaks in the morning and afternoon.
VENUE: The Frances Ames Conference Room at the UCT Health Sciences Faculty offers an optimal learning setting with ample indoor and outdoor spaces, comfort, and state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment.
TESTIMONIALS FROM PREVIOUS COURSES
“In traditional medicine we learn more about the spiritual attributes of plants than their physiological effects on the body. In the program I learned more about the medicinal aspects of plants. Furthermore, our interactions as professionals from different fields of study also taught me how to better engage with people of different mindsets. I thank you.” – TDr Phozisa Bhosa – Traditional Health Practitioner
“What an incredibly enriching, rewarding, and humbling experience to learn from so many healers, scientists and plant-people. With the plants literally at the centre, we shared and learnt and left rejuvenated and re-connected to ourselves, others, and our wonderful South African plants. A very special experience.” – Dr Craig Wright – Phytotherapy Practitioner
“As a medical doctor, I have never experienced a more insightful and interesting course! I loved that this course gave me a unique insight into the local medicines of our beautiful country, taught by the custodians of the herbs. What a privilege to witness the sharing of ancient healing knowledge and rituals from our traditional healers, in real time. The stories of how these herbs work will stay with me forever.” – Dr Julienne Fenwick – Medical Practitioner.
“Well-initiated and structured Introduction to Herbal Medicine for Healthcare Professionals. Much wisdom, value and integration were shared across platforms by all who attended.” – TDr Lynne van Zyl – Traditional Health Practitioner
The weekend was an immersive, integrative experience with a beautiful interconnection of modern research and ancient wisdom. Hearing the different perspectives of our traditional healers and bush doctors not only empowered me with knowledge to treat my patients with local plants, but also allowed for a deeper healing within myself. – Dr Karen Niszl – Veterinarian
“Thank you so much for an absolutely brilliant botanical weekend. Being a newbie to the plant world, I have little information to offer in this area, by am now a gleefully inspired novice.” – Dr Stuart W. Dwyer – Medical Practitioner.
REGISTRATION:
This course is in-person only, virtual attendance is not available. Places on the course are limited and restricted to Traditional Health Practitioners, Biomedical Health Practitioners, Allied Health Practitioners, Pharmacists and Veterinarians (including students).
R4,000.00 (includes practical materials, handbook, and lunches and teas)
SPONSORED TICKETS:
Funding options for those in need are available.
Email us your motivation.
ACCOMMODATION:
Information on local accommodation options available.
CONTACT US:
Telephone – 079 389 9958
Email – hi@happybynature.com
DOWNLOAD:
Course Brochure (English)
Kursus Brosjure (Afrikaans)
Inkqubo yeKhosi (isiXhosa)
