Friday, October 31, 2008

Peppermint: Herb of the Month

Now Peppermint is one of the most popular herbs used in today’s society.

A summer-growing, perennial aromatic herb, peppermint is a hybrid of Mentha spicata (spearmint) and M. aquatica (watermint). The plant grows wild throughout Europe and North America in moist areas and is thought to be of Mediterranean origin.

The leaves and stems of peppermint contain volatile oils that give the plant its pungent fragrance and taste. The oil contains menthol, which is responsible for the sensation of coolness that is characteristic of peppermint.

Today, the peppermint plant is commonly added to cough and cold remedies because of its high menthol content, which provides a sensation of coolness and easier breathing. © HerbalGram. 2006; 72:1,4-5 American Botanical Council.

Peppermint is November’s featured herb for ACHS’s Herb of the Month Club. As member, each month you will receive a new herb of the month package, including 8 oz of the herb of the month and an informational pamphlet. We would also love for you to discover the power and purity of our therapeutic, organic peppermint essential oil. Click here for your sample with your Herb of the Month purchase.

November Announcements & Events



For the newly “green,” Yes! Magazine runs a column in each edition called YES! But how?, which includes practical tips for eco-friendly, sustainable living. Our favorite: Grow your own fresh air.

Tell us. What are the best ways you’ve found to clear the air? Post your comments to ACHS’s new Facebook site, located at www.facebook.com, and scroll through our upcoming events. Not a member? Sign up to post comments, become a fan, and receive evites to free community wellness events.

As of September 2008, ACHS has extended their commitment to sustainability and pledged their participation to PGE’s Save More, Matter More program. In replace of traditional power, ACHS pledges to use renewable power, which makes use of clean wind to save energy, cut costs, and help the environment. For 20 examples of how you can reduce your carbon footprint, visit the About page of our website.
Effective July 11, 2008, the Department of Veterans Affairs approved ACHS as an Institution of Higher Learning. This approval of the school was followed by approval of ACHS’s fully online career training and Associate’s degree programs. Approval for the Master’s degree was granted October 29, 2008. For information on VA Benefits and the MASCAM degree program, call 800-487-8839.

Join Australasian College of Health Sciences on Saturday, November 15, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for our holiday open house. Activities include making natural gifts such as bath salts and scrubs, blending holiday scents, and tips for winter wellness. Event is free and open to the public; space is limited. To RSVP, call 503-244-0726.

Save money when you lock in 2008 rates. January is sure to bring New Year’s, new resolutions, and, unfortunately, new rates for the 2009 academic year. Save yourself money when you register today. November 15 is the registration deadline for courses beginning January 19; after the deadline, registration will be on a space-available-basis only. To register, call 800-487-8839.
ACHS students will be offered preferential placement in herbal apprenticeship opportunities with Chanchal Cabrera, MSc, MNIMH, AHG, the faculty chair in Botanical Medicine at the Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine in New Westminster. Practical training will include gardening, harvesting, and processing herbs.

For information, visit our website, click on Alumni, and scroll down to Mentoring and Apprenticeships for Herbalists. Interested parties can contact Chanchal directly at chanchal@chanchalcabrera.com.

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Herb of the Month

Now Peppermint is one of the most popular herbs used in today’s society.

A summer-growing, perennial aromatic herb, peppermint is a hybrid of Mentha spicata (spearmint) and M. aquatica (watermint). The plant grows wild throughout Europe and North America in moist areas and is thought to be of Mediterranean origin.

The leaves and stems of peppermint contain volatile oils that give the plant its pungent fragrance and taste. The oil contains menthol, which is responsible for the sensation of coolness that is characteristic of peppermint.

Today, the peppermint plant is commonly added to cough and cold remedies because of its high menthol content, which provides a sensation of coolness and easier breathing. © HerbalGram. 2006; 72:1,4-5 American Botanical Council.

Peppermint is November’s featured herb for ACHS’s Herb of the Month Club. As member, each month you will receive a new herb of the month package, including 8 oz of the herb of the month and an informational pamphlet. We would also love for you to discover the power and purity of our therapeutic, organic peppermint essential oil. Click here for your sample with your Herb of the Month purchase.

Have some more tips? We’d love to hear from you! Click COMMENTS below.

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Perchlorate fuels concerns over drinking water


Forget BPA. There might be rocket fuel in your water.

The Environmental Protection Agency [recently announced] that it has no plans to remove perchlorate, a chemical in rocket fuel that has been linked to thyroid problems in pregnant women, newborns and young children and interferes with normal brain development in babies, from drinking water.

The chemical has been leaking from military bases and defense and aerospace contractors’ plants for decades and has been found in the drinking water, groundwater or soil in at least 43 states, according to the Washington, D.C.–based non-profit research organization the Environmental Working Group.

Congressional Democrats and environmentalists blasted the administration’s decision. “The health and well-being of millions of breast-fed babies are being ignored by EPA so the defense industry and their agents in the Pentagon can avoid cleaning up the mess they’ve made,” said Environmental Working Group Senior Scientist Anila Jacob, M.D.

To read the full-length article, go achs.edu and click on News and Events, or click here.

Copyright © 2008 The Natural Foods Merchandiser

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Food Companies, Retailers Avoid Clones

In a gesture that organizers hope will end the cloned foods controversy, 20 American food companies and retailers have stated they will not use cloned animals in their products.

Nonprofit activist organizations the Center for Food Safety and Friends of the Earth announced September 3 that manufacturing behemoths Kraft Foods, General Mills, Nestlé and Campbell Soup Co. have pledged to avoid cloned animal ingredients.

Retailers that have agreed to the noncloning pledge include Albertsons, SuperValu and Harris Teeter. Washington-based PCC Natural Markets, the first retailer or manufacturer to sign the pledge, also won’t allow products from cloned offspring in its stores.

But despite these companies’ good intentions, “there is truly no way to be 100 percent sure” they’re not using ingredients from cloned animals or their offspring, said Gillian Madill, a genetic technologies campaigner with Friends of the Earth. Because the U.S. Food and Drug administration allows cloned-animal ingredients [...], it’s difficult for companies or retailers to follow an animal all the way through the supply chain, she said.

As a result, Madill said the goal of the FOE/CFS cloned food initiative is to “try to destroy the market before it exists. We don’t want to get into a situation like [genetically modified organisms], where they were out there before anyone could stop them becoming a full-scale process.”

To read the full-length article, go achs.edu and click on News and Events, or click here.

Copyright © 2008 The Natural Foods Merchandiser

BPA Linked to Diseases in Adults

On September 16, as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration convened a panel of experts and defended its draft conclusion that the plastics chemical bisphenol A, or BPA, is safe, the Journal of the American Medical Association released a study showing a potential link between high levels of BPA and a variety of diseases. BPA is found in hard plastics and can linings, and the FDA’s own estimates suggest that formula-fed babies ingest 12.5 times more BPA per pound of body weight than the average adult.

The JAMA study doesn’t demonstrate a causal link between BPA and disease states, but British researchers studying BPA levels in the urine of almost 1,500 adults found that those with the highest levels were twice as likely to suffer from heart disease, diabetes, and liver-enzyme abnormalities as those with the lowest levels.

Previously, consumer activists have relied upon animal studies when questioning the safety of BPA. Those studies show that the chemical, in lab animals, affects the prostate and reproductive systems and acts as an estrogen mimic in the body, potentially leading to early puberty, cancers and behavioral problems. [...] The FDA has continued to insist the chemical is safe.

To read the full-length article, go achs.edu and click on News and Events, or click here.

Copyright © 2008 The Natural Foods Merchandiser

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November Health Freedom Update

Monthly Column From Kim Sharples, HHP, 2008 Alumni

It’s election time! How many of you know who your personal Senator and Representative are? Have you talked to them? Do they support Health Freedom? Now would be a good time to ask. It’s important to try to build a relationship with your legislators so they will know who you are, if and when you need to contact them about an important bill they will be voting on.

If you don’t know who your legislators are, you can look at this website: www.votesmart.org. You will need to enter your nine-digit zip code. If you don’t know your nine-digit zip code, you can find this at http://zip4.usps.com/zip4/welcome.jsp.

Please remember that each state has different laws and regulations regarding what you can and cannot do when it comes to complementary and alternative health care.

There are currently six states that have health freedom laws. These are: Minnesota, California, Rhode Island, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Idaho. If you live in one of these states, you need to know the laws regarding health freedom, what you can and cannot do, and what disclosures you may need to provide to your clients.

There are fifteen states and the District of Columbia that license or regulate naturopathic physicians. If your state is one that regulates naturopathic physicians, you need to know what that law says in regards to what you can and cannot do. These states are: Alaska, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Maine, Montana, New Hampshire, Oregon, Utah, Vermont, Washington and the District of Columbia. Minnesota just passed a registration bill for naturopathic physicians that should take effect July 1, 2009.

National Health Freedom Organizations:
For questions or more information about health freedom in your state, please feel free to contact me: kimberlysharples@msn.com or 719-390-1979.

HEALTH FREEDOM INFORMATION

CANADA
The Canadian Parliament adjourned for the summer without debating or passing bills C-51 and C-52, bills that could have overturned long standing legal precedent protecting Canadians’ health freedom. For more information, click here.

CALIFORNIA

Prop 65 is proposed regulation that wants to classify all beneficial nutrients with above-RDA potencies as cancer-causing agents under unless proven otherwise.
For more information, please go to this website.

COLORADO
Colorado was successful in stopping a monopolistic naturopathic physician bill. A Health Freedom bill was also introduced, but was not successful. A Massage bill was introduced and passed. This bill contained exemptions for those who do energy work such as Reiki.

Colorado For Health Freedom has a yahoo group you can join by sending a blank email to CO4HFG-subscribe@yahoogroups.com. You can also contact Kimberly Sharples at kimberlysharples@msn.com or 719-390-1979.

CONNECTICUT
Connecticut Health Freedom Coalition: Craig Respasz at crepasz@hotmail.com.

IDAHO
A Senate bill was introduced that could have transformed an accommodating law to a restrictive licensing law. CNH and the Idaho Coalition for Natural Health was able to amend the language, minimizing the effect of the law in Idaho. For more information, contact Boyd at: boydlandry@naturalhealth.org.

IOWA
Iowa introduced Health Freedom language in 2008, but was not successful. To learn more about the Iowa Health Freedom Coalition, you can access their website: www.iowahealthfreedom.org.

LOUISIANA
Louisiana’s focus this year was to introduce a total Health Freedom Bill in the 2008 Louisiana Legislative Session. They held a statewide membership meeting in March with 3 excellent speakers: Senator Sharon Weston Broome (Sponsor of the bill), Dr. John Baker, head of LSU Law School (health freedom advocate), and Boyd Landry, Executive Director of CNH.

They also held several statewide meeting to attract new members as well as enlighten the member that reside outside the Baton Rouge area of their intentions to introduce a bill in this year’s 2008 session; as well as meeting with legislators at the Capitol Rotunda several times.

They hired a Lobbyist to work with us to amend Acts 655 and 334, which were bills we passed in the 2006, and 2005 sessions. With lobbyist Kathy Chittom and Senator Broome’s influence, they were able to pass a bill in this year’s 2008 Legislative Session. The Governor signed the bill into law at the end of June (Act No. 524). They now feel as though Louisiana finally has a Total Health Freedom Bill.

Their board meets the last Monday of each month, and they have a conference call number for those who cannot attend in person.

If you live in Louisiana and would like to help, please contact Cynthia Reed, ND, President of the Louisiana Health Freedom Coalition at 225-756-8400 or herbs-etc@cox.net.

MARYLAND
Maryland introduced a health freedom bill in 2008, but it was not successful. Contact Dr. Mishra for more information regarding Health Freedom in Maryland: mishra13505@yahoo.com.

MINNESOTA
A Naturopathic Physician registration bill was passed in Minnesota that will not go into effect until July 1, 2009. During this time a Naturopathy Work Group has been assigned to study the regulation of Naturopathic Doctors. Their recommendations must be turned in no later than December 15, 2008, and the Commissioner of Health will report these findings to Legislators by January 15, 2009. You can read about this bill and work group here.

Another group has formed in Minnesota - Minnesota Advocates for Complementary and Alternative Practices, MNACAP. The President is Katie Murphy, and you can email her at: 4healinginsights@comcast.net.

MONTANA
Montana has a health freedom group that wants to introduce a Health Freedom Bill next legislative session. For more information, you can contact: Debra Kimmet deb@debkimmet.com or 406-251-9704 or visit their website.

NEW JERSEY
A Dietitian/Nutritionist Licensure bill has just been introduced in New Jersey and been referred to the Senate Commerce Committee. This bill could limit nutritional advice to only those dietitian/nutritionists licensed by the state of New Jersey. You can view the bill here. Please contact me for more information: kimberlysharples@msn.com.

NEW YORK
There were three restrictive bills introduced in New York, which could have prohibited traditional naturopaths from practicing. Boyd Landry with CNH worked at killing these bills and they are monitoring legislation for the remainder of 2008 and into 2009. You can contact Boyd for more information: boydlandry@naturalhealth.org.

NORTH CAROLINA
There was restrictive naturopathic medicine bills introduced this year in NC. Fortunately, these bills died in committee. The North Carolina Citizens for Healthcare Freedom has a health freedom bill introduced and they are hoping for it to be heard in the long session, starting in January. At this time they need assistance with signing petitions (on their website), volunteering and donations. For more information, you can go to their website: www.ncchf.org Their contact person is Claiborne Holtzman: Claiborne@ncchf.org.

OHIO
The Ohio Sunshine Health Freedom Coalition has introduced a health freedom bill, H.B. 580. You can read the bill here. The OSHFC Steering Committee recorded a phone call updating the Ohio situation. If you would like to listen, please call 641-715-3409 and enter PIN 288597#. They are also asking for help in calling, Emailing or faxing members of the committee that the health freedom bill is assigned to. To learn more, please contact Linda Murray: hertouch@juno.com or go to their website: www.ohiosunshinehealthfreedom.info.

TENNESSEE
Two identical restrictive licensing bills were entertained this session. Fortunately, both of these bills died in committee. They expect similar legislation to be introduced in 2009. For more information, please contact Boyd Landry at: boydlandry@naturalhealth.org.

TEXAS

In 2005 Texas Health Freedom Coalition played a crucial role in protecting Texas consumer access to the services of the complementary and alternative health practitioners in Texas. They are hoping to introduce health freedom legislation. For more information, go to their website: www.texashealthfreedom.com or contact Peter McCarthy: texascam@earthlink.net.

VIRGINIA
The Certified Natural Health Professionals of Virginia Health Freedom Group is collecting signatures to oppose HB 784, the monopolistic naturopathic physician bill. You may hold the original signed letters or send them to the Virginia Chapter of Certified Natural Health Professionals at P.O. Box 316, Chesterfield, VA 23832-0005.

They will use these letters to demonstrate opposition to any naturopath licensure bill that might be introduced in the 2009 session. If you have questions regarding the gathering of signatures on these letters or their strategy please contact Becky Hanks at the Herb Basket at 804-862-HERB (4372) during the daytime on Tuesdays through Saturday. To learn more, please visit their website: www.cnhpva.org.

WASHINGTON
Washington has a health freedom bill introduced, Senate Bill 6886, and was referred to the Senate Health and Long Term Care Committee. There is an upcoming meeting: Thursday, Aug. 21, 2008 6:30-8pm at the Olympia Timberland Library. To read this bill, click here. For more information, go to the Washington Health Freedom website: http://healthfreedomwa.org/ or email healthfreedom.wa@gmail.com or call 360- 357-6263.

WISCONSIN

Wisconsin fought against a dietitian/nutrition bill in 2008 that would have restricted nutritional advice. This bill is expected to be re-introduced in 2009. The Wisconsin Health Freedom Coalition is planning on introducing a health freedom bill next session. If you are able to help, please contact Syncha Maniscalco – syncha@gmail.com or go to their website for more information: www.wihfc.com.

Kimberly Sharples, HHP
Health Freedom Activist
kimberlysharples@msn.com
719- 390-1979

Australasian College Heads to Washington

The American Herbalists Guild 19th Annual Symposium took place October 24-26 at the Town Center Marriott in Redmond, Washington. The conference, titled “Botanical Medicine in Oncology, Immunity, and Chronic Disease,” featured more than twenty alternative medicine professionals.

ACHS President Dorene Petersen attended the conference with Communications Manager and DETC Liaison Lauren Shapiro as a Gold Leaf Sponsors, which helps support the use of herbal medicine as a viable, proactive supplement for traditional medicine.

Several ACHS students also attended the conference and stopped by the ACHS information booth to share their experiences, reflections, and questions with Dorene and Lauren.

For a look into the ACHS student experience, and a sneak peak at the Bastyr Herbal Garden (pictured below) and the rabbel-rousing keynote delivered by the Medicine Hunter, Chris Kilham, log onto the ACHS News blog. Get your account at achsnews.blogspot.com. Additional ACHS blog-only feature sites include: achsalumni.blogspot.com, holistictipoftheweek.blogspot.com, achsaromatherapy.blogspot.com, and achsedu-natural-health-education.blogspot.com.

For a guided video tour of the Bastyr Herbal Garden, check out ACHStv on YouTube.

ACHS Awarded Membership in SOC

As a military-friendly institution, ACHS makes it easy for U.S. Armed Forces servicemembers, military spouses, and veterans to maximize their education benefits and invest in their future with career training in holistic health.

In response to this commitment, the Australasian College has been designated a Servicemembers Opportunity Consortium College (SOC) for the 2007-2009 membership cycle. ACHS’s membership affirms our commitment to providing military students with:
• Post-secondary educational opportunities available to other citizens;
• Appropriately accredited educational programs, courses, and services; and
• Enhanced access to Australasian College courses through flexible programs and procedures, including admissions, counseling, credit transfer, course articulations, recognition of nontraditional learning experiences, scheduling, and the ACHS online course format.

SOC Consortium colleges serve the National Guard, reserves, new recruits, veterans, and more than 500,000 active-duty servicemembers. For more information regarding ACHS and SOC, visit achs.edu and click on Military Funding.

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Thursday, October 30, 2008

Jack-o-Latern Greens Soil

According to an article in the October 28, 2004, edition of Outside Online, Kenneth Reimer and two of his colleagues at the Royal Military College of Canada conducted a study which shows the pumpkin plant can remove significant amounts of DDT from contaminated soil.

Catharine Livingston writes:

Reimer’s experiment lends credence to the emerging technology of phytoremediation—a biological process by which certain plants extract chemicals from soil, sediment, or water. Of the five plant varieties Reimer’s group tested, pumpkin plants extracted the most DDT, and their close relative—the zucchini—came in second.

DDT and other persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are especially difficult to remove from contaminated soil because they do not dissolve in water, a condition that makes them become more deeply attached to the soil’s organic matter as time passes.

DDT was introduced around the time of World War II as a popular insecticide, as well as an effective combatant against carriers of typhus and malaria. However, after its ability to endure for long periods of time in the environment—and the subsequent negative health consequences for humans and animals alike—became known, the chemical was banned in the United States and other countries. Some developing nations, however, still rely on DDT for disease protection.

For their study, Reimer and his colleagues took soil from a site in the western Canadian Arctic that had been exposed to DDT between 1947 and 1950, and then grew selected plants in the sample soil in a greenhouse during the summer of 2002 and the winter of 2003.

According to an early draft of Reimer’s report—which will be published in the November 15 edition of Environmental Science & Technology—size was an important factor in the success of the pumpkin and zucchini plants as cleanup agents. Both plants have a large above-ground biomass, as well as leaves with greater surface areas—a physiology that enables them to accumulate larger amounts of DDT and perhaps also translocate it more easily.

But while the plants can take pollutants out of the soil, they can’t get rid of them. Reimer said the next step would be to segregate the contaminated plants and compost them into a residue that could be sent to a more conventional location for disposal, such as a landfill or incinerator.

“So, you’re using the plant as an extraction mechanism,” Reimer told Outside.

When asked about the practicality of applying his findings to the world’s large-scale problem of soil contamination, Reimer said, “I think [the study] shows some promise. We’re still a ways from the marketplace.”

In order for pumpkins, zucchinis, and other special plants to do their work, Reimer said they need more time compared to the alternative solution, which is to dig up all the soil in the contaminated area and put it in an incinerator. For sites that need quick cleaning, he said, the latter is still a better option.

Still, Reimer’s findings mark an important step in the emergence of phytoremediation as a solution to contamination problems.

“For us, dealing with organochlorines—which are some of the most persistent pollutants in the environment—is really exciting,” he told Outside.

Obaid Faroon, from the U.S. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, told Outside that while the details behind Reimer’s study are still forthcoming, “According to this report, it’s very promising.”

Original article is available at: http://outside.away.com/outside/news/20041028_1.html.

Pamela Heyen 2009 ACHS Outstanding Graduate


Pamela Heyen Represents ACHS as 2009 DETC Outstanding Graduate

Portland, Oregon—Each year the Distance Education Training Council asks their accredited institutions to select exceptional distance education graduates for recognition. Award winners must meet select criteria set for academic records and the quality of their contribution to their chosen profession in specific, and society in general. Outstanding Graduates are featured in the DETC Outstanding Graduate brochure and on the DETC website.

ACHS has selected Pamela Heyen as the ACHS 2009 Outstanding Graduate winner. Heyen, who lives in Columbia, Missouri, graduated from the Diploma in Holistic Health Practice program in September 2007, and currently owns a holistic health practice, Heyen Wellness Therapies, which allows her to advise clients about personal health issues and lifestyle changes to maximize wellness.

DETC Outstanding Graduates represent the more than three million distance education students now studying with DETC member institutions (according to the DETC website).

For more information on the DETC Outstanding Graduate awards visit www.detc.org.

Saturday, October 25, 2008

ACHS in Washington Day 3

Day 3: October 25, 2008
Chris Kilham, dubbed the “Indiana Jones of Natural Medicine,” delivers a rabble-rousing keynote address regarding the necessity of plant-based medicine. Between photographic slides depicting traditional practices in remote regions, personal anecdotes, and a lot of humor, Kilham emphasizes the life-saving properties of plants as well as the need for social responsibility, cultural sustainability, and preservation.

Plant-based medicine is the number one category of medicine in use worldwide, with approximately 50,000 plants employed for therapeutic purposes. And although the medicinal plant world is thriving with well-intentioned herbalists, shamans, harvesters, native growers, and preservations working together to usher in a new and exciting era of healing, the integrity of the plant world is continually challenged by poverty wages, environmental devastation, and bio piracy.

What does that mean for the herbalist today? The challenges faced by plant-based medicine are comparable to the sustainability factors influencing industries like fair trade handicrafts. The question: How does one harness and positively employ traditional knowledge and resources—and the invaluable contribution of indigenous cultures—while preserving the environment and safe guarding the quality of life of growers, harvesters, and healers (or carvers or weavers or dye experts, for that matter)?

Education is the short answer. But, how is education best employed?

You tell us. How do you educate yourself, your patients? Have you seen first-hand the challenges Kilham brings to light?

Educate us. Share your thoughts about plant and environmental preservation, responsible wages, bio piracy, miraculous tales of plant-based medicine.

Chris Kilham, Medicine Hunter, the Indiana Jones of Herbal Medicine, is the author of “Hot Plants” and the star of Medicine Trail TV, a real life adventure series. For information about his work, visit http://medicinehunter.com/.

Did You Know…?

The exotic isles of the South Pacific are home to a long-used traditional ingredient which is just now working its way into the U.S. and European topical and cosmetic industries. Since the 1920’s Oil of Tamanu (Calophyllum inophyllum) has been studied in hospitals and by researchers in Europe, Asia, and the Pacific islands.

Tamanu oil possesses a unique capacity to promote the formation of new tissue, thereby accelerating wound healing and the growth of healthy skin. This process is known as cicatrization. For this reason, it is a widely used traditional topical aid. In Pacific island folk medicine, tamanu oil is applied liberally to cuts, scrapes, burns, insect bites and stings, abrasions, acne and acne scars, psoriasis, diabetic sores, anal fissures, sunburn, dry or scaly skin, blisters, eczema, herpes sores, and to reduce foot and body odor. Tamanu oil is also massaged into the skin to relieve neuralgia, rheumatism, and sciatica. Tamanu oil is employed by Polynesian women for promoting healthy, clear, blemish-free skin, and is also used on babies to prevent diaper rash and skin eruptions.

**Information taken from Chris Kilham’s website. For more information, go to http://medicinehunter.com/tamanu.htm.

Friday, October 24, 2008

ACHS in Washington Day 2


Dorene Petersen with Nat 211 student Scott Swanson from Austin, Texas.

Day 2: October 24, 2008

Before Friday’s lecture schedule begins, the AHG hosts a Welcome Symposium for all participants. For those unaware, AHG President Aviva Romm talks about the importance of the Herbalist Health Trust, a resource for AHG members and nonmembers who, like many today, do not have health insurance. The Trust, a resource pool based on donations from the herbalist community, subsidizes herbalists struggling under the financial, emotion, and physical burden of disease. Although not a substitute for health insurance, the Trust represents the importance of one of the Symposium’s major themes: compassion.

Herbalists may differ in opinions and experience; however, compassion for patients, for herbalism, and above all for humanity, remains a unifying factor. Chanchal Cabrera, the Faculty Chair of Botanical Medicine at the Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine in New Westminster, invokes the anniversary of the UN Human Rights Treaty to remind the audience of the importance of this. (To read the Treaty, visit http://www.bayefsky.com/
.)

After the first lecture session, Dorene and Lauren return to the ACHS information booth, where they meet several ACHS students attending the conference. This is a unique and special opportunity to receive person-to-person feedback about personal experience with ACHS courses, as well as application of the information in diverse settings around the country.

Later in the evening there is an informal, student-led discussion before the Herbal Bazaar. Several students share personal stories revealing the challenges unique to a new and/or developing career. Several students touch on similar issues, such as: What is the role of an herbalist within the context of an hour session; what are the limits of what you can and can’t say; and, interestingly, is it okay to turn clients away. Although there is no one, single answer, Pamela Fischer, Director of Ohlone Herbal Center in Berkeley, California, reminds students to be a good person first. That simple. To be a good herbalist, it is important to be a good person, to have good intention, even if that means turning a client away to serve their greatest good.

This conversation brings an interesting, although potentially difficult, idea forward: An herbalist does not serve their client by serving their own ego. Do you agree? Disagree? Tell us what you think.

Students want to know: What are some of your tried and true tips for leading a productive, informative session without asking leading questions?

ACHS Heads to Washington























Left, Dorene Petersen with workshop leader Robin DiPasquale. Center, Robin leads participants through the reflexology path. Right, flower bed at the Bastyr Garden.


Day 1: October 23, 2008


ACHS President Dorene Petersen and Communications Manager Lauren Shapiro arrive in Redmond, Washington, for the American Herbalists Guild 19th Annual Symposium, “Botanical Medicine in Oncology, Immunity, and Chronic Disease.”

The three-day symposium kicks off Thursday with some optional pre-conference lectures at the Town Center Marriott. Participants attend talks like “Herbal First Aid” and “Medicinal Mushrooms in the Field and Clinic.” Doreen and Lauren opt for the off-site lecture called “Teaching in The Bastyr Garden: Physiological Systems, Their Plants, and Their Uses,” looking for new ideas for the ACHS Botanical Teaching Garden.

Taught by Robin DiPasquale, a licensed naturopathic physician, herbalist, and homeopath, and past Chair of the Botanical Medicine Department at Bastyr, “Teaching in the Bastyr” explores garden spaces organized by physiological systems, how to use and maintain a shade house, traditional Chinese medicinal herbs, growing organic food, and the building and use of a reflexology path in the garden.

Then, after the two-hour garden lecture, Robin leads participants indoors for a hands-on sampling of herbs in action. While discussing the use of specific herbs, as well as their effect on the entire physiological system, and the responsibility of the herbalist to understand these effects, participants sample Robin’s homemade tea recipes representing the systems guild, including a tea for: the female reproductive system, for the nervous system, the respiratory system, heart tonic, and immune support.

The afternoon ends with a walk along the garden’s reflexology path, which was hand-built and designed by student volunteers. Smooth in some places, sharper in others, the path is an experience for all.

Back at the hotel, Dorene and Lauren set-up ACHS’s informational booth for potential students and symposium participants to explore the College’s certificate, degree, and continuing education offerings. Friday they will have plenty of time to talk with symposium attendees during lecture breaks, as well as meet students at the booth from 7-7:30 p.m.

Friday, following a formal welcome address and teacher introductions, two afternoon sessions are scheduled for 1:30 p.m.-5 p.m. and include lecture topics like “How to Guide Herbal Clinics,” “Women’s Health Roundtable,” and “Herbs for Strength, Stamina, and Stress Relief.”

Day 2 at the AHG symposium updates and garden photos to come!

For information about the Bastyr medicinal herb garden, visit http://www.bastyr.edu/.

To download a complete list of the American Herbalist Guild Symposium lecture topics, visit http://www.americanherbalistsguild.com/.














Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Australasian College Pledges Renewable Energy

Sustainability is more than a pledge. It takes personal dedication and a commitment from business owners and employees alike.

As a team, ACHS continually shows their commitment to sustainability through daily practice, such as: the maintenance of our on-site, oxygen-producing botanical teaching garden; recycling of office paper and kitchen trash; use of skylights, which harness natural light and improve work conditions; extensive use of electronic communications to minimize paper, ink, and other office product consumption; and community workshops, which teach natural solutions to health, plant, and personal care.

In addition, ACHS has a new action plan. As of September 2008, ACHS has extended their commitment to sustainability and pledged their participation to PGE’s Save More, Matter More program. In replace of traditional power, ACHS pledges to use renewable power, which makes use of clean wind to save energy, cut costs, and help the environment.

ACHS is one of 200 small- and medium-sized businesses to pledge the Save More, Matter More program. For more information on this program and renewable energy, visit www.portlandgeneral.com.

For 20 examples of how you can reduce your carbon footprint, visit the About page of our website.

A few ways ACHS employees show their personal dedication to sustainability include: riding public transportation to work; composting; and participating in beach clean ups.

Save More, Matter More may expire, but ACHS’s dedication to sustainability is permanent.

Have some more tips? We’d love to hear from you! Click COMMENTS below.

Know someone who would be interested? EMAIL this story below.

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

ACHS Goes for the Gold

ACHS is a Gold Leaf Sponsor of the 2008 AHG National Symposium to be held this weekend, October 24-26, at the Marriott Town Center in Redmond, WA. As a sponsor, ACHS extends its support to the herbal medicine community, as well as to the use of herbal medicine as a viable, proactive supplement for the shortfalls of traditional medicine.

Come visit ACHS President Dorene Petersen and Senior Vice President and Master Gardener Erika Yigzaw at our education-filled booth for more information about herbal medicine courses available to you through ACHS, such as:

o Nat 101 Nutrition ,Bodycare and Herbalism, starting this November;
o Herb 101 Basics of Herbalism Online, starting in January; and
o Master Herbalist professional credential program and degree programs, featuring an herbal medicine major.

ACHS staff will also be available to meet with you personally at our booth this Friday, October 24, from 7:00 to 7:30 p.m.

Deadline for January course registration is coming up November 15. If you’ll miss us at the conference, please call ACHS Admissions at 800-487-8839 for more information about our herbal medicine programs today! You can also visit us online at achs.edu – just click on Herbal Medicine, located in the left-hand toolbar.

The 2008 American Herbalists Guild symposium will address the theme of "Botanical Medicine in Oncology, Immunity, and Chronic Illness." Since 1989, the American Herbalist Guild, a nonprofit organization, has promoted the professionalism, quality, and integrity of herbal practitioners in the United States. To contact the American Herbalists Guild visit americanherbalistsguild.com.

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

HerbDay Rooted Deep in the Community




Portland, OR — Australasian College of Health Sciences (ACHS) hosted more than thirty active members of the holistic health care community Friday, October 10, 2008, at their 3rd Annual HerbDay Celebration dedicated to the use of herbs and herbalism. Participants included students, alumni, and health care professionals, all with a clear agenda: expand knowledge about, and increase the use of complementary alternative medicine in health care.

Herb day kicked off with a hands-on lavender distillation and in-depth PowerPoint discussion on the therapeutic uses of Mastic gum, where students learned from ACHS President Dorene Petersen about the healing properties of the gum, aromas, and essential oils. Following this, ACHS Professor Dr. Arianna Staruch spoke from 1-2 p.m. on the topic of “Using Herbs for Fatigue and Insomnia,” which included several stratagem and helpful tips that participants could take away for personal and professional use. Then from 2-3 p.m., ACHS Graduate and Chemist Amanda Lattin delivered a detail-rich talk about the chemistry of antioxidants and their purpose called “Antioxidants: What Are They and Herbal Sources.”

After the formal presentations, participants engaged in a free-form Q & A with the guest speakers and ACHS President Dorene Petersen; shopped organic, wildcrafted herbs, books, and essential oils in the ACHS Apothecary Shoppe; and strolled through the ACHS Botanical Teaching Garden, where, throughout the day Master Gardener and ACHS Senior Vice-President Erika Yigzaw was on hand to lead tours and answer questions.

HerbDay is a coordinated series of independently produced, public education events. Conceived of by five nonprofit organizations with an interest in raising public awareness about the significance of herbs in our daily lives, HerbDay also addresses how herbs can be safely used for health care, beauty care, and culinary enjoyment. Officially, HerbDay is October 11, although many organizations celebrate it early.

For more information about HerbDay, and for a list of upcoming ACHS events, visit http://www.achs.edu/, and click on Community Wellness located in the left-hand tool bar. To download free transcripts of the 2008 HerbDay lectures, go to http://www.apothecary-shoppe.com, or visit the ACHS website and click on Online Store, located at the top right of the home page.

We're always happy to hear from you. If you happened to attend this year's HerbDay, drop us a line or two about your experience. Did you learn something new? If there something you would like to hear more about at a future event? It's up to you. Post a comment here, and we're sure to respond.

Friday, October 10, 2008

Integrative Medicine Webinar Events

Free Webinar Events presented by Natural Standard (www.naturalstandard.com)

Botanicals and Menopause
Presented by: Maida Taylor, MD, MPH, FACOG
October 14 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Eastern Time
To register, click www1.gotomeeting.com/register/995820200
Attendee call in number: (712) 432-1399, access code 450-615-749

October 14 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Eastern Time
To register, click www1.gotomeeting.com/register/288020239
Attendee call in number: (641) 715-3222, access code 169-402-823


Natural Standard Database Overview
Presented by: Chief Editor Catherine Ulbricht, PharmD

October 28 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern Time
To register, click www1.gotomeeting.com/register/548776860
Attendee call in number: (616) 883-8055, access code 386-478-732

November 18 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern Time
To register, click www1.gotomeeting.com/register/909798124
Attendee call in number: (641) 715-3222, access code 632-207-107

December 10 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern Time
To register, click www1.gotomeeting.com/register/270500121
Attendee call in number: (616) 883-8055, access code 644-424-903


Diabetes: Integrative Care Cases
Presented by: Chief Editor Catherine Ulbricht, PharmD

November 12 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern Time
To register, click www1.gotomeeting.com/register/530744372
Attendee call in number: (616) 883-8055, access code 625-144-811


An Innovative Program in Applied Natural Products
Presented by: Lana Dvorkin-Camiel, PharmD

December 2 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Eastern Time
To register, click www1.gotomeeting.com/register/910800626
Attendee call in number: (616) 883-8055, access code 458-016-977

Integrative Medicine Webinar Events

Free Webinar Events presented by Natural Standard (www.naturalstandard.com)

Botanicals and Menopause
Presented by: Maida Taylor, MD, MPH, FACOG
October 14 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Eastern Time
To register, click www1.gotomeeting.com/register/995820200
Attendee call in number: (712) 432-1399, access code 450-615-749

October 14 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Eastern Time
To register, click www1.gotomeeting.com/register/288020239
Attendee call in number: (641) 715-3222, access code 169-402-823


Natural Standard Database Overview
Presented by: Chief Editor Catherine Ulbricht, PharmD

October 28 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern Time
To register, click www1.gotomeeting.com/register/548776860
Attendee call in number: (616) 883-8055, access code 386-478-732

November 18 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern Time
To register, click www1.gotomeeting.com/register/909798124
Attendee call in number: (641) 715-3222, access code 632-207-107

December 10 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern Time
To register, click www1.gotomeeting.com/register/270500121
Attendee call in number: (616) 883-8055, access code 644-424-903


Diabetes: Integrative Care Cases
Presented by: Chief Editor Catherine Ulbricht, PharmD

November 12 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern Time
To register, click www1.gotomeeting.com/register/530744372
Attendee call in number: (616) 883-8055, access code 625-144-811


An Innovative Program in Applied Natural Products
Presented by: Lana Dvorkin-Camiel, PharmD

December 2 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Eastern Time
To register, click www1.gotomeeting.com/register/910800626
Attendee call in number: (616) 883-8055, access code 458-016-977

Call for Submissions!

ACHS students, we want your help. Our newsletter, the ACHS Reporter, includes industry news, events, and updates suited to your needs and interests. But the one thing it doesn't have (at least, not frequently enough) is your voice.

If you have a specialty or a topic close to your heart, send us a well-written, 500-word article. The best articles will be featured in the Reporter. Articles are due by the 15th of the month; please include a headline, strong copy, and your biographical information. All articles should be emailed to laurenshapiro@achs.edu.

Questions? Comments? Post them here, so your fellow students can benefit from your insights.

Start typing!

Thursday, October 9, 2008

Where Are You With Your ACHS Materials?


Stephanie Niazi, Nat 211 Anatomy & Physiology student, writes:

"Hi. This was a photo taken of me over the summer in the Maldives. No one could believe that I would go to such a place with homework. You can see my ACHS folder on the lounge."

Now, we want to hear about your adventures. Where do you study when you're traveling? Here's what we're looking for: Students travel and take their study materials with them; send us a picture of yourself with your materials and include a little blurb about what you're doing.

We have always known our courses were accessible, and now we want everyone to see it for themselves. Start snapping. Email your photos, blurb, and contact information to newsletter@achs.edu and we'll post the best photo and story in the next ACHS Reporter.

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

ACHS 5th Annual Holiday Open House

Kick off the holiday season with good health!

Our 4th Annual Holiday Open House is free and open to the public, but space is limited. Be sure to RSVP by calling 503-244-0726 or RSVP online here (no credit card needed) to make sure we hold your place.

Check back for a complete schedule of activities and events.

Enjoy this opportunity to visit the ACHS campus, meet staff and faculty, and take advantage of extra savings in the the Apothecary Shoppe College Store, for all your natural health holiday shopping! Saturday, November 15, 2008, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Located at the ACHS campus, John's landing, 5940 SW Hood Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97239.

For the most up-to-date news, check out our newsletter, the ACHS Reporter. Have something to add, let us know. Email news, articles, bios, and photos to alumni@achs.edu. We will be sure to share them with the community in the Reporter and online.


ACHS 3rd Annual HerbDay Celebration

HerbDay! Celebrate Herbs and Herbalism!

HerbDay is a series of educational events celebrating the importance of herbs and herbalism. HerbDay was created by the HerbDay Coalition, a group of five herbal non-profit organizations and works to raise awareness about the significance of herbs in our lives and the many ways herbs can be used safely and creatively for health, beauty care, and culinary enjoyment.

The Day's schedule includes:

Noon to 1 p.m. - Introduction by ACHS President Dorene Petersen and discussion on Mastic Gum of Greece;

1 to 2 p.m. - Using Herbs for Fatigue and Insomnia, lecture by ACHS Professor Dr. Arianna Staruch;

2 to 3 p.m. - Antioxidants: What Are They & Herbal Sources by ACHS Graduate and Chemist Amanda Lattin; and

3 to 4 p.m. - Tour of ACHS Botanical Teaching Garden (weather permitting).

Take this opportunity to visit the ACHS campus, meet staff and faculty, and take advantage of extra savings in the College store, The Apothecary Shoppe, for all your holistic health shopping!

Free and open to the public, but space is limited. To RSVP, call (503) 244-0726 or RSVP online here (no credit card needed) to make sure we hold your place. Friday, October 10, 2008, from noon-4 p.m. Located at the ACHS campus, John's Landing, 5940 SW Hood Avenue, Portland, OR 97239.

For the most up-to-date news from ACHS, subscribe to the ACHS Reporter today.

ACHS 3rd Annual HerbDay Celebration

HerbDay! Celebrate Herbs and Herbalism!

HerbDay is a series of educational events celebrating the importance of herbs and herbalism. HerbDay was created by the HerbDay Coalition, a group of five herbal non-profit organizations and works to raise awareness about the significance of herbs in our lives and the many ways herbs can be used safely and creatively for health, beauty care, and culinary enjoyment.

The Day's schedule includes:

Noon to 1 p.m. - Introduction by ACHS President Dorene Petersen and discussion on Mastic Gum of Greece;

1 to 2 p.m. - Using Herbs for Fatigue and Insomnia, lecture by ACHS Professor Dr. Arianna Staruch;

2 to 3 p.m. - Antioxidants: What Are They & Herbal Sources by ACHS Graduate and Chemist Amanda Lattin; and

3 to 4 p.m. - Tour of ACHS Botanical Teaching Garden (weather permitting).

Take this opportunity to visit the ACHS campus, meet staff and faculty, and take advantage of extra savings in the College store, The Apothecary Shoppe, for all your holistic health shopping!

Free and open to the public, but space is limited. To RSVP, call (503) 244-0726 or RSVP online here (no credit card needed) to make sure we hold your place. Friday, October 10, 2008, from noon-4 p.m. Located at the ACHS campus, John's Landing, 5940 SW Hood Avenue, Portland, OR 97239.

For the most up-to-date news from ACHS, subscribe to the ACHS Reporter today.

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