ACHS and Apothecary Shoppe Re-Certified as Green America Gold Certified Businesses

A member of Green America since 2000, American College of Healthcare Sciences (ACHS) and the Apothecary Shoppe College Store have been re-certified as Green America Gold Certified Businesses.

Green America’s vision is to “work for a world where all people have enough, where all communities are healthy and safe, and where the bounty of the earth is preserved for all the generations to come.” ACHS supports this vision through the College mission and partnerships with dedicated organizations like Green America.

“We’re thrilled ACHS has been re-certified with Green America’s highest honor, the Gold Seal, for our dedication to providing leadership in holistic health education through comprehensive professional online and on-campus education and high-quality natural products with a commitment to sustainable practices and principles,” says ACHS President Dorene Petersen. “A big thank you to our students, alumni, and Apothecary Shoppe customers for supporting ACHS and for supporting other Green America members.”

To display the Green America Green Business Certification Gold Seal of Approval, ACHS successfully met Green America’s stringent green business requirements. The Green Business Certification is awarded to businesses that are actively using their business as a tool for positive social change, operating a “values-driven” enterprise according to principles of social justice and environmental sustainability, and environmentally responsible in the way they source, manufacture, and market their products and run their operations and facilities. (You can find a complete list of business standards at http://www.greenamerica.org/greenbusiness/)

Learn more about ACHS’s commitment to sustainability online at http://www.achs.edu/achs-green-campus and view ACHS’s sustainability profile, green achievements, and commitments in the National Green Pages online here: http://www.greenpages.org/listing/guide/education

About ACHS
American College of Healthcare Sciences was one of the first accredited colleges offering degrees, diplomas, and career-training certificates in complementary alternative medicine fully online. Founded in 1978, ACHS is committed to exceptional online education and is recognized as an industry leader in holistic health education worldwide. For more information about ACHS programs and community wellness events, visit www.achs.edu, call (503) 244-0726, or stop by the College campus located at 5940 SW Hood Ave., Portland OR 97239.

>> GO TO www.achs.edu to read the full article on the American College website under News and Events. Or click here.

Exploring the Indonesian Herbal Tradition – Jamu

By Dorene Petersen, President, American College of Healthcare Sciences

This past May, I was invited to speak at the Asian Aroma Ingredients Congress & Expo on the beautiful Indonesian island of Bali. This biannual conference brings together producers, processors, exporters, scientists, and educators (like me!) to discuss essential oils, essential oil products, and the future of the industry. At this conference there were more than 300 participants from 17 countries!

My lecture, “U.S. Trends in Aromatherapy,” focused on an overview of the use of Indonesian/Asian essential oils in the aromatherapy market in the U.S. To collect my data, I surveyed key communicators within the U.S. aromatherapy industry, including members of the Alliance of International Aromatherapists, National Association of Holistic Aromatherapy, and Registered Aromatherapists with the Aromatherapy Registration Council.

The results of the survey were interesting and confirmed my feeling that U.S. Aromatherapists have a high awareness of important factors that influence therapeutic viability of oils, such as organic production. What the research also revealed was the Indonesian essential oil industry can have a significant impact on the professional clinical and retail aromatherapy markets in the U.S. if there is marketing and educational outreach focusing on new and emerging oils. I was delighted to learn that organic patchouli (Pogostemon cablin) is the Indonesian essential oil with the highest retail sales  in the U.S. I love the warm, spicy aroma that lingers as patchouli fades out, but I know not everyone feels the same: particularly if you are a baby boomer like me. Truthfully, I had expected the most commonly used Indonesian oil to be clove (Syzygium aromaticum) bud.

You can read more about the trends in Indonesian essential oil use in my white paper available through the ACHSedu website here: http://achs.edu/download-us-trends-aromatherapy-white-paper-achs-president-dorene-petersen

For those of you who have been to Bali, you already know it is a beautiful island, rich in culture, lush color, and very warm people. It is a part of Indonesia, a country with a long tradition of herbal medicine use. This traditional plant heritage struck me from day one. You don’t see street vendors offering herbal medicines here in the States, and you’re not likely to get a recommendation from the locals to use cajuput (Melaleuca leucadendron) essential oil with insect bites either.

In Indonesia, the ancient art of herbal healing is part of the everyday culture. It’s called Jamu, which promotes inner and outer health and beauty through the use of herbal powders, ointments, lotions, massage, and ancient folklore[1]. A dose of Bali belly provided a great opportunity to experiment with the locals’ recommendations, which included rubbing my belly with neat cajeput oil and ingesting one drop of patchouli oil. I did both and within 24 hours was feeling almost back to normal.

I guess what struck me most was the easy coexistence of the two approaches: Western medicine and traditional herbal medicine being used hand in hand with encouragement, cooperation, and assistance from the Indonesian government. Health and healing  accessible to all was clearly the focus. Now back in the States, this is a powerful reminder and motivator for me to keep doing what we do here at ACHS: provide research- based accredited programs empowering student success in the holistic health and wellness arena. Experiencing Jamu showed me how much can be achieved when all sectors of the healthcare industry cooperate towards a common goal. And whether or not you have the opportunity to travel to Bali yourself, Jamu shows us all that health and wellness is a cultural and a community affair, and that we have the knowledge, the tools, the herbs at our fingertips. So, spread the education and wellness!

If you’re interested in learning more about Jamu, I’m putting together an Indonesian aroma study tour for 2013, including a tour of botanical gardens and distilleries, day trips to remote villages to learn about local, green medicine, and several cultural landmarks. I hope you can make the trip with me! I’ll have more detailed information posted to the ACHS website soon (www.achs.edu). In the meantime, feel free to email me at president@achs.edu.

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[1] For more information, I recommend the book Jamu: The Ancient Indonesian Art of Herbal Healing by Susan-Jane Beers. It is available through Amazon.

ACHS President Dorene Petersen Contributes to Rose! Herb of the Year 2012 Published by International Herb Association

 Earth Day is every day! Learn more about the natural, green therapeutic benefits of the essential oil of Rose beyond smelling sweet. Rose! Herb of the Year 2012™ published by International Herb Association (IHA) includes the informative chapter, “Essential Oil of Rose,” written by Dorene Petersen, Wellness Expert and President of the American College of Healthcare Sciences (ACHS).

“There is a growing interest in a green, all-natural lifestyle every day, not just on Earth Day. People are seeking out ways to use all-natural, plant-based products in their daily life­–to clean, to treat, and to pamper. The essential oil of Rose certainly fits the bill,” says President Dorene Petersen.

Rose! Herb of the Year 2012™, with content provided by over 25 expert contributors, offers a detailed presentation of the Rose-Rosa, the natural and beloved flower. This book is full of history, lore, botany, cultivation, and medicinal information of the Rose. Chapters include green and natural recipes for the kitchen, bath, and apothecary.

“There are many uses for the essential oil of Rose beyond perfumes. People are surprised to learn how much organic material is needed to produce natural distilled Rose oil. It can take 10,000 lbs. of Rose flowers to produce one lb. of oil. One can quickly see why pure distilled Rose oil is precious and commonly adulterated,” adds Petersen.

Signed copies of Rose! Herb of the Year 2012™, organic essential oil of Rose, and other green living products are available through the ACHS’s Apothecary Shoppe College Store online here or on-campus at: 5940 SW Hood Ave. Portland, OR 97239.

ACHS Graduate Emily Stein Named 2012 DETC Outstanding Graduate of the Year

American College graduate Emily Stein says her goal for enrolling in the ACHS Diploma in Holistic Health Practice was to learn about wellness, to improve personal health, and to help others. Over the course of her studies, Stein says, she has learned that the body is an intricate machine requiring a balance between physical and mental health, best maintained by proper nutrition, exercise, and stress reduction.

We're proud to announce Emily has been named ACHS 2012 DETC Outstanding Graduate of the Year! The Distance Education and Training Council is recognized by both the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) as an accrediting body, and conducts the Outstanding Graduate program annually. Students are selected for their academic record and the level and quality of their contribution to society and their chosen profession(s).

“We selected Emily for the Outstanding Graduate honor, and to represent ACHS at the spring DETC conference, because she has continually demonstrated a focused commitment to her studies,” says ACHS President Dorene Petersen. “Emily’s instructors commend her dedication to ‘walk the walk,’ which evidences the depth of Emily’s commitment to education, holistic health, and professionalism in the field.”

>>Read more about Emily's experience at ACHS and long-term holistic health career goals in the full-length press release here

We look forward to reading your comments! What are your long-term health goals and/or holistic health career plans?

Make Flavored Vinegars with Herbs by ACHS Aromatherapy Graduate Desiree Bell Featured in Herb Companion

Vinegar is commonly used as a condiment or preservative. A bit sour tasting on its own, vinegars blended with garden-fresh herbs, spices, fruits, and vegetables create flavorful variations you can use in salad dressings, marinades, and dips.

In her article "Making Flavored Vinegars with Herbs," American College of Healthcare Sciences graduate Desiree Bell says of one several vinegars from the market will work well, including: balsamic, cider, malt, rice, sherry, and red or white wine. She also recommends using nonreactive materials, including the jars and lids you steep and store your vinegar in.

Herbs for making flavored vinegars can include: basil, chive, dill, fennel, garlic, lavender, lemon balm, rosemary, sage, shallot, spearmint, and thyme.

Recommended spices for making flavored vinegars include: cardamom, ginger, juniper, and chili peppers.

> For a complete list of herbs and spices you can use, read the full-length article "Make Flavored Vinegars with Herbs" here

> Learn to make DIY natural body care and culinary oils with ACHS President Dorene Petersen's article "Make Aromatherapy Herbal Body Care and Culinary Oils" here

Have you made your own body care and/or culinary oils? Post your favorite blends and tips for making flavored vinegars, culinary oils, and natural bath oil here. Thanks!

Learn How to Make Healthy Herbal Sun Teas with ACHS

This summer, ACHS has partnered with the Beaverton Farmers Market to offer community education regarding holistic health and wellness.

At our booth this past weekend, we shared how easy it is to make a great-tasting and good-for-you herbal sun tea as a delicious alternative to sodas and other sugary drinks. The ACHS Herbal Sun Tea is also the perfect way to get your kids involved with organic gardening and cooking.

Here's a video of ACHS President Dorene Petersen demonstrating how to make herbal sun tea!



What's your favorite herbal tea blend? Please feel free to post your recipes and suggestions for fresh-from-the-garden summer tea. We look forward to hearing from you.

Cananga Flowers (Ylang Ylang) Being Sorted and Gathered From the Ground

Cananga flowers (ylang ylang) being sorted and gathered from the ground. The flowers drop to the ground after they are cut from a very tall tree. The harvester, in this case a man, was perilously perched 40 feet above the ground in the branches executing the cut with a hooked blade tied to a 15 foot stick. His wife is on the ground sorting and gathering with amazing speed. Unfortunately they are paid only .45 cents per kilo of flowers.

Photo by Dorene Petersen, ACHS President. © 2011. Bali.

Valerian in the Herb Garden: How to Grow and When to Harvest Valerian

Check out this new video we posted to ACHStv, our YouTube Channel ... In Valerian in the Herb Garden ACHS President Dorene Petersen gives a short overview of the herb valerian, including medicinal properties and tips for harvesting the root in the fall.



Be sure to share this link with your herbal medicine and gardening friends! Then post a comment with your best valerian tips for growing, harvesting, and using the herb in natural products!

ACHS President Dorene Petersen Featured in How to Open & Operate a Financially Successful Herb and Herbal Plant Business

We're proud to announce, our College President, Dorene Petersen, has a featured interview in the new book How to Open & Operate a Financially Successful Herb and Herbal Plant Business!!

America is going local. Entrepreneur Media, Inc., listed locally grown produce and products as one of the top five trends that will thrive in 2010.

This “buy local” effect has swept the nation due to the farmers’ market movement; there are about 5,000 farmers’ markets in the country that have contributed to five percent of the industry’s annual growth, according to the Department of Agriculture. The USDA recently launched the “Know Your Famer, Know Your Food” campaign in an effort to bridge the gap between where food is grown and how it ends up on your plate.

So, how do you learn more about the health benefits of herbs and locally grown produce? Start with How to Open & Operate a Financially Successful Herb and Herbal Plant Business released by Atlantic Publishing Group in Spring 2011 and featuring an interview with ACHS President Dorene Petersen. Plow the intricacies of starting your own business and the basics of herbs and herbal plant growth, learn about the importance of high-quality herbal education, and gain practical suggestions for how to prioritize education, sustainable practices, and customer needs.

How to Open & Operate a Financially Successful Herb and Herbal Plant Business (ISBN# 9781601383297) is available through the ACHS Apothecary Shoppe College Store (5940 SW Hood Ave., Portland OR 97239) at www.apothecary-shoppe.com or (503) 244-0726.

Read the full-length press release on ACHS Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150190121348733 Be sure to leave a comment!

Aromatherapy For Self-Care

BY ACHS President Dorene Petersen, BA, Dip.NT, Dip.Acu, RH (AHG)

Responding to stress is something people naturally do to help regulate the body—but staying in a constant state of stress will eventually have negative health effects. Cortisol, also called the stress hormone, is part of the body's natural response to stress, but when released at high levels, or when is it not allowed to disperse due to chronic stress, it can decrease immunity, bone density and overall quality of life.

Practicing consistent and intentional self-care to support the body's natural relaxation response and to keep our body's cortisol levels balanced and healthy is essential for long-term wellness. Self-care helps us to manage stress before it becomes constant. Aromatherapy is one effective self-care method we can use to stop stress from taking root in the body.

Aromatherapy triggers the relaxation response, necessary for self-care. The relaxation response can be triggered by doing something you like, such as deep breathing, walking, and self-massage. Triggering the relaxation response has many health benefits, including healthy cortisol levels and decreased heart rate, decreased blood pressure, improved digestion and normalized blood sugar levels.

That's why it is important to make time for yourself every day, even if that means stolen moments here and there, such as while you're between clients, in the car, washing dishes or even doing laundry. Aromatherapy is flexible and portable, and it provides a lot of diversity, so your self-care time can be most meaningful.

Consider using essential oils as part of your everyday health routine. Using essential oils when you are already relaxed, such as during a massage, creates a positive conditioning response, a positive association.

To support everyday use, try inhalation of single essential oils, or, if you have more time, creating a personal blend of essential oils. Both methods have therapeutic properties. Deciding which method is most appropriate for your immediate needs may be a simple factor of available time.

If you choose inhalation, select essential oils with a pleasant association. Waft (or diffuse) calming, yet uplifting aromas like palmarosa Cymbopogon martini, neroli Citrus aurantium var. amara, or bergamot Citrus aurantium var. bergamia. Inhale deeply.

If you choose to make a blend, select essential oil with relaxing and/or uplifting properties. Anise Pimpinella anisum, basil Ocimum basilicum, clary sage Salvia sclarea, geranium Pelargonium graveolens, grapefruit Citrus paradisi, lavender Lavandula angustifolia, nutmeg Myristica fragrans, petitgrain Citrus aurantium, rose attar Rosa damascena, rosemary Rosmarinus officinalis, sweet orange Citrus sinensis, tangerine Citrus reticulata, and ylang ylang Cananga odorata are especially useful for simple, stress-reducing blends.

To read the full-text article, which originally appeared in the May 2011 edition of Massage Magazine on massagemagazine.com, visit http://www.massagemag.com/News/print-this.php?id=10853

We want to hear from you. Post your best aromatherapy for self-care tips!

Aromatherapy Benefits of Essential Oil Diffusion

Diffusion is an effective way to disperse essential oils into the air. Once released into the air, an oil's specific aroma can be used to create a desired atmosphere, like the fresh and invigorating aroma of Citrus paradisi, which can also be a mood boost. In addition, the beneficial properties of the oil are released into the air and inhaled, similar to the pathway essential oils take in nature when plants release them into the air.

For more information about the aromatherapy benefits of essential oil diffusion, check out ACHS President Dorene Petersen's article, "Aromatherapy Benefits of Essential Oil Diffusion", on Perfume Pharmer.

In her article, Dorene shares two aromatherapy essential oil blends for diffusion, a Respiratory System Formula and Inhalation Formula. The ingredients for the Inhalation Formula include eucalyptus Eucalyptus globulus oil and peppermint Mentha piperita var. vulgaris oil. Download the specific quantities and blending directions from the Perfume Pharmer. Be sure to leave a comment and let us know how the blend works for you!

ACHS Learning Vacations in Greece Offer Hands-On Art, Aromatherapy, and Herbalism Education in Relaxing Mediterranean Locale

American College of Healthcare Sciences is proud to announce its 2011 study abroad summer programs in Greece. Week-long expert-led study abroad programs include Watercolor Journaling in Greece (May 27-June 2) and Mediterranean Herbs and Essential Oils in Greece (June 4-9, 2011).

ACHS study abroad programs are scheduled to coincide with the flowering and harvest time of a variety of Mediterranean plants. Each program emphasizes the health benefits of the Mediterranean lifestyle, including the Mediterranean-style diet, the health promoting properties of local plants and herbs, and the importance of relaxation. Programs include two meals per day prepared from fresh, local, nutritious herbs and produce. Programs are limited to 20 students.

“Immersing yourself in the fragrant aromas of Mediterranean plants while learning about holistic approaches to health and wellness,” says ACHS President and program leader Dorene Petersen, “is a fantastic way to study aromatherapy, herbalism, and art with a focus on total health.”

ACHS Watercolor Journaling in Greece with Jacqueline Newbold runs May 27-June 2, 2011 in Syros, Greece. This dynamic class will motivate artists of all skill levels to record their journeys in a creative and unique way using watercolor and mixed media. Students will explore ways to make their watercolor travel journal interesting and reflective of their experiences through painting the Greek landscape and the essence of the Greek lifestyle. Open to students, faculty, alumni, and the general public. Registration deadline is April 1! For more information and to register, visit http://www.achs.edu/course-desc.aspx?pid=207&id=61

ACHS Mediterranean Herbs and Essential Oils in Greece runs June 4-9, 2011 in Syros, Greece. Led by ACHS President and Wellness Expert Dorene Petersen, Guerilla Distiller Robert Seidel and Aromatherapist Mindy Green, this program provides hands-on experience working with Mediterranean herbs and essential oils for therapeutic use, including: making preparations, harvesting cultivated and wildcrafted botanicals, essential oil distillation, and therapeutic blending of essential oils. Open to students, faculty, alumni, and the general public. Registration deadline is April 1! For more information and to register, visit http://www.achs.edu/course-desc.aspx?pid=208&id=61

Study Abroad with ACHS: Mediterranean Herbs and Essential oils in Greece June 4-9, 2011

If you've always wanted to learn more about Mediterranean herbs and essential oils, this program is a must for you! Led by ACHS President and Wellness Expert Dorene Petersen, Guerilla Distiller Robert Seidel and Guest Lecturer Aromatherapist & ACHS Governing Advisory Board Member Mindy Green, this program provides hands-on experience working with Mediterranean herbs and essential oils for therapeutic use including: making preparations, harvesting cultivated and wildcrafted botanicals for distillation, essential oil distillation, and therapeutic blending of essential oils.

This program is held on the beautiful island of Syros, Greece, in the heart of the Cyclades, amongst wild thyme and other aromatic Mediterranean botanicals. Enjoy the relaxing, healthy lifestyle of a Greek island amidst a wide variety of Mediterranean plants and herbs. Greece is the birthplace of the “father of medicine” Hippocrates, who believed the body should be treated as a whole and that food should be our medicine. This program is an opportunity to immerse yourself in this ancient land. Syros is close to Mykonos and Santorini and not too far from the island of Cos where Hippocrates founded a medical school and began teaching his ideas. Syros is an enchanting location for this residential session.

For more information about travel and lodging, course curriculum, and how to get started, view complete information on the ACHS website here: http://www.achs.edu/course-desc.aspx?pid=208&id=61

For more information about Watercolor Journaling in Greece with Jacqueline Newbold and Chios, Greece Summer Session in Greece, CLICK HERE.

ACHS in Now An Approved Member of the International Federation of Essential Oils and Aroma Trades

We're now an approved member of the International Federation of Essential Oils and Aroma Trades (IFEAT). Membership in IFEAT further evidences our dedication to supporting sustainability and fair trade of essential oils and to providing comprehensive resources with the latest aromatherapy research for ACHS’s professional aromatherapy programs.

“IFEAT is an important organization for our industry,” says ACHS President Dorene Petersen, “because it fosters education about sustainable practices and emphasizes the importance of international communication and cooperation. IFEAT is at the forefront of any legislative regulatory changes that can affect the essential oil industry. Ensuring our students are up to date on this information is essential.”

“IFEAT conferences bring together industry leaders with a sincere dedication to protecting the health of our industry,” Dorene says. “It’s wonderful to be able to attend these conferences, learn from and talk with other industry experts, and to then share this information with ACHS students and other industry professionals. This active dialogue not only ensures the health of our industry, it reaffirms our global commitment to environmental stewardship.”

To read the full-length press release, visit ACHSedu on Facebook Here.

Study-Abroad Programs and Travel Dates for Summer School in Greece 2011

We're excited to announce our study-abroad programs and travel dates for summer school in Greece 2011 and would like to invite you to join us!

May 27 to June 2, 2011: Watercolor Journaling in Greece with Jacqueline Newbold. Read more about Jacqueline and her watercolor journaling online at: http://newboldart.com/Travels.htm

Jacqueline is a successful artist and teacher who leads successful study abroad programs to Provence. I am thrilled that Jacqueline will be offering her wonderful class for the first time in Greece. We will learn how to journal our Mediterranean Herb and Essential oils, and our Aromatic Journey to Chios programs.

June 4 to 9, 2011: Mediterranean Herbs and Essential oils in Greece with ACHS President and Wellness Expert Dorene Petersen, Guerilla Distiller Robert Seidel and guest lecturer Aromatherapist Mindy Green (Also an ACHS Advisory Board Member). We are privileged to have Robert Seidel and Mindy Green join us for this program.

June 11 to 16, 2011: Aromatic Journey to Chios--Explore Mastic Production with
Dorene Petersen and Robert Seidel. If you enjoy adventure, history and are fascinated in the potential of mastic essential oil don't miss this one!

Invest in yourself and stay for all three! Program details will be announced shortly. For priority enrollment, please contact ACHS admissions to be placed on the waiting list. We had many students contact us about doing summer school in 2011, so these programs will fill quickly! Call (800) 487-8839 or email admissions@achs.edu

ACHS President Dorene Petersen Responds to Supplement "False Claims" in the Media

Supplements are back in the news in a big way! Perhaps you caught the Today Show report on "false claims" or saw the article "Herbal supplements often sold with false claims" on the MSNBC website.

ACHS President Dorene Petersen responds to the reports on dietary supplements. Originally from MSNBC on newsvine.com:

Let's not underestimate the importance of personal education! Everything we consume--whole foods, beverages, processed foods, and supplements alike--all affect the quality of our overall health and wellness. That is why it is very important to educate ourselves about how our foods influence our health and interact (both positively and negatively) with our lifestyle choices.

Ideally, we would all have a thorough education in nutrition, food, and meal planning, and eat mostly whole unprocessed foods, with plenty of organic fruits and vegetables (particularly choosing organic for those on the EWG's "Dirty Dozen" list), quality protein and whole grains. However, since many of the foods we are currently eating on a daily basis fall short of the daily recommended intakes, supplements are a viable addition to a healthy lifestyle: "supplement" being the key word. Supplements do not take the place of wholesome, nutritious foods and a healthy lifestyle; rather, they are intended as a support for optimal health and wellness.

It is unfortunate that some companies have chosen to prioritize marketing (i.e., curative claims) instead of educating their customers, but that is not true of all companies. Unfortunately, the current regulatory system is not designed to reward companies for putting supplements through the costly and lengthy process to approve claims. Ill-informed manufacturers and those looking to make a quick buck sometimes do make unapproved health claims: This is why the FDA already has powers under DSHEA to enforce the regulations.

The best way to address this is with education: For manufacturers, consumers, retailers, and healthcare providers. As consumers, though, it is also our responsibility to be educated consumers, to recognize a curative claim for what it is, marketing, and to understand that there is no panacea, no cure-all, for sickness and disease. As educated consumers, it is our responsibility to make good choices about what we put into your bodies for sustainable health and wellness. Dietary supplements, including herbs, have a role to play in achieving wellness and a healthy balance. Who wouldn't prefer to pick peppermint from their own herb garden and make a cup of tea to soothe an upset stomach?

It also seems important to mention that the FDA's Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) ensure that the purity and quality of nutritional supplements meet the standards similar to over-the-counter and prescription medications. But, this is an ongoing process that began with the largest companies and is "working its way down," so to speak. There is a detailed explanation of GMPs on the FDA website:http://www.fda.gov/Food/DietarySupplements/GuidanceComplianceRegulatoryInformation/RegulationsLaws/ucm173997.htm

It's also important to note that dietary supplements are not the only category of products with issues related to health claims, purity, and quality. There are even graver concerns with prescription pharmaceutical quality and appropriate use. Prescribed drugs have been in the spotlight recently with several celebrities losing their lives due to a potent combination of pharmaceutical drugs. These are just the tip of the iceberg--regular people die every day from using prescription pharmaceuticals as prescribed without a blip in media coverage. Off label use is rampant--that is use of a prescription pharmaceutical for a purpose not approved by the FDA.

Another article of interest: "The How and Why of the Dietary Supplement Safety Act of 2010 Proposed by Senator McCain":http://achsnews.blogspot.com/2010/02/how-and-why-of-dietary-supplement.html

Sincerely,
Dorene Petersen, President
American College of Healthcare Sciences

ACHS Vintage Logo Apparel now available!!

ACHS Vintage Logo Apparel now available!!

We are proud to launch our vintage apparel line in celebration of 32 years of dedication to excellence in holistic health education. The original ACHS logo was created by our President and Founder Dorene Petersen and a local artist on Waiheke Island, New Zealand in 1978. It was inspired by Dorene's love for the old world apothecary and all that nature's bounty has to offer.

All ACHS apparel is printed locally and sustainably on 100% American made merchandise in support of keeping America working and thriving. We sourced a local screen printer who uses soy-based inks and sustainable practices to produce these truly one-of-a kind pieces.

Order your ACHS vintage t-shirts and aprons here: http://www.apothecary-shoppe.com/index.php?cPath=96&osCsid=4fccdc41e8123a67893d4985e4e8c9ab

ACHS President Dorene Petersen Featured on KPTV Better Portland

American College of Healthcare Sciences (ACHS) President Dorene Petersen was featured on KPTV Better Portland today.

Watch the segment here and learn more about easy ways to starting using essential oils for aromatherapy in your everyday life.

Click this link to watch Dorene Petersen's segment, "Find Out the Basics of Aromatherapy," on the KPTV website here: http://www.kptv.com/video/22957350/index.html

Highlights from "What is Aromatherapy?" at the Lan Su Chinese Garden in Portland

Have you seen our new photos on Facebook? Click here to see photos from today's lecture "What is Aromatherapy?" at the Lan Su Chinese Garden in downtown Portland, Oregon.

Check out our new photo album “What is Aromatherapy? at the Lan Su Chinese Garden” from ACHS President Dorene Petersen’s lecture today.

Most of the photos are from within the Scholars’ Room, where the lecture took place, but there is also a beautiful picture of a big rhododendron right outside the lecture hall, in the Fragrance Garden.


For those of you who weren’t able to attend in person today, Dorene is going to give a complementary aromatherapy lecture at the Garden next week, on March 30, at 1pm, which is a continuation of the Garden’s Festival of Fragrance.

But, don’t worry if you’re not able to attend that event either, we filmed it! “What is Aromatherapy?” will be available for download on our College channel, ACHStv, on YouTube soon. Here is a link: http://www.youtube.com/ACHStv It’s easiest to subscribe to ACHStv and an email will automatically be sent to you when the video is available (and all educational holistic health videos we post for free download!).

In the meantime, here are some interesting points from Dorene’s lecture:

• Aromatherapy is the use of aromas for their healing properties.
• An essential oil is the distilled (or sometimes expressed) product of the volatile components synthesized by various plant tissues of a single plant species.
• Essential oils are produced in different parts of the plant depending on the oil. Some examples include: Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) is from seeds; eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) from leaves; and bitter orange (Citrus sinensis) is from the peel.

Some essential oils you might want to get started with include (note, before apply essential oils to the skin, a skin patch test is recommended):

• Peppermint (Mentha piperita), which is attributed with antiseptic, germicidal, and antibacterial properties.
• Lavender (Lavandula officinalis), which is attributed with soothing, balancing, and antibacterial qualities.
• Sweet orange (Citrus sinensis), which is attributed with antidepressant and anti-inflammatory properties.

>> All of these essential oils, as well as a large variety of additional oils and organic base oils (including camellia, aloe vera, and jojoba) can easily be ordered from ACHS’s Apothecary Shoppe College Store here: www.apothecary-shoppe.com. Just click on Essential Oils and/or Carrier Oils on the left-hand toolbar.

Two parting thoughts: First, when you have a quiet moment to yourself, ponder these words from Helen Keller: “Smell is a potent wizard that transports us across thousands of miles and all the years we have lived.”

Second, the Moon Gate at the Garden has a plaque above the arch on each side. On one side it reads, “Read the landscape,” and on the other side, “Listen to the fragrance.” According to the Lan Su Chinese Garden’s website, “In Chinese tradition, garden landscape without poetry is not complete.”

What do the words “Listen to the fragrance” whisper to you? We’d love to hear your thoughts!

98% of ACHS Students Said They Would Recommend ACHS to a Friend

After several key developments in 2009, the American College of Healthcare Sciences sees the positive results in student satisfaction

American College of Healthcare Sciences (ACHS), one of the first accredited, online colleges to offer degrees, diplomas, and career-training certificates in complementary alternative medicine (CAM), also known as integrative medicine, celebrated its 20th year of operations in the U.S. in 2009. Building on its foundation of core CAM courses and programs, in 2009 ACHS also launched seven new certificate programs and six graduate certificates for specialized training in CAM in response to growing demand for CAM-trained healthcare professionals.

The January 2010 survey showed exceptional results from ACHS’s 2009 developments and a completion rate of 93% for the top 10 ACHS courses by enrollment. Of the more than 500 survey respondents, 95% said yes when asked, “Did you achieve, or will you have achieved upon completing your studies, the goals you had when you started the course or program?” When asked, “Would you recommend these studies to a friend?”, 98% said yes, and 98% also said yes when asked, “All things considered, are you satisfied with your studies with us?”

“Our surveys and results are a vital part of our outcome Assessment Program at ACHS,” said ACHS Senior Vice President Erika Yigzaw, who serves as the Institutional Improvement Officer. “We appreciate and value students’ feedback and comments, which we ‘feed back’ into our cycle of improvement. This cycle keeps us at the forefront of our industry.”

“We had our largest enrollment and number of courses starting January 2010,” said ACHS President Dorene Petersen. “That’s exciting! It feels wonderful to know our students are satisfied and happy with their studies, to know we’re meeting their needs, which is something we plan to do well into the future.”

Read the full press here, including more information about ACHS's plans for future development: http://www.achs.edu/news/news-detail.aspx?nid=220

OR on eSchool News here: http://www.eschoolnews.com/2010/03/10/after-several-key-developments-in-2009-the-american-college-of-healthcare-sciences-sees-the-positive-results-in-student-satisfaction/