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Food as Medicine
We are what we eat – plants, plant products, and animals that eat plants. Plants sustain, nourish, and energize us. Many food plants, spices, and beverages are also excellent medicinal remedies. With a little planning, eating can become a healing experience. Learn how to turn your meals into tasty medicine. This workshop:
- Explains how the body metabolizes and makes use of food;
- Compares and contrast healthy eating habits and fad diets;
- Describes the ten tastes, the foods they comprise, and each taste affects us physiologically;
- Discusses different food combinations and how they can help or hurt;
- Offers several clear recipes for healthy meals that address specific health concerns;
- Explains the role of culinary spices in nutrition and health:
- Explains function of some supplements and describe foods in which they can be found;
- Discusses healthy eating habits and how to lose weight and stay fit
-Help participants make better sense of labels;
-Help participants separate quality from hype in herbal products and herbal literature
Making Sense Of Herbal & Health Information
In our changing times, people are expressing a strong desire to take more control of their health and health options. Alternative medicine and herbal remedies are fast-growing industries, and the amount of information now available can be overwhelming and confusing. There is a need for information that is clear, understandable, and applicable. This workshop:
- Compares modern Western medicine (allopathy), Chinese Medicine, Native American Medicine, Naturopathy, Homeopathy, and Herbalism;
- Teaches smart consumer awareness in relation to herbal products and understanding label information;
- Compares alcohol tinctures, glycerin tinctures, teas, and capsules, and other herbal products;
- Describes the similarities and differences of herbal “simples” and formulas, whole herbal extracts and standardized extracts;
- Help participants separate quality from hype in herbal products and herbal literature
Beyond Prevention: A Truer Picture of Holism and How Herbs Promote Health
Modern American medicine is one way to view health and sickness, but other valid health modalities exist. Herbal medicine is an enduring medical model that enables people to take charge of their own wellness. This workshop:
- Encourages us to reclaim and take charge of one's own healing and wellness;
- Explains how one can improve upon the current model of preventive medicine;
- Compares the health paradigms Connection and Separation and offers a truer Holistic view of heath and wellness;
- Discusses how herbs fit into all health models;
- Compares the strengths and weaknesses of conventional medicine and herbal medicine;
- Describes the difference between building herbs, balancing herbs, and symptomatic herbs, and where and when each is most useful;
- Explains how and when herbal medicine and allopathy best complement one another;
Strengthening The Immune System With Herbs And Nutrition
These days our culture is beset by new and more virulent forms of sickness, the fear of pandemics, and increasing stress that compromises our well being. Chris Marano introduces participants to herbs, nutrition and “common sense” tips that help to build and maintain a strong, healthy immune system. This workshop:
- Describes herbs and preparations that strengthen the deep immune core;
- Discusses herbs, foods, and activities that nourish and support the surface immune and lymphatic system;
- Explains the difference between symptomatic remedies and constitutional remedies;
- Discusses foods, culinary herbs, supplements and recipes that build immunity;
- Addresses acute illnesses (flus and respiratory illnesses) and chronic illnesses (autoimmunity and allergies);
Dealing With Stress: Herbs And Activities That Make A Difference
Stress is epidemic in today’s hectic culture, and it leads to a variety of physical and mental-emotional maladies. There are effective holistic ways to alleviate, minimizer and even eliminate stress-induced symptoms and conditions. This workshop:
- Discusses different types of stress and how they affect body, mind, emotions, and spirit;
- Explains how various emotions affect different body organs and systems;
- Explains how herbs can strengthen and balance the nervous system and other stress-susceptible systems;
- Explains how herbs can help restore energy reserves;
- Describes simple techniques (awareness, breath, and body) that alleviate stress and anxiety;
- Explains how aromatic herbs and the sense of smell can alter one’s mood and improve wellness;
- Discusses the nature and importance of flower essences and how they help us cope with stress
Holistic and Complementary Approaches to the The Treatment of Lyme Disease
Lyme Disease is potentially the most underrated and the most misunderstood epidemic illness facing the American population. It is present in nearly every state, and far more people suffer from its acute and chronic symptoms than is portrayed in the media. Information available to the general public on the subject of the disease and its treatment is confusing, misleading and often wrong. Current conventional medical options are minimal, expensive, and often only temporarily successful. Alternative health models have successfully offered relief and even elimination of Lyme symptoms for many people. This workshop:
- Clearly explains the nature and progression of acute and chronic Lyme Disease;
- Discusses current conventional treatments available, their limitations, and how they can be utilized more effectively;
- Explains how holistic and conventional medical treatments can complement one another;
- Clearly describes how herbs and supplements can be used effectively to treat both acute and chronic Lyme Disease;
- Explains secondary symptoms that plague Lyme patients and how each can be addressed;
- Discusses the importance of wise lifestyle and nutritional choices in the treatment of the disease;
- Offers further resources that accurately keep one abreast of the disease and its treatment
Herbal and Holistic Approaches to ADD
The diagnosis of ADD for children (and adults) has reached epidemic proportions. Conventional pharmaceutical medicine is not always the right choice, is by no means the only option, and often hads serious long-term debilitating side effects. Herbal Medicine and a holistic approach to this “disorder” are very affective and far safer than conventional treatments. This workshop:
- Defines ADD and ADHD and describes different types of ADD personality:
- Identifies a number of causative factors of ADD;
- Discusses the emergence of an industry- and media -created “disease”;
- Explains the importance of lifestyle and behavioral choices in the treatment of ADD;
- Explains the importance of food choices in the treatment of ADD;
- Identifies herbs and supplements that are effective in the treatment of ADD
Herbal and Holistic Approaches to Allergies
Allergies, both environmental and dietary, are devastating to the quality of life of a large and ever-growing number of people in this day and age. For many people, the side effects of many conventional medicines are also problematic. Herbs and holistic medicine are an effective alternative, both for symptomatic relief and long-lasting prevention. This workshop:
- Explains different types of allergies and how they affect us;
- Clearly explains the hyper-immune response that causes allergic symptoms;
- Offers simple lifestyle suggestions that help to lessen or eliminate the source of allergies;
- Identifies herbs and supplements that alleviate the symptoms of allergies;
- Identifies herbs that balance the immune system and offer preventive treatment for allergies;
- Discusses the importance of food choices and gut health in the treatment of allergies
Herbal and Holistic Approaches To Diabetes, Hypoglycemia and Blood Sugar Health
Our modern culture is plagued by a serious, non-contagious “epidemic” currently called “Metabolic Syndrome,” which leads to hypoglycemia, diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular illness. These imbalances are correctable and often reversible. One need not spend the rest of one's life on expensive, dependency-creating, and ultimately debilitating drugs. Lifestyle choices, diet, exercise, consumer awareness, herbs and supplements can help us reclaim our health and empower us to live more healthy lives. This workshop:
- Clearly and simply explains the anatomy and physiology of blood sugar metabolism;
- Teaches smart consumer awareness of trouble foods and their healthy alternatives;
- Explains the importance of proper food combinations, meal proportions and meal frequency;
- Explains the meanings of “glycemic index” and “glycemic load”;
- Discusses the importance or exercise and weight reduction;
- Identifies foods, herbs and supplements that help to regain blood sugar health
Kitchen Apothecary: Simple Techniques For Creating Herbal Remedies
(ALL DAY/TWO DAY workshop – 5-6 hours) Creating your own herbal remedies is easier than you might think. With basic kitchen utensils and appliances, a few extra materials, and a spirit for creative adventure, you can turn your kitchen into an herbal apothecary. This workshop includes explanations and demonstrations for some or all of the following:
- Preparation and application of infusions, decoctions, and steam inhalants;
- Preparation, use, and storage of syrups;
- Folkloric and Scientific Preparations of tinctures;
- Making oils: hot and cold infusion methods;
- Making and preparing creams, ointments, and lotions;
- Preparation and application of compresses, poultices, and liniments;
Workshops Addressing Health Areas
Arthritis
Auto-immune Disorders
Cancer, HIV/AIDS
Thyroid Disorders (hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, goiter)
Diabetes and Hypoglycemia
Cardiovascular Health Concerns (Heart, Hypertension, Circulatory issues, Anemia)
Irritable Bowel Syndrome and other GI disorders
Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Depression/Anxiety/Stress Disorders
Male Reproductive Concerns
Female Reproductive Concerns
Liver Health
Urinary Tract Health Concerns
Respiratory Health
Elderly Concerns
These topics are addressed in workshop format. Customized workshops can be tailored to meet a specific need or request.