Medicinal Plants of Northern California May 17, 2008

California is a treasure-trove of medicinal plant species. Many famous medicinal species from cultures around the world grow wild in California, and others are commonly cultivated as ornamentals. Many species of European herbs such as Arnica, valerian, Angelica, and gentian are common and native to the Sierra Nevada. The herbs Grindelia (gum plant), yerba santa, and coffeeberry were official drugs in the U.S. Pharmacopeia in the early 20th century. About 60% of the major herbs in the Chinese materia medica are available in nurseries and are commonly grown as garden plants and street trees, such as privet, jujube, star jasmine, and honeysuckle.

This experiential class will provide an introduction to the biology, chemistry, and conservation of some important medicinal species found in Northern California. Historical and modern clinical uses of many locally available species will be emphasized. There will be demonstrations of traditional methods of herb harvest, drying, processing, and extraction. Commercial tinctures and extracts, as well as homemade products, will be available to sample. A highlight of the class will be a half-day plant walk at the UC Botanical Garden on Sunday to meet many medicinal species in person. Course fee ($175/$200) includes garden entrance fee.

Christopher Hobbs, L.Ac., A.H.G., is a licensed acupuncturist and fourth generation herbalist and botanist. He has over 30 years of experience with herbs and has written extensively on the subject, including co-authorship of the Peterson Field Guide to Western Medicinal Plants and Herbs. Christopher is currently a graduate student in the Department of Integrative Biology at UC Berkeley, where his research is focused on Artemisia and infectious disease.

$175 Friends of the Jepson Herbarium members / $200 non-members.

Official Website: http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/workshops/2008/index.html