by

Deborah Daly, M.S.

Herbal Medicine

The regulation of the practice of herbal medicine varies widely from state to state. In some states, there is no regulation, and in others, Chinese Herbal Medicine is covered under the state's acupuncture license law. The National Commission for the Certification of Acupuncture offers a national examination on Chinese herbs twice a year. Approximately 2,000 hours of training in Chinese Herbal Medicine are needed to qualify to sit for the examination.

EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES IN HERBAL MEDICINE

New Center College for Wholistic Health Education and Research
6801 Jericho Turnpike
Syosset, NY 11791-4465
516-364-0808

This center has a program in Oriental Medicine (approximately 2,700 hours) that is designed for the physician or medical student.

Pacific Institute of Oriental Medicine
915 Broadway, 3rd Floor
New York, NY 10010
212-982-3456

This institute offers a comprehensive three-year training program in acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. Medical students and graduates of medical school may arrange to take special courses within the program. Physicians are currently taking the program as a postgraduate option. They will receive a diploma in acupuncture at the end of their study.

The Richard and Hinda Rosenthal Center for Complementary & Alternative Medicine
Columbia University, College of Physicians & Surgeons
630 West 168th Street
New York, NY 10032
212-543-9542 for questions or 212-781-5990 to sign up

Botanical Medicine in Modern Clinical Practice, CME

The goal of this course is to enable participants to understand the risks and benefits of botanical medicine and to know the actions and indications of common botanical remedies used in the U.S. The syllabus, audio cassettes, and video tapes are available for a fee, upon request.

HERBAL MEDICINE INFORMATION RESOURCES

American Botanical Council
P.O. Box 201660
Austin, TX 78720
512-331-8868

"Pharmacy From the Rain Forrest"

This is a continuing education course (CME approval pending; to date it has CE approval for pharmacists) that provides an opportunity to travel to the rainforests to learn about the plant sources of prescription drugs and the uses of the plants in local culture. It is given three times a year.

"Herbs and PhytoMedicines"

This is a continuing education home study course designed for the pharmacist.

The American Botanical Council is a nonprofit research and educational organization. Their publication is entitled HerbalGram.

Herb Research Foundation
1007 Pearl Street, Suite 200
Boulder, CO 80302
303-449-2265

This nonprofit organization conducts research and compiles information on the safety, benefits, and conservation of herbs. Information profiles on more than 1,000 herbs are available for a fee upon request.

Swedish Institute: School of Massage Therapy and Allied Health Sciences
226 West 26th Street
New York, NY 10001
212-924-5900

"Introduction to Chinese Herbal Studies"

This course is offered once a year. It is taught in three, 10-week sessions, and is taught by Jeffrey C. Yuen.

copyright © 1997 by the Trustees of Columbia University, City of New York