Travis Cartwright
Travis is a clinical herbalist, herbal medicine maker, educator and co-founder of Althaea Herbals. He maintains a professional membership as a Registered Herbal Therapist (RHT) with the British Columbia Herbalists Association (BCHA). He received his formal education from Pacific Rim College and has furthered his studies with The School of Evolutionary Herbalism. With a special interest in cancer care, he completed the Holistic Cancer Care course with Chanchal Cabrera MSc, FNIMH, RH(AHG). Guided by nature, his practice integrates traditional herbal wisdom and practices with modern scientific knowledge.
Doctrine of Signatures
The doctrine of signatures is the concept that by observing plants through the senses we can learn about a plant’s medicinal virtues. Sometimes it is as simple as a part of the plant resembling an organ it may have an affinity for. We can also go much deeper with the doctrine of signatures, by closely observing and sensing other aspects of the plant such as its habitat, ecosystem relations, smell, flavour, colour, shape and energetics to determine their broad therapeutic applications. Plants speak in patterns, as do all things in nature. By resensitizing ourselves and sharpening our perception we may learn the patterns and language of plants to better understand how to work with plants.
Introduction to Vitalism
Vitalism is a perspective which recognizes that there is a vital force that animates all life and strives towards healing. It is the philosophical foundation of most traditional herbal systems and is still relevant and applicable today. As herbalists, we may work with natural medicines to support and sustain the vital force and work in harmony with the innate healing ability of the person. It is through the language of energetics that we may assess and describe the patterns that express in each individual to then determine the most appropriate remedy. In this class Travis will introduce Vitalism and energetics and how we can apply our observations and understanding of the vital force in our herbal practice.