School Catalog

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. General Information on Botanical MedicineAn Invitation:
   Welcome to the Wide World of Botanical Medicine
   The Current State of Botanical Medicine in the U.S.
   The Current State of Botanical Medicine in Texas
   General Disclaimer for the Wildflower School
2. Introduction to the Wildflower School
   Statement of purpose and objectives
   Taking the full program versus individual intensives
   Location
   School Calendar
   Student Benefits
   Community Work
3. Admissions and Financial
   Prerequisites
   Admissions for New Students
   Admissions for Prior Students
   Acceptance
   Payments
   Financial Aid
   Withdrawals
   Misc Costs
4. Curriculum
   School Calendar and General Outline of Classes
   Course Descriptions
   Optional Classes
   Future Classes
5. Teachers
   Founder and Main Teacher
   Guest Teachers
6. Testimonials
7. Registration

1 General Information on Botanical Medicine and an Invitation:

Welcome to the Wide World of Botanical Medicine!

You are invited to join me on the path of studying botanical medicine. The term "botanical medicine" applies to all plant, lichen, fungi, and otherwise botanically-based medicines, now currently designated "dietary supplements",in the U.S. but also known as drugs, medicine, and magick in other cultures. Many modern day herbalists simply refer to the various botanicals that are used medicinally as "herbs" to make it simple. How you end up practicing and using herbs depends very much on who you study with and what tradition or traditions they derive their knowledge from. Traditional, tribal healers may rely heavily on oral tradition whereas physicians may rely very heavily on clinical trials and heavily cited written information. No path is wrong or better. To be a good practitioner of herbal medicine one must remember to act with conscience, responsibility and respect for the plants, people, and planet. Herbs have always been used by animals and people for medicinal properties. They have always been our allies. Many people are naturally attracted to working with them in gardens, cooking, medicinal preparations, restoration work, and healthcare. Studying botanical medicine is exciting and rewarding and brings us closer to nature.

The Current State of Botanical Medicine in the U.S.
Botanicals are regulated in the United States, but the practice of herbalism is not. Unfortunately, regulation of botanical medicines, aka dietary supplements , is selectively enforced oftentimes with faulty scientific claims. I do not believe in “bad” herbs, only misuse and abuse of herbs by people. Herbalism is unregulated, except in Chinese Medicine. This is a double-edged sword in the way that though certification and licensing does not ensure good practitioners and it is often costly, it does set a standard for training, of which there is none in the U.S. Therefore, the practice of herbalism is rather anarchistic, and self-responsibility and dedication is key. The American Herbalist Guild(AHG) is the only national professional organization of herbalists. The AHG recommends 1500 hours of study for professional membership. Though the AHG has these guidelines, most of the professionally trained herbalists I know are not registered professionally. Herbal medicine is a very empowering and exciting field of study. Every time you think you’ve learned something, you realize that you’ve only gotten to another layer. If you are thinking of pursuing a path in herbal medicine, spend a lot of time researching online and in your local community to find someone, or a program you click with. Taking classes and studying does not ensure any kind of job, nor does it lead to any license or state-approved certification. Beware of programs promising that you will become a Master Herbalist or otherwise, I have yet to meet someone who has mastered herbalism, and fancy titles do little for you professionally(it’s more about your own personal amusement and ego—and its good marketing!). Follow the path of herbalism so you can enrich yourself, add it to your understanding of health, help your friends and family, and be closer to the green world around you!

The Current State of Botanical Medicine in Texas
Please see the above section for general information. In Texas, herbalism is not regulated. It is also pretty stringent on who gets to practice what, where—the state is pretty conservative. Surprise Surprise, hunh? My general advice is to stay under the radar and don’t attract too much attention from them. It seems that the less they know, the less they have to bother you about. Just ask a midwife in Texas what happened when they tried to claim legitimacy with the state. There are very few herb schools and herbal medicine training programs in Texas. Do your research and ask a lot of questions if you decide to get formal training. Make sure that teachers can answer questions in a way that gives you confidence in their ability and knowledge. Remember, herb schooling is for your personal enrichment and enjoyment!

General Disclaimer for the Wildflower School
The Wildflower School of Botanical Medicine does not claim to train individuals to be able to diagnose, prescribe, or treat any sort of illness nor does it train one to practice any sort of medicine. That, of course, would be illegal!

2 Introduction to School

Statement of purpose and objectives
The Wildflower School of Botanical Medicine(WSBM) is dedicated to providing a high quality educational program in holistic herbal medicine.

The school is centered around the use and stewardship of local medicinal plants. WSBM was founded by, Nicole Telkes in 2005. Classes are mostly held in and around Austin, TX. Nicole Telkes has been teaching and practicing herbal medicine in Austin since 2001. Nicole decided to create the herb program after a decade of study as a deep ecologist in conservation, botany, herbalism, and bodywork. Due to Nicole’s strong environmental ethic, the program has an emphasis on bioregionalism, conservation, land stewardship, and forming deep connections to medicinal plants. Almost half of the program is held outdoors. The program blends oral tradition, science, art and spirit together to form a strong foundation to go forward in herbal studies. Students finishing the program will be able to grasp basic concepts in modern-day herbalism, including the growing and proper harvesting of herbs, herbal preparations, and herbal first aid use with family, friends, and clients. WSBM is excited to offer additional classes from both local and visiting herbal clinicians. The full program consists of 6 intensives totaling 145 hours of classroom and fieldwork, a new optional 30 hour Spiritual Herbalism Path and a new 100 hour advanced training apprenticeship totaling 275 hours. The WSBM also offers students the option to take single classes, intensives, or the entire program.
The 145 hour school program consists of mainly weekend classes from Fall until late Spring. Students completing the program and/or intensives will receive a certificate of completion that may be applied to American Herbalist Guild professional requirements. The program may be taken in its entirety, by individual intensive, or by single class. The cost for the entire program if registered by September 15 is $1295, if registered after September 15 thecost is $1395 if paid in full by the first day of class. Individual intensives, paths, and classes vary in price. If you are interested in taking a single class, the full class curriculum is listed online in more depth.

Taking the full program versus individual intensives, or single classes
If you are not sure whether to take an entire program or single intensives or classes, please read through the catalog and then call for an appointment. Individual intensives offer less commitment but are more expensive than taking the entire program.. The cost for the entire program if registered by September 15 is $1295, if registered after September 15 the cost is $1395 if paid by the first day of class. Individual intensives and classes vary in price. If you are interested in taking a single intensive or class, the full curriculum is listed online in more depth, and you are welcome to take part at any level. Payment plans are available for both intensives and the entire program. Most classes make at 5 people and close at 15.

Make Up classes
Worried that your busy schedule may not allow you to make every class? If you miss a class you are welcome to pay $15 per class hour missed for a makeup class. If you and another student miss the class, this cost may be split between you. Otherwise, you can wait for the class to be taught again and sign up to sit in for a nominal fee.

Location
Classes are taught at several locations. Indoor Classes are held at the American Botanical Council 6200 Manor Road. Field classes are given at the new Blackland Community Learning Garden Project in East Austin, and other locations tba. Upon registering, you will receive a full schedule of classes and locations by intensive.

School Calendar 2007-08
September 15 Early registration discount ends
October14: Foundations in Herbal Medicine( Long Program-1X week)
November 11 Herbal Preparations
December16 OFF
January Foundations in Herbal Medicine (Short Program-2-3 times a week)
Body Systems and First Aid
February Clinical Skills
Herbal Preparations
March Outdoor Herbalist Part 1
April Outdoor Herbalist Part 2
Classes End by Late May

OPTIONAL FIELD TRIP TO DESERT SW March 18-25 $200 3 days of coursework studying desert ecology, 1 day on the beach

Student Benefits
Students of the Wildflower School Program and Intensives receive a certificate of completion. Students receive a 25% discount on all herbs, consults, and massages for up to 6 months after the program ends. Students will have opportunities to network through social events, a listserve, and a student blog site so they can further their studies in herbal medicine. Students will also be able to participate in a new community garden project that will act as a resource bank to grow and distribute medicinals freely to each other and the community. There is also an opportunity for up to 5 students to go on an optional desert field trip in the early spring. For those taking the program, any additional classes offered through the school will be available to them for 50% off. Keep in touch with eachother through the student page on this website or the online version of our newsletter at www.myspace.com/wildflowerherbschool

Community Work

The Wildflower School strives to be an integral part of community health by working and integrating classes in herbalism at the new Blacklands Community Learning Garden Project. The goal of this garden is to create a resource bank for live plants and seeds in the local community. It also serves as a demonstration garden for students to learn from. Clinical skills classes bring low-income clients in from the community to receive free consultations and at cost herbal medicine. Students are encouraged to share knowledge and keep oral tradition alive in the community.
Students that continue on to apprentice may also have the opportunity to work in a sliding scale clinic setting at such places as the Neighborhood Acupuncture Project.

3 Admissions and Financial

Prerequisites
There are no required perquisites for the entire program. Suggested reading lists help to complement your studies but are not required.
Individual Intensives, Optional Paths, and the Advanced Training Apprenticeship require that certain Intensives have been completed

Admissions for New Students
Admissions process consists of an initial meeting, then completing an application and sending in a $265 deposit to hold your place. You will be scheduled for a required orientation meeting prior to the first day of class so you can go over the upcoming schedule, helpful books, and payment agreement. Early registration ends September 15

Admissions for Prior Students
For those students interested in completing the 145 hour program but have already done 25, 50, or more hours, you may be eligible to be grand-fathered into the program at a reduced rate.
You can register for the program online. Registration consists of a completed application and a $265 deposit to hold your place. Acceptance and expectations of students while part of the program

Once your signed application and deposit are received, you will be notified and scedules for an interview. Please notify the school 512.426.3113 or email wildflower@nicoletelkes.com if you are going to miss a class or be late. Continued absence and tardiness may result in the inability to take further classes. The Wildflower School expects students behavior to demonstrate willingness to learn, respect for instructors, other students, and the plants.

Payment Options
After being accepted, payments are due either:
A) In full on the first day of class (-the $265 deposit)
B) In an agrred upon payment plan with $265 deposit and $265 due by the first day of class totaling $530 by the first day of class.
You may pay by money order, cash, check, or Paypal online. Paypal accepts all forms of payment. Payments may also be sent to Nicole Telkes 1608 Greenwood Ave Austin TX 78721 Please make checks payable to The Wildflower School or WSBM.
If payments are over 1 month late, a 10% interest charge may be added each month until payment is received in full and further class participation may be suspended until payment is made.

Financial Aid
I wish. There are no sources of federal or state financial aid for herbal education. You may be able to do research and find individual grants for yourself but unfortunately I have no knowledge of anything or I would have used it in my training. There is one work trade position that is available in the program that allows up to 20% off the price of the entire program after registering and being accepted as the work trade student. This student will be able to work off the amount owed at the rate of $10/hr for up to 20%. The payment plan is an attempt to make the program accessible and affordable and so far no one has been unable to take classes for lack of funds.

Withdrawals
If you need to withdraw from the program, 1/2 of your deposit is refundable in part up to one month prior to class beginning. After this time refunds for your deposit will be treated on a case by case basis. If you need to withdraw from the program after it begins, any money refunded will be on a case by case basis. Once you commit to the program, you may be held responsible financially for any money you still owe towards to full amount after your withdrawal. Refunds are generally NOT available and any payment commitments you have made you are liable for even if you withdraw.

Misc Costs
Extra costs may be accrued besides program costs if individual, optional classes are taken. There are also suggested reading lists and the opportunity to purchase herbs at reduced costs. Payments for these extras are due at the beginning of class unless otherwise specified.

Sexual Harassment and other unacceptable behavior

It is unfortunate to have to write this section. If you or a classmate act in anyway that creates an unsafe, tense, or negative atmosphere, you or your classmate may be asked to leave the program. Any student that feels they have been sexually harrassed or threatened in any way by another students should please come directly to Nicole Telkes and not try to resolve the situation by themselves. The offending student will be informed of the situation, if there is a way to resolve it, a mediation will be attempted. If the behavior continues or there is no resolve, then you will be asked to leave and you will still be financially responsible for any monies you still owe towards to school. Again, each situation is usually treated on a case by case basis.

Please do not use Cell Phones in class

4 Curriculum
About the classes
The program “makes” once 5 people have registered. If it does not make, individual intensives are still available, but your deposit for the program will be refunded. The full program will close at 10 people. Please let me know if you need a receipt or some sort of transcript. You can apply these classes to American Herbalist Guild Requirements. Make sure to keep careful records. Professional membership standards require 1500 hours of study in Herbal Medicine. The .145 hour program from the Wildflower School offers
Basic Human Sciences (AHG 200 hrs) Wildflower School: 25 hrs
Anatomy 5 Physiology 10 Pathology 5 Biochemistry 2Medical Terminology 2 Nutrition

Botany and Plant Identification (AHG 60 hrs) Wildflower School :33 hrs
Basic field identification and recognition of plant anatomy; differentiation of commonly used and toxic species.

Materia medica/Therapeutic Herbalism (AHG 400 hrs) Wildflower School: 32 hrs
To include dosages and dosage forms, historical uses, botanical names, plant constituents, the parts used, therapeutic applications and actions, indications, contraindications and actions, herb-drug interactions, toxicology and side effects, review of the literature, harvestable status, plant families and use with particular groups such as the elderly, pregnant etc.

Pharmacy, Pharmacognosy and Dispensing (AHG 80 hrs) Wildflower School:28
To include basic principles of medicine making, plant chemistry and pharmacology herbal formulation, modes of administration and delivery, maintaining a dispensary, raw material identification, laws regarding labeling and dispensing, and dispensing strategies.

Clinical Skills (AHG400 hrs) Wildflower School:20
To include training in counseling skills, professionalism, physical assessments, constitutional analysis, laboratory findings, general assessments, dosing strategies, interviewing and case taking skills, record keeping, wellness counseling, nutritional and dietary counseling and informed consent and full disclosure.

Career Preparation/Practice Development/Ethics (AHG20 hrs)Wildflower School: 5
To include ethics, maintaining records, professional networking and scope of practice, legal issues (both national and local), confidentiality, small business management, and promoting and marketing an herbal business.

History & Philosophy/Introduction to Research (AHG40 hrs)Wildflower School: 2
History to include the philosophy of western herbalism, the history of American herbalism and world models of herbalism. Research to include interpreting historical and scientific data, understanding what constitutes "evidence-based medicine."

Classes are held at several locations so please contact us for details
Program classes are held on weekends and evenings. Please see below for a full schedule of classes
Some classes require more outside study than others. Required and optional texts as well as a full curriculum will be sent to each registered student at least 2 weeks prior to the start date
YOU ARE NOT REQUIRED TO TAKE THE ENTIRE PROGRAM IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE IN INDIVIDUAL INTENSIVES OR CLASSES
Optional Paths and Apprenticeship hours have not been added into this

School Calendar
September 15 Early registration discount ends
October14: Foundations in Herbal Medicine( Long Program-1X week)
November11 Herbal Preparations
December16 OFF
January Foundations in Herbal Medicine (Short Program-2-3 times a week)
Body Systems and First Aid
February Clinical Skills
Herbal Preparations
March Outdoor Herbalist Part 1
April Outdoor Herbalist Part 2
Classes End by Late May

Course Descriptions
OCTOBER 2007 and JANUARY 2008:Foundations in Herbal Medicine 2-7PM
A 25 hour intensive covering the history of herbal medicine, current issues, basics of plant identification and preparation, actions, properties and usage, introduction to first aid, body systems, and material medica. Open to 5-10 people. Click here for a sample curriculum.Location of classes can be found at Austin Healing.com No prerequisites required. Please go to my calender to see dates and times.
$265 if taken individually Class makes at 5 people with Nicole Telkes

NOVEMBER 5 2007 and FEBRUARY 2008:Herbal Preparation Making
25 hour hands on apprenticeship learning to make your own preparations. Each week we will discuss and make a new preparation and cover some advanced medicine making techniques. Open to 5-10 people must take foundations class first
$265 plus $35-50 in herbs and supplies Class makes at 5 people with Nicole Telkes

JANUARY 2008: Herbal First Aid and Introduction to Western Body Systems
This intensive focuses on introducing basic Western Anatomy and Physiology and what herbal allies can be used to treat basic first aid conditions. We will also use yoga poses to learn how to affect and tonify body systems.
25 hour intensive $265 if taken Individually. Class makes with 5 people with Nicole Telkes

FEBRUARY 2008: Basic Clinical Skills A very unique class to learn basic client listening skills as well as an introduction to working with people and formulating remedies. Includes a couple of group intakes with real clients.
20 hour intensive with Nicole Telkes $210 if taken individually

SPRING 2007: The Outdoor Herbalist: Botany, Ecology, and Wildcrafting Ethics Part one and Part two
A 50 hour outdoor intensive focusing on Texas native and naturalized medicinal plants. Lots of field work and walks learning to describe plants botanically and track and monitor plant populations. Materia medica centers around Texas plants and their uses. Includes work with Plant Spirit medicine and flower essences. Open to 5-10 people must take foundations class first .

MARCH: The Outdoor Herbalist (Botanical ID, Gardening, Wildcrafting Ethics, and Field work)Part 1 25 hour Intensive with Nicole Telkes $265 if taken individually

APRIL: The Outdoor Herbalist (Botanical ID, Gardening, and Wildcrafting Ethics, Fieldwork)Part 2 20 Hour Intensive with Nicole Telkes $210 if taken individually
Must be in good physical condition!

Optional Classes
OPTIONAL FIELD TRIP TO DESERT SW

Future Classes
The Wildflower School hopes to continue to grow and offer more quality herb classes every year. Please check the website often for updates

NEW! Optional 30 hour Siritual Herbalism Path

New! 100 hour advanced training apprenticeship

5 Teachers
Founder and Main Teacher: Nicole Telkes
Guest Teachers Charlotte Jernigan, Filiberto Delgado, Crystal Davidson, Andrea Melendez, Brackin Camp, Stephanie Berry and more

Student Testimonials

"When I began the Foundations of Herbal Medicine Class with Niki, I went into the first class feeling like I had some knowledge of herbalism from the numerous books I had read. It only took one class to realize I knew nothing. By the end of the class I had gained so much knowledge I was excited about taking her next class, Herbal Preparations. Niki's extensive knowledge, hands-on approach and the relaxed atmosphere, all allowed me the confidence to actually begin applying what I learned. My studies with Niki have opened up new worlds for me in herbalism, and I look forward to future classes with her ."

Scott Swanson
Austin, TX

"I have over 50 hours of herbal training under Niki, and look forward to learning more! I have always been interested in herbs and wholistic medicine, but never dreamed that I would be making it myself! Niki gives her students a strong foundation for success. She teaches everything from plant identification and medicinal uses to business savvy in marketing your own products. One 4-hour basic botany class from Niki gave me as much knowledge as people I know that took a whole semester in botany! Her classes are informative and fun and she has a very progressive teaching style. My studies with Niki have changed my life. She has been an amazing mentor, as well as a very good friend"

Mary Dichard
Austin, Texas

Registration

Registration consists of an initial meeting, completed application $265 deposit, and an orientation. Call 426-3113 for details

Register Here for the Full Herb Program

Register here for class or intensive