Our
Purpose
The California School of Traditional Hispanic Herbalism officially opened its
doors in January of 1998, to teach and preserve the healing traditions of the
Hispanic curanderos and curanderas (folk healers) of California. Many of these
classes had been informally taught for two years prior to the creation of the
school.
Although primarily offering classes in herbalism, the school also stresses an
understanding of curanderismo, the healing techniques and philosophies of
Native-Hispanic California. The cross-cultural influences of European and
Asian herbs, as well as the use of native plants made California curanderismo a
unique and potent healing medium. These practices also include the use of
intuitive diagnosis skills, psychoactive plants, ritual and magic.
Instructors
and Important People
Charles (Chuck)
Garcia
The director and primary instructor of the school, is a third generation
curandero, having learned much of his skills from his mother, Martha Garcia (who
passed in 2001 at 84 years) who learned them from her father, Desidro Navarro.
Charles has treated and healed family, friends, and colleagues for almost two
decades before going public with his herbal practice. He continues to treat
physical, emotional, and spiritual illnesses in the Hispanic and Anglo
communities of Northern California. He does not charge the sick or those in need
continuing a family tradition.
He has lectured on Hispanic Herbalism for the University of California
Berkeley Joint Medical Program, the UC Berkeley Urban Botany Program, California
State University at San Marcos, the Oakland office of the American Red Cross,
the San Francisco Community Healthcare Consortium, On Lok Healthcare Services of
San Francisco, the San Francisco office of AmeriCorp, the Sonoma County Herb
Festival, at meetings of the Wilderness Medical Society at the University of
California, San Francisco and UC Davis, the 2004
Wellness Fair at the University of San Francisco and the Future of Medicine
Conference at California State University San Francisco, he has also lectured at the Strybing Arboretum in
Golden Gate Park In 2006 and 2007 he was asked to speak at the University of California
School of Nursing. In fall of 2006 he spoke at the UCSF Osher Center for Integrative Medicine. To
round out 2006 he lectured at the California Institute for Integral
Studies, and was a guest speaker at their round table discussion on the future
of alternative medicine. He has given yearly herbal seminars from 2004 to
2008 at the Mid-Atlantic Primitive Skills (MAPS) gatherings in Virginia and Maryland
respectively. In 2008 he spoke at the first Latino
Cancer Survivor's Conference held at the
Tiburcio Vasquez
Health Center, Inc. in
Hayward California. For three years Chuck
wrote a weekly newspaper column, Herbs In Our Lives, and closer to home wrote a bi-weekly herbal column for the Sierra Mountain Times. Chuck began 2010 with
an outdoor lecture on herbal medicines to the Maryland Survivalist and Primitive
Skills Association . He also lectured at the Breitenbush Herbal
Conference in Oregon and at the Traditions in Western Herbalism Conference in New
Mexico, both in September 2010. He has contributed a
chapter on herbal first aid to the textbook Wilderness Emergency Care,
by Steve Donelan. This chapter was originally inspired by his lectures to Red Cross
Wilderness First Responders. He was also a consultant for America's Most Wanted on
the topic of Hispanic witchcraft and has been interviewed on public radio
stations in Berkeley and New York City. In 2008 he was a guest on the
local television gardening program, HENRY'S GARDEN on KRON Channel 4. In 2011 he
returned to New Mexico as a
guest lecturer for the Traditions in Western Herbalism Conference in September and will
do so again in 2012. In November of 2011 he was profiled on NPR's Latino USA and
KQED's California Report. In July of
2012 he will be speaking at the Montana Herb Gathering in the Bob Marshall
Wilderness. In September he will be speaking again at the Traditions in
Western Herbalism Conference to be held in Arizona.
Chuck attended classes at the Pacific School of Herbalism in Oakland
California, where he still maintains a close association with the director, Adam
Seller. He recommends Adam's classes for those who desire to learn a strong
western based medium of herbal healing.
Chuck considers his style of teaching and philosophy
of herbal healing as minimalist. If you can make a fire, get a pot of water
simmering, find herbs in your back yard, your neighbors lawn, a city park, an
empty lot, in a mountain meadow, or in the middle of the desert, you can aid the
sick. The unofficial motto of the school is, "Is est non silicis
scientia." (It is not rocket science.)
This
does not mean his advanced courses are easy. Ask any of his students.
His students and clientele reflects the bay area in all its
diversity. On any given day or night he might be found treating the homeless,
lecturing at a medical school, making soup for an
HIV or cancer patient, or treating an elderly women's cat for pink eye. (Ask him about that case sometime!)
On his off time, Chuck enjoys growing roses,
cooking, writing poetry, gardening, cheesy Sci-Fi movies, watching the
television series HOUSE, reading Robert B. Parker mysteries and camping in the Sierra while
searching for medicinal plants. He has published a down-load novel of
fantasy and survival entitled Forever Faire which has garnered good reviews. He
is currently working on a sequel.
Linda (Lynn) Garcia
Linda is Charles' wife. She is a technical publications director,
writer and editor. She has been a Red Cross Instructor and is currently
certified with American Health and Safety Institute,
the American Heart Association and is certified with national and state EMT
ratings, with a background in
wilderness first aid. In years past she led two Campfire Boys and Girls groups simultaneously, taking many
inner-city children on their first outdoor experiences, including backpacking
and white-water rafting. Skilled in making award winning jams, jellies,
pickling, and preserving vegetables, she is now offering hands-on classes
through the school in these disappearing skills. She also took over the position
of Computer Maven of the school while their daughter, Jennifer, attended the
University of Alaska, Fairbanks. Linda created a power point presentation on herbal first aid for Charles, and often accompanies him on his
lectures as technical support. For several years both she and her daughters have attempted to
make Charles computer literate. It is still a work in progress. Lynn has been indispensable in creating and
organizing the
annual Sierra Herbal Fest. Every year she assists in the training of Wilderness
First Responders for the Sierra Club and the Ski Patrol. In 2007 and 2008 she
volunteered to teach first aid skills to children and adults at the Mid-Atlantic
Primitive Skills Meet. In 2011 she taught Wilderness First Aid at the Traditions
in Western Herbalism Conference in New Mexico. She has raised money for
breast cancer research by participating three times in the 3 Day Breast Cancer
Walk, and participated the past three years as medical support.
In her free time she enjoys white water rafting,
backpacking at Point Reyes National Recreation Area and Yosemite National Park,
and participating in an occasional community college theatre productions. Lynn is
a lifelong fan of Star Trek.
Jennifer Garcia
A 2003 graduate of the University of Alaska
Fairbanks in theatre arts, Jennifer kept her dorm mates and drama crew
physically and mentally healthy with numerous herbs and tinctures sent by her
father to the Great White North. She has also developed syrups and tinctures on
her own using local Alaskan plants. A somewhat mysterious figure in a long
flowing wool cape, Jennifer has a sharp eye for diagnosis. She is currently a
permanent resident of Auckland New Zealand after completing her masters degree in Film and Media Production at the University of
Auckland in 2007. Before moving to New Zealand she worked as a substitute teacher,
filmed and edited a documentary on her father's
wildcrafting adventures, worked in elder care, community theatre, and
Renaissance Faires in northern California. Her father has asked her to look
into traditional Maori herbal cures while she attempts to sell a screenplay. Her
children's film, The Musketeer has made the rounds of film festivals in New
Zealand. She was also a finalist in the Short Screenplay competition for
Latino Films. Currently she is master control room operator for New Zealand TV3
and working on a screenplay and a novel.
Clara S.
Clara S. is a published author and aficionado of
Mexican and Texas Hispanic cultures. She was Charles' first successful
apprentice and the first outside the Garcia family in 100 years. Clara also teaches creative writing to at risk students. She has the gift of making effective tinctures from herbs and
plants known to be difficult to process. During her course of study she has
developed excellent instincts for treatments. Clara is currently learning the more
spiritual arts of curanderismo while developing her own clientele.
Ruth McConnel
An old family friend and long time student, Ruth
was the official dye mistress and original TA of the school. While not officially an apprentice, her
knowledge of herbal use is extensive and practical. A long time participant of Renaissance
Faires throughout northern California, Ruth has a background in the use of natural dyes as used during the
Elizabethan era, as well as the use of California Native plant dyes. She is a
former volunteer for the US Park Service at Point Reyes National Seashore.
She have recently moved to Florida and hopes to open a Florida chapter of the school.
Sarah Garcia
The youngest of the Garcia daughters, she is a
former math major transferring her interests to anthropology at California State
University Sacramento ("Go Hornets!"). Often the receiver of many foul tasting potions during her
childhood, Sarah has sat in on her father's herb classes many times. A long
time volunteer (since age 8) with the Red Cross, she is an uncertified instructor in
Outdoor Emergency Care. She has helped make tinctures, poultices, and has
smudged class settings for her father many times through the years. She is
unafraid to prescribe herbal remedies to friends and dorm mates. In her
free time she competes in ballroom dancing, attends Renaissance Faires, and has
worked as an Ecological Director for a BSA Camp in the high Sierra during the
summers. She has attended the Tom Brown jr School of Survival and Nature
Awareness. She also received high marks in a Eskrima knife fighting class.
Her current goal is to attend post grad courses in forensic science.
Lori Pino
Lori is currently is the school TA.
and official apprentice. She has shown a strong interest in all aspects of T.H.H. Her
eventual goal and specialty is not yet determined. Lori attended the 2011
Traditions in Western Herbalism Conference with Charles and Linda.
Schedule
and Class Descriptions
Spring 2012
A note on schedule changes: Occasionally due to unforeseen
circumstances a class may begin a week later or last a week or more longer than
expected. We try to stay within the schedule but we also try to stay flexible in
regards to holidays and religious observances.
Intermediate
California Traditional Hispanic Herbalism Tuesday May 8th 10:30 a.m. to
Noon
A seven week course covering the history of
California Hispanic Herbalism, theories of health and disease as practiced
Hispanic lay healers, herbs and foods for serious health issues, the making of
remedios (herbal remedies), care for older members of the community, and the use
of herbs, music, color and prayer/ritual for depression. If time allows a class
on hands-on healing will be scheduled. $350
Beginning
California Traditional Hispanic Herbalism Tuesday mornings April 3rd 10:30
a.m. to Noon
A fun five week course exploring the origins of Hispanic
herbalism in California, the use of European and Native plants, the making of
teas, decoctions, vinegars, washes, and healing foods. This is perfect for folks
who little or no background in herbalism.
Students take home all medicines they make. Three student minimum. $210
Advanced
California
Traditional Hispanic Herbalism Tuesday April 3rd 7:00 pm to 10:00
pm
A 9 to 10 week week course covering more serious
health issues including cancer and HIV support therapies, elder care, women's
issues, depression, bronchial care and flu preparations, concepts of illness and
health care, healing foods, and the spiritual aspect of curanderismo as
practiced by healers of the Garcia/Navarro family. Medicine making will be a separate
hands on topic covered in one mandatory weekend class. This course is
recommended for those considering an active practice. Herbal ethics concerning
wildcrafting and patient treatment will also be discussed. Lots of personal stories concerning healings and
the underground history of Hispanic folk medicine in California will be shared. Three student minimum
$375
Ten Herbs
Wednesday January 11th 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Eight classes. Ten herbs, some well known, some
a bit more esoteric, discussed in detail with an occasional companion herb. This
course will focus on multi-purpose herbs and their use in various types of
healing; physical, psychological, and spiritual when appropriate. Three
student minimum. $175
Case Studies
Wednesday March 21st 7:00 pm to 9:30 pm
This
ten week course is open to students who have taken at least one previous course or students
with a some previous herbal healing training or knowledge. Two cases will be introduced to students each week, covering physical,
emotional, spiritual, and chronic ailments. Cases from history will also be
highlighted. Students will discuss what treatments they would suggest to the
client. Three student minimum. $250
Street
Herbalism Thursday March 22nd 7pm to 10pm
This course demands an ironclad commitment from
students to not miss a class for anything but serious reasons. It will not be
repeated for a year. This will train students in methods of street herbalism.
Treating the homeless, basic diagnostic skills, the herbal first aid kit, urban
herb foraging, seasonal disorders, street infiltration techniques, simple
healthy food preparation for the sick and homeless, the ethics of self-defense,
herbs for mental health, dealing with civil authorities will be covered. Expect
to read some handouts after class. This is not necessarily for the idealistic
and certainly not the naive. It is for the brave and the dedicated. No theory is
taught. There are NO prerequisites for this course, but a little herbal
knowledge would be helpful. If you have none, don't worry you will learn it. If
you plan to spend your days and nights being part of OCCUPY (NAME YOUR FAVORITE
EVIL ORGANIZATION OR CITY) and expect me to cut you some slack on missing
classes, don't bother taking this course. I don't care what side you are on. I
care only that you will be able to treat the sick and homeless successfully and
efficiently. If you are squeamish about the sight and smell of pee, shit, and
vomit, don't waste your money. You are not cut out for this. If on the other
hand a part of you is sympathetic to Robin Hood, Batman, Edward Abbey, Mother
Teresa, Sarah Connor, Tom Brown jr., and Michael Moore (the herbalist...not that
fat egotistic documentary maker) you might pass this course. This the most
expensive course taught, so payment can be made in two parts. If a you are
willing to spend some time working in a muddy garden the instructor is willing
to knock off a few bucks (read $25-$45). One weekend class is mandatory. This a
15 week course. Three
student minimum. It will begin on time. $550
Ritual and Prayer In
Healing and Investigative Techniques Concerning Hauntings Friday March
23rd 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm
This course can be taken without prerequisites as the topics do not
touch upon herbal healings though the use of a few herbs will be discussed. It
is the most controversial class taught at this school. Limpias, barridas, hands
on healing, counter spells will be discussed and shown. Cultural and religious
sensitivities are also taken into consideration. The use of psychotropic plants
will be explored. Students interested in these classes should contact the
instructor before considering enrolling. A solid commitment must be made
to attend each class for 8 weeks (holidays will be honored). This course is not
for spiritual thrill seekers but those willing to explore ancient concepts of
healing. Three student minimum. $450
INTENSIVES Spring 2012
These are focused treatments of particular aspects in Hispanic healing,
herbalism, self reliance, and health care. They
will be offered throughout the year depending on weather and student interest,
usually on a weekend.
Private Intensives can be scheduled by groups and organizations. With the
exception of Intuitive Diagnosis and Tracking they are usually open to the public without
prerequisites.
Disaster Preparation
for the San Francisco
Bay Area Sunday March 25th 10:30am to 2:30pm or later Let's
admit it. We only become concerned about disasters hitting our beloved San
Francisco Bay Area when we see some poor third world city crushed, burned, or
drowned by some natural disaster. At which point we go out and buy extra Spam
and crackers. Okay maybe a few Healthy Choice Meals also. Take two a Sunday off and learn what you really need to have for those first 72 (or more) hours.
Consider escape routes if feasible. Where do you store supplies and how much. If
injured and alone can you fend for yourself? Do you have a pet to consider? Do
you have aged parents? What important papers should you keep in a bank vault or
on your person? Are you really prepared for a quake, fire, biological threat,
dirty bomb, flu pandemic (or in current popular fiction zombies!!!)? What
is essential for your BOB? (Bug Out Bag.) Pre-registration is suggested.
Three student minimum. $150
Emergency Medicine
Making Saturday
April 14th 10:30 to early afternoon
In
an emergency you aren't going drive to the high Sierra to find medicinal plants.
If you're smart you'll start in your own neighborhood. Come learn the fine art
of park poaching, lawn grubbing, and tree sharing in the 9th most dangerous town
in
America. Herbs are where you find them. Then learn how to make practical field
expedient medicines. Take what you learn back home and start
planning your own herbal commando raids. All is fair in love and herbalism.
Three student minimum. Bring snacks and water. It will be a long day. $75
Urban
Herb Walk Sunday April 15th 11am to 1:30pm
In
an emergency you aren't going drive to the high Sierra to find medicinal plants.
If you're smart you'll start in your own neighborhood. Come learn the fine art
of park poaching, lawn grubbing, and tree sharing in the 9th most dangerous town
in
America. Herbs are where you find them. Take what you learn back home and start
planning your own herbal commando raids. All is fair in love and herbalism.
Three student minimum. Bring snacks and water. $50
The
Gentle Survivalist's Garden Saturday April 28th 11am to 2:30pm
Grubbing
for medicinal plants is all good and fine but wouldn't it be easier just to grow
them? Can you substitute some of your spices for an decent antiseptic? Can you
do more with that pepper than just eat it? Bring a notebook and take a walk thru
Chuck's weedy little garden where every plant (except the nutgrass) has a
purpose. Join us for an informational morning and early afternoon.
Three student minimum. $100
Urban and Outdoor First Aid and Herbal Survival (Or
"Don't suck out the poison!") TBA LATE Spring 2012
This is a hands-on class! No
one should deal with medical emergencies without an up to date first aid kit and
some basic knowledge of first aid. Unfortunately individuals are often thrust
into situations where both a kit and knowledge are sadly lacking. Urban and
Outdoor Herbal survival will not alleviate the need for life saving gear,
but it can enhance chances of survival if you do not have it. Student will be taught to
create a custom first aid kit small enough to fit in a wide-mouth Nalgene jar,
make splints, and wound dressings, as well herbal remedies for pain and
bleeding. Taught by Linda
and Charles, this class officially combines their skills for the public for the
first time. Urban survivalists, long hike solo backpackers, outdoor group leaders, WFR graduates, are encouraged
to apply. A full 3 day weekend is required for this class. Pre-registration
and payment is
advised. Anticipated cost $250. You will need to pay your own camping
fee. Class will be held in the High Sierra. Hope you enjoy beautiful summer/autumn
nights, campfire, stew, and sleeping in a tent (not ours). No minimum
students.
Sierra
Summer Herb and Primitive Skills Fest
2012
August 15th-19th
The 2011 Sierra Summer Herb and
Primitive Skills Fest was a great success in 2011 with
over 20 adult attendees. Along with herb lectures and medicine making, primitive
fire making was taught using flint and steel, along with the bow drill, Dutch
oven baking provided excellent cornbread at dinner, a fermentation class was exceptionally
popular and was taught twice. The Bowie knife dueling primer will become a
legend in years to come. Glass knapping, women's defensive knife fighting, fiber
and wool spinning, as well as wilderness wound care was also demonstrated. The
weather was wonderful with a bit of a chill at night. The campfire conversation
ranged from ghost stories to basic Buddhist tenets. New friendships were
made and old friendships re-established. We are hoping to add other classes
including Building Your Bug Out Kit, Knife Forging, Old Time Medicine Making,
Escape and Evasion, Native Herbal Fishing (in memory of Ernie Baker) and
Tracking, and Drum Healing. We are
again asking $55 dollars per person to help us offset the cost of two group
camping sites. Please let us know ASAP if you are considering joining us. As
always attendance is limited to 20-25 persons.
Check back for more information in
early Spring.
Class Settings
We understand that evening classes are difficult for working adults, so we
have taken steps to relieve the stress by teaching small classes at my home
in Richmond in an informal, but informative, manner. Light
refreshments are usually served. My home is at 2801 Lincoln Avenue,
in Richmond. I am willing to pick up
students who come to the Richmond BART station at least 15 minutes before class
begins.
Outdoor classes are taught at nearby Wildcat Canyon Park or in nearby Marin
County
at Samuel P. Taylor State Park.
Privacy
and Confidentiality Policy
Due to
the often times personal information given in classes and courses, students are
asked to keep confidential all matters discussed in class. What is said here,
stays here. This does not include herbal information.
Payment Policy
Bring full payment at the first class meeting (unless other
arrangements have been made in advance.) This is unfortunate, but too many students have failed to meet their financial
obligations. Complete payment is expected before the final class date.
Occasionally a student has requested a scholarship to begin studies.
Scholarships are not given by the school, but a reduction or a full waiver of fees maybe given
to a student due to hardship issues. This is very seldom done. If you can afford
food, booze and recreational smoking herbs, you can eliminate liquor and pot to
help pay for your tuition. Hardship cases willing to help in the herb garden are
always given first consideration. Please
make all checks payable to Charles R. Garcia.
On-Line
Classes Classes Starts Now!
Due to numerous requests for a correspondence course, The California School
of Traditional Hispanic Herbalism has offered on-line classes since April, 1998.
Lectures are sent to students weekly via e-mail. Questions and comments are
expected within four days for inclusion in the following lecture. Failure to
respond to two classes in a row will result in the student being dropped from
the course. There are no refunds if a student is dropped. Classes are offered
continually through the year.
Traditional Hispanic Herbalism and Magic
Seven classes. History of California Hispanic herbalism. The hierarchy of lay
healers. Poultices, teas, decoctions, wines, vinegars, folklore, ritual, magic,
poisons as used in healing, cultural concepts of illness, treatment of serious
ailments. Photo attachments of some herbs may be sent with the lecture.
$175
Hispanic Materia Medica
Six classes. A list of Native and European herbs, used in Hispanic healing
for specific ailments. Some photos may be attached to lessons.
$150
Ten Herbs
Ten lectures. Ten herbs, some well known, some
a bit more esoteric, discussed in detail with an occasional companion herb. This
course will focus on multi-purpose herbs and their use in various types of
healing; physical, psychological, and spiritual when appropriate. $150
Prayer, Ritual & Hauntings
Five classes. The study of cultural
uses of prayer and ritual for healing purposes within the Hispanic culture, as
used by curanderos and curanderas.
$250
Registration
and Payment Policy for On-line
Classes
To register for future classes please contact the school by
phone or e-mail first. Full payment is expected before the first lecture is sent. This is
unfortunate, but many on-line students have not met their financial obligations
over the years. Complete payment is expected before the end of the course. Please make
all checks payable to Charles R. Garcia. 2801 Lincoln Avenue, Richmond
CA 94804
Special Classes
Special classes and lectures on various topics of Hispanic herbalism can be
arranged for groups of five persons or more. Name the topic and I will let
you know if I lecture on it. Please contact the school
directly for details.
A Word on Certification
Many herbal schools give certificates of completion or certification documents.
In California this means literally nothing, as the state does not recognize
herbalism unless practiced in conjunction with Traditional Chinese Medicine and acupuncture. The
practice of alternative medicine is tolerated as long as practioners do not
diagnose or make claims of cures. For the current legal status of alternative
and complementary medicine in this state please see California BILL SB 577 as
passed by the legislature in 2002.
Students who complete several courses at this school receive a small leather
medicine pouch in recognition of their efforts. Several former students have
continued their education at other institutions, some are practicing healers,
two are doctors, most use what they have learned to help family and friends.
If you absolutely need a certificate I would be
happy to make one up listing the courses you took and presumably passed. If you
sat like a lump, never asked a question, or fell asleep during one of the many
fascinating lectures don't ask for a certificate.
Contacting Us
E-Mail: curandero50@gmail.com
Phone: (510) 233-5837 Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Pacific Time
Regular Mail:
California School of Traditional Hispanic Herbalism
2801 Lincoln Avenue
Richmond,
CA 94804
Note: Please leave clear phone messages.
Do not rush through your request. Your call will be returned in
time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Over the years
the same questions have arisen concerning classes, information on
curanderismo, and research information. To save time, the most common
questions and my answers are listed below.
1. Can you send
me a catalog of classes, costs, and class dates?
No, I cannot.
All the information concerning current classes and online classes is on
this website. This includes scheduled topics, dates, costs, and
payment policy. Please print these pages for your convenience and future
reference. The California School of Traditional Hispanic Herbalism keeps costs
low by NOT printing brochures and catalogs.
2. Why are
classes so expensive?
They are not.
They are some of the most reasonably priced classes in the United States.
3. Can you
put me in touch with other curanderos and curanderas in my area?
I am sorry, but
curanderos and curanderas do not usually network. I suggest you start
with a local Hispanic herb store, often called a yerberito or botanica for
local references.
4. Will I
be a curandero or curandera after taking your course?
Absolutely not. You will have a decent understanding of curanderismo as practiced
in California.
5. Can I be
an apprentice as a curandero or curandera?
My current apprentices took several courses over several years before I
chose them.
6. Are
there text books for your courses?
No, but I do recommend the following books for your personal collection and
use. Anything by Michael Moore of the Southwest School of Botanical
Medicine. The Complete Guide To Medicinal Herbs, by Penelope Ody. Wise
Woman Healing, by Susun S. Weed. Edible and Medicinal Plants of the
West, by Gregory L. Tilford. The Scientific Validation of Herbal
Medicine, by Daniel B. Mowrey, Ph.D. The Male Herbal, by James
Green. Mother Nature's Herbal, by Judy Griffin, Ph.D. Infusions Of
Healing, by Joie Davidow. The Complete Woman's Herbal, by Anne
McIntyre. Those are a good start.
7. I
am doing a research paper on curanderismo and Hispanic herbalism. Can
you tell me what you know or where I can find information on the topic?
I can tell you
what I know if you are willing to take the time and be trained or sign up for
my classes as I have not yet written the definitive book on the topic.
For an overview of the subject, I suggest you read:
Infusions of
Healing by Joie Davidow
Mexican-American
Folklore by John O. West
Witchcraft
Along the Rio Grande by
Marc Simmons
Curanderismo:
Mexican-American Folkhealing,
2nd edition, by Robert T. Trotter (though I disagree with the methodology he
uses in his studies)
Homegrown
Healing: Traditional Home Remedies from Mexico,
by Annette Sandoval
You can also
peruse the extensive database at Baylor University School of Nursing for
excellent information concerning Hispanic folk medicine.
http://www.rice.edu/projects/HispanicHealth/Courses/mod7/mod7.html
8. Are you
available for lectures?
Yes, I am, though
I am no longer willing to drive several hundred miles on my own nickel to do
it. Pay for plane fare to and from, a hotel if it's outside of
California, and a cup of coffee, and I would be more than happy to lecture
your class or organization.
9. Will you
do health consultations over the phone or on-line?
No. It's
unethical to diagnose a patient without actually seeing him or her and getting
complete background information--physical, emotional, and spiritual.
10. Are
classes given in English or Spanish?
All classes are given in English.
11. Where
are classes taught?
With the exception of herb walks and
the Sierra Herbal Fest, all classes are held at my home in Richmond Ca.
12.
Will I be qualified to run an herbal business when I've completed courses?
Not in the least. If you want to run a business, take business courses at your
local community college.
You will be able to care for the sick which is ultimately
more gratifying. In the words of Adam Seller of the Pacific School of Herbal
Medicine, "Don't quit your day job."
13. Can my
child attend classes with me?
Unless your child is very well behaved and can stay awake or stay still during
a two and a half hour class week after week I don't recommend it. Occasionally
my wife would be willing to baby-sit if your child care falls through for a
night, but it will not be a regular service.
14.
Are you a psychic? Do you do readings? Will you investigate paranormal
activities?
No and no. I will investigate some claims of paranormal activity if it
pertains to treating an individual or family. Be prepared for a long
investigation with hundreds of questions about yourself. Otherwise please
don't waste my time or yours.
15.
Do you sell herbal products?
No.
16.
Do you offer clinical training?
Not as such. My apprentices and some select students are offered an
opportunity to work with me on various cases. Because of the nature of my
practice, an ongoing clinical studies course is not practical.
17.
Can I make payments for classes?
When you come to class bring a notebook and checkbook. If you forget a
notebook I will provide one. If you forget your checkbook, don't even walk
through the door.
18. Do you
provide scholarships for hardship cases?
I will occasionally reduce fees for students who are dedicated to studying
herbalism or eliminated the fee altogether, but I have found very few students willing to fully dedicate
themselves to study if this is done. If you can afford illicit recreational
herbs or legal mind altering drinks, you can afford to pay tuition for
classes. If you are willing to pay, you are willing to stay.
19. I am
required to take classes in spirituality?
You are required to sit through one
class which deals with the spiritual aspects of curanderismo and spiritual
healing. You are not required to take part in any ceremonies, prayers,
drumming, or passing out of literature on street corners, BART stations, or
airports which we don't do anyway.
20. What type of students do you get in your classes?
Human. Tall, short, fat,
thin, young, not so young, gay, straight, in transition, vegan, omnivorous,
married, single, divorced, widowed, conservative, liberal, anarchist,
idealist, cynical, musical and tone deaf. We get pretty much the broad
spectrum of humanity.
Additional
Interesting Links
Acknowledgments
Over the years I have received support from
many people, not only about my herbalism, but also about the life I lead. My
wife Lynn, my daughters Jennifer and Sarah, have always loved and supported the
aims of this somewhat odd man. My mom, Martha Garcia, in her last years shared a
great deal of knowledge about her father, her childhood, and her belief in
the goodness of the universe. Adam Seller who was my first guide into modern
herbalism and became a mentor and friend as well. Karen Roberts MD, whose
friendship has never wavered over thirty-five years. The Peanut Gallery...you know
who you are. The Trackers. Tom Brown jr, Stormwolf, Kevin Reeve, Ross Cox. The
Mid-Atlantic Primitive Skills group. Deer Runner, Kristi Schilling, Kevin Haney,
Ed Binns, Chuck
Acker, Cindy Suter. Janis Ethier who never gave up the search. The late
Ann Larricq, friend and healer. Sylvia Ford. Ruth McConnel. Karla, Clara,
Alexandra Phetteplace.
Dr. Michael Bachman, Wendy Maron, Dr. Jennifer Byrd. Judy Rishel who taught me all I know about special
education. Cathy Rybka, my first and dearest Tracker friend and adopted
daughter. Kate Breckenridge. The somewhat
mysterious and legendary Elroy C. Leppard who taught me the double tap. Steve
Donelan, who gave me the chance to write a chapter for a national text. And last
but not least, those teachers in grade school, high school and college who
believed I'd do something good in my life.
The Wall of Honor: We honor students who
have gone beyond the call of Duty.
Lori Pino friend and aide extraordinaire.
Kimmy of the Northwest: Orthopedic and
Pediatric Nurse
Anne of Maryland: East coast aide extraordinaire.
Virginia of Pennsylvania: East coast aide extraordinaire.
Yael of the Southwest via
Israel...herbalist of two deserts.
Joe Schilling of Maryland: Knife maker to the Plantman.
Chuck Acker: Survivor of the Battle of
Black Point.
Dr. Tania Neubauer of Portland.
Eric Smith of China...a long way from the
Motherlode.
Lauren Samuels of San Francisco, via Israel, via
Britain, first graduate of the Street Herbalism Course. Sorry I ever doubted
you.
Missy of the South Bay. Magic heart, magic
hands.
Kaya Kismet, teaching a new generation
about the outdoors.
Kiva Rose herbalist of the magic mountains.
Jesse Wolf husband to Kiva Rose and herbal
mountain man.
