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.
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 and will do so again in 2010, schedule permitting. 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 is now writing a
bi-weekly herbal column for the Sierra Mountain Times. Chuck has begun 2010 with
an outdoor lecture on herbal medicines to the Maryland Survivalist and Primitive
Skills Association. He will also be speaking at the Breitenbush Herbal
Conference in Oregon and the Traditions in Western Herbalism Conference in New
Mexico, both in September. 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.
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 recently finished writing a novel
and hopes to publish on line sometime in 2010.
Linda (Lynn) Garcia
Linda is Charles' wife. She is a technical publications director,
writer and editor. She is a Red Cross Instructor, 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 slide
presentation on herbal first aid for Charles, and often accompanies him on his
lectures as technical support. For several years both she and her older daughter 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. She is also helping to develop the Herbal
First Aid For City and Wilderness course and her own Outdoor Survival for the
Outdoor Challenged class. 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. She will do so again in 2010. She has raised money for
breast cancer research by participating three times in the 3 Day Breast Cancer
Walk, and will participate this year 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 also an active member of the Red Hat Society.
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
resident of 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.
Clara S.
Clara S. is a published author and aficionado of
Mexican and Texas Hispanic cultures. She is also Charles' first successful
apprentice. 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 is
the official dye mistress and 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.
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.
Alexandra P. aka
Sasha
Sasha has become Chuck's newest apprentice after attending classes and herb
walks for several years. She is spiritually eclectic, has lived and traveled in
Latin America, has studied and is now teaching yoga, and has a green-thumb when
it comes to flowers. She has helped with several difficult limpias and two
house cleansings. A fellow lover of roses, she can often be found buying more
rose bushes and flowers than her home has room for. She often accompanies Chuck
to classes outside of Richmond and has acted as his assistant many times. In her
free times she plays classical piano. She is also involved in elder care.
Lauren S. (in
wating)
Lauren will become Chuck's last apprentice once
her baby-daughter Arella is weaned. A Briton by birth, an Israeli by choice, and
a wayfarer by heart, she adds a new dimension (as well as accent) to his group
of apprentices.
Lori Pino
Lori is currently in training as
the new school TA. She has shown a strong interest in all aspects of T.H.H. Her
eventual goal is not yet determined but it will include the use of healing
plants.
Schedule
and Class Descriptions Summer 2010
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.
Instructors
note: 2008 marked our ten year anniversary and a change in courses. Beginning Hispanic Herbalism will no
longer be offered. A more intensive curriculum will be developed requiring
students to participate more fully in these classes. Some writing and reading of
outside material will be required in the advanced courses.
Hispanic Herbalism and Healing
June 15th Tuesday evenings 7 pm to 10 pm
An intensive (including one Saturday
morning) 7 week course covering specific aspects of Hispanic healing. This will
include herbalism, the use of poultices, plasters, fever control, salves and
liniments, steams, diet, spiritual and psychological healings. One
Saturday class may be included. These classes are for persons who intend to
incorporate herbalism of any sort into their lives. Three student minimum. $300
Introduction
to California Hispanic Herbalism and Healing POSTPONED
UNTIL FALL
An intensive 5 week course covering many aspects of Hispanic healing. This will include
the lay hierarchy of Hispanic healers, the use of teas, tinctures, poultices,
plasters, salves and healing foods. Although not a prerequisite for
Advanced classes, it is recommend to those who have never studied any type of
herbalism or plant lore. One Saturday class might
be included. Three student minimum. $200
Ten Herbs TBA
POSTPONED UNTIL FALL
A very
popular course that focuses on one herb in its entirety every week. Along with
the primary herb, one or two supportive herbs will be highlighted. Traditional
and "modern" uses will be discussed along with spiritual and ritual
uses when applicable. Eight to ten weeks in length. Highly recommended by former students. Three student minimum.
$250
Advanced
Case Studies TBA POSTPONED UNTIL FALL
This
seven week courses open to students who have taken Case Studies or students
with a strong herbal healing background. One or 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. $230 There will be no classes
between May 27 and June 7th.
Ritual and Prayer In Spiritual and
Physical Healing w/ Investigative Techniques Concerning Hauntings and Spirit
Manifestations Saturdays June 12, 19th, 26th. 10:30 to
1pm.
The use of
prayer and ritual to help aid the sick has been used since humans developed a
sense of spirituality. As with herbalism, careful regard must be taken for the
individuals and families in need of this skill. This is a five week
intensive course in these skills. A brief history of ritual healing in native
cultures will be given, as well as an overview of Christian concepts in this
matter. The basics of when a ritual is appropriate and when it is not will be
addressed. Also interview techniques to determine whether a person will benefit
will be taught. Ritual methods from drums, to saging, to candles, to prayers
will be demonstrated and discussed. Finally, investigative techniques to
determine whether reports of hauntings or spirit manifestations have any merit
will be taught. This course is only for those determined to incorporate deeply
personal spiritual beliefs in their healing repertoire. It is not for spiritual
thrill seekers. This is the most controversial class to be taught by the school.
This course does not advocate the use of psychotropic plants or mind altering
substances. It does require sensitivity and open mindedness. It can be
taken only by permission of the instructor.
Three student maximum. $250.
Coping with Death and Dying: A Guide for
Healers TBA
A two Saturday course for the working
herbalist, caregiver, or others in the healing community who have dealt with
serious ill clients, dying clients, and the loss of loved ones under their care.
This course is designed with the working healer in mind and the numerous
pressures, social, political, legal and emotional that are encountered.
Practical methods for dealing with death and dying will be discussed, including
herbal and spiritual aspects. Three person minimum. Pre-registration
is encouraged. $300
INTENSIVES
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.
Emergency
First Aid and Herbs Saturday May 15th 10:30 to 4:00
It can and will probably happen here. The Big One.
Learn to splint, bandage, stop bleeding, while using whatever you can lay your
hands on. Toss in some practical healing plant knowledge and you've got a
fighting chance to survive a disaster until help comes. But don't expect it for
at least 72 hours. This is a full day of learning, starting at the Garcia home
and, weather permitting, continuing at nearby Wildcat Canyon Park. This is
taught by Linda Garcia, a certified first aide instructor and trained EMT, and
herbalist Chuck Garcia. No minimum students. $40 Bring lunch and
water.
Healing
Plants Walk: San Francisco Botanical Gardens Sunday May 16th 11 to
12:30
In a world
of pharmaceuticals, it is easy to forget that the cultures of the world have
amassed knowledge of the medicinal uses of plants for millennia. Indeed
today, many plants commonly found in the kitchen, in the garden, and in the wild
have practical health applications. Join Charles Garcia, director and
primary instructor of the California School of Traditional Hispanic Herbalism,
for a walking First Aid lesson in the San Francisco Botanical Garden. Meet at
the Garden’s Main Gate, in front of the Bookstore. Members
- $10 / Nonmembers - $15
For more information, contact:
Kitty Fisher, Education
Coordinator
415.661.1316
x400
Fax 415.661.7427
kfisher@sfbotanicalgarden.org
Urban
Herb Walk (weather permitting) Saturday May 22nd 10:30 to 1:30?
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 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
Guerilla Herbalist
TBA
This
course is limited to current students, former students, invitees, or persons
with an herbal background with the approval of the instructor. A mentally
challenging Intensive only for individuals with a special mindset that says, "I will survive."
Bring notebook, knife, small pot, matches or bow drill, bandana or scarf, knife, and
prepare to get dirty. Not for Rambos, or individuals who were disappointed that
Y2K didn't dim a single light bulb. Topics to be covered will include lawn
grubbing (common medicinal weeds), park poaching (medicinal plants in urban
parks and preserves), herbal first aid, emergency shelter, evasion, meat
consideration (no animals will be harmed...but the need to kill small
creatures for protein will be discussed in detail), and quick and dirty self defense. This
course is not for the squeamish. This is a three week and one full weekend
course. Pre-registration is encouraged.
Please contact the school for full list. Three person minimum. $250
Basic
Canning and Food Preservation A Saturday in August 10 to 4?
The
art of canning and pickling is fast disappearing in our high tech world. Spend a
day re-learning these skills taught by award winning food preservationist Linda
Garcia. Fruits and vegetable will be purchased that morning for processing using
pickling, hot water bath canning, and jam making techniques. In past years
students have processed strawberry jam, other fruit jams, salsa, beets, sweet
and dill pickles. Everyone will take home personally canned foods, a book on
food preservation, and canning tools. Five student maximum. $55 Please
contact Linda at the school ASAP if you are interested.
Urban and Outdoor First Aid and Herbal Survival (Or
"Don't suck out the poison!") To be taught in the Sierra in September
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 is
advised. Anticipated cost $60. You may need to pay your own camping
fee.
Anticipated Fall Courses and
Intensives 2010
Disaster Preparation Intensive for the San Francisco
Bay Area
Advanced Case Studies Course
Materia Medica Hispanica Course
Backyard Garden Survivalism (new course!)
Street Herbalism Course
Intro to Hispanic Herbalism
Hispanic Herbalism and Healing
2010 Sierra Herb Fest & Forever
Faire Survivors Reunion
July
29th, 30, 31, ending Sunday Aug. 1st Noon.
Clarks Fork Campground
Stanislaus National Forest
CANCELED
Unfortunately there are not enough people who can give
a solid commitment to coming, so we are canceling this event with hopes for next
year.
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
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 is a
prerequisite for the Hispanic Materia Medica and Case Studies. Hispanic Ritual
and Magic can be taken concurrently with either Traditional Hispanic Herbalism
and Magic or the Hispanic Materia Medica, and is a prerequisite for Case
Studies. Ritual and Prayer In Spiritual and
Physical Healing and Investigative Techniques Concerning Hauntings and Spirit
Manifestations can be taken without prerequisites as the topics do not
touch upon herbal healings. Classes
will be offered beginning March 22, 2010.
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.
$125
Hispanic Materia Medica
Six classes. A comprehensive list of native and European herbs, and their use
in specific ailments. Some photos may be attached to lessons.
$100
Hispanic Ritual and Magic
Three classes. In depth lectures covering history, ritual, witchcraft, the use
of psychoactive plants and the dangers to client and healer. Not for the faint
of heart or those inclined to serious skepticism of the supernatural.
$110
Case Studies
A five lesson course with four case
studies in each lesson. Students must review the cases and apply herbal, diet,
and lifestyle remedies to each case. All remedies will be constructively
critiqued by the instructor. This course is NOT for beginners. Students must
respond to each lesson within six days. Two missed lessons are an automatic
drop. $150
Ritual and Prayer In Spiritual and
Physical Healing and Investigative Techniques Concerning Hauntings and Spirit
Manifestations
The use of
prayer and ritual to help aid the sick has been used since humans developed a
sense of spirituality. As with herbalism, careful regard must be taken for the
individuals and families in need of this skill. This is a six week
intensive course in these skills. A brief history of ritual healing in native
cultures will be given, as well as an overview of Christian concepts in this
matter. The basics of when a ritual is appropriate and when it is not will be
addressed. Also interview techniques to determine whether a person will benefit
will be taught. Ritual methods from drums, to saging, to candles, to prayers
will be discussed. Finally, investigative techniques to
determine whether reports of hauntings or spirit manifestations have any merit
will be taught. This course is only for those determined to incorporate deeply
personal spiritual beliefs in their healing repertoire. It is not for spiritual
thrill seekers. This is the most controversial class to be taught by the school.
This course does not advocate the use of psychotropic plants or mind altering
substances. It does require sensitivity and open mindedness. It can be
taken only by permission of the instructor. $150
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. Stormwolf, Kevin Reeve, Ross Cox. The
Mid-Atlantic Primitive Skills group. Deer Runner, Kristi, Kevin Haney, Chuck
Acker, Cindy. 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.
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 Nicaragua.
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.
