OSHER 65 - Herbal Medicine: History, Insights, and Discoveries from the Past

Not so long ago, botanical medicine was often the only hope for a cure, but where has that information gone? Instructor Merry Harrison's passion for discovering and recovering the knowledge of plant medicine from the past has led her into some fascinating research projects. She will share her findings as we investigate the contents of a 500 year old Native American bundle; learn folklore of Granny Witches; carefully handle a large collection of old medicinal herbs that came out of the oldest pharmacy in the oldest town in Montana; and peer into Doc William's saddlebag. We will also get to know some of the more famous plant folk and practitioners who persisted in spite of pressure from medical hospitals, theorists, doctors and associations.