Herbalism Through a Health Equity Lens - Online - Thurs Nov 19

This one-hour introductory class explores how health inequities can shape a client’s experience of healthcare, influence health outcomes, and how awareness of them allows herbalists to provide the best possible client care. We will begin by examining barriers that may affect a client’s willingness or ability to engage with medical professionals, including historical and present-day discrimination, mistrust of healthcare systems, limited access to care, financial and transportation barriers, language differences, and previous negative clinical experiences. The second half of the class will focus on selected health disparities and their relevance to herbal practice. Through a small number of focused examples, we will consider how social, environmental, and structural conditions can influence health concerns and shape appropriate herbal support. Specific plants will be selected based on their relevance to the conditions discussed, their safety profiles, and potential contraindications to traditional treatment. Participants will leave with: A basic understanding of health equity and health disparities. Greater awareness of why some clients may fear, avoid, or distrust conventional healthcare including historical and current forms of discrimination within healthcare. Examples of social, environmental, and structural factors that can contribute to disproportionate rates of illness. A focused selection of herbs and herbal actions relevant to common health concerns discussed in class. Practical considerations for using herbs as supportive care alongside conventional treatment. An introduction to common contraindications, medication interactions, and safety concerns associated with the featured plants. Greater awareness of how knowledge of health inequities and accessibility to care can shape clinicians’ herbal recommendations. Cost: 100% of proceeds support the outreach clients in our student-run herb clinic who receive clinic services and herbal remedies at no cost. Sliding Scale between $0 and $50. Pay at a level you can afford. When: Thursday, November 11th 6:00-7:15pm Naia Reiner-Wooten is a Bay Area herbalist devoted to plant-based healing, contemplative practice, and community care. Raised among the region’s diverse ecosystems and cultures, she developed an early reverence for the relationship between land, plants, and collective well-being. Naia supports individuals living with complex and chronic illness, as well as those navigating addiction, grief, and trauma. As a multiracial and LGBTQ+ practitioner she strives to provide trauma-informed and equity-centered care, creating affirming healing spaces rooted in cultural humility and access for all.