Ojai Herbal Symposium

The 3rd Ojai Herbal Symposium will be held online via Zoom and in-person at historic Krotona Hall on Saturday and Sunday, November 11-12, featuring a varied group of presenters, including herbalists, acupuncturists, a medical doctor, a Chumash elder, a pharmacologist, a chiropractor, an Ayurvedic practitioner, and a Certified Nature and Forest Therapy guide. Most also are authors.

They will bring modern science, personal experience, and contemporary thought to a hearty discussion of humanity’s original medicine. Health professionals of all types and those simply interested in herbs are sure to find the presenters’ content educational and enlightening. Twelve Continuing Education Units are offered for California acupuncturists.

Early-bird tickets for general and student discount registration – for both in-person and online attendance – are now on sale through September 21 at early-bird prices. Regular advance prices start on September 22. Registration also is open for online Zoom attendance. Visit OjaiHerbal.org for info and tickets.

The weekend kicks off Friday evening with an informal Meet-and-Greet hosted by famed local business owner and master tea blender, Zhena Muzyka, at her Club Magic Hour shop on Ojai Avenue. On Saturday morning Chumash elder and educator Patrick Tumamait will open the Symposium with a blessing to remind the attendees that “the culture and the people are still alive. Our life entails protecting the cultural history and ancestry of our people, having people recognize the past as a legacy to our future.”

The Saturday morning keynote address on “Botanical Medicine for Common Cardiovascular Concerns” will be delivered by renowned herbalist, author, and therapist Amanda McQuade Crawford, RH (AHG), MFT.  With heart disease and stroke listed as #1 and #2 on the World Health Organization’s global causes of death, everyone is affected by these conditions, directly or indirectly. Her presentation, while aimed at clinical herbalists, while provide all participants with a greater understanding of the holistic approach to cardiovascular conditions.

On Sunday morning, David Bearman, MD, will provide a second keynote address entitled “10 Medical Cannabis Myths Debunked.” This slideshow presentation by the former Executive Director of the American Academy of Cannabinoid Medicine will address patients and practitioners alike regarding the misinformation about this medicinal herb that has been used globally for thousands of years to treat a variety of conditions. Dr. Bearman’s appearance is sponsored by Sespe Creek Collective.

The rest of the Saturday schedule includes Professor Emeritus James Adams of USC School of Pharmacy speaking on “Causes, Prevention and Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease,” another condition that affects many people and their families; Dr. Elena Esparza, DC, introducing her audience to “Herbs in the Curandismo Tradition;” John Hickey, LAc, and co-founder of the Santa Barbara College of Oriental Medicine, presenting “A Classical Chinese Medicine Overview of the Three Treasures;” and naturalist-author Enrique Villaseñor discussing the historical, cultural, and medicinal importance of “Opuntia (Prickly-Pear Cactus): The First Medicine of the Americas.”

The Sunday keynote will be followed by herbalist Carol Wade, RH (AHG), on “Creating a People’s Medicinal Garden; author Michelle Wong, LAc, sharing her enthusiasm for “Magical Mugwort: Its Medicinal Uses from East and West;” Certified Ayurvedic Practitioner  and founder of Mādhya Way School for Ayurveda, Anjali Deva, presenting “Creating Rhythms and Rituals with Ayurveda;” and Symposium Director Lanny Kaufer, author of Medicinal Herbs of California, with a “People’s History of Herbal Medicine in America” that is likely to raise eyebrows as he reveals the events 100 years ago that led to the disappearance of herbs from the U.S. Pharmacopeia of prescriptible medical drugs.

In addition to the indoor presentations, the weekend will feature outdoor lunchtime activities such Qigong practice with John Hickey and Nature Immersion with Elena Rios. During breaks, attendees will be able to enjoy the beautiful grounds surrounding Krotona Hall which will celebrate its 100th birthday in 2024.

Volunteer positions are available in exchange for full or partial admission. Sponsors are welcome to become involved. Please visit OjaiHerbal.org to begin the volunteer application process and for all other information, registration and tickets.