The following are my most popular educational programs. Most classes are 1½ hours unless otherwise noted. New workshops can be developed to meet the needs of your group and classes can be combined to create a series. Fees range according to the venue and program selected. Contact Pam Leahy for more information.
IT TAKES GUTS TO BE HEALTHY
We truly are what we eat and more accurately we are what we absorb. The GI tract is responsible for providing nourishment to all the cells of our body and contributes to digestion, absorption, detoxification, elimination and immune function. Our strength and vitality, even our thoughts and feelings are dependent upon proper digestion. Poor dietary choices, stress and both pharmaceuticals and over-the-counter medications are the primary contibutors to digestive imbalances including feelings of fatigue, bloating, abdominal aches, food allergies, IBS, inflammatory arthritis, heartburn, GERD, and more. Discussion centers on healing herbs, dietary choices, and alternatives to over-the-counter medications.
THE HEALING POWER OF HERBS
The
number of products on the shelves, articles in the media, the exaggerated
health claims made by some manufacturers, are creating confusion among
consumers. Herbs are powerful healers when used correctly. This class
includes a brief history of herbal medicine and information on several
popular herbs such as Echinacea, Goldenseal, Milk Thistle, St Johnswort,
and many others. What makes an herb an herb? Should you take a tincture
or capsule? How do you make an herb infusion? How do I know I’m
buying a quality product ?This is an excellent course for beginners
and the curious with time for questions.
EDIBLE AND MEDICINAL WILD PLANTS - 
Slide Presentation
Many wild plants, also known as weeds, are vitamin
and nutrient rich factories with powerful healing properties. Most can
be found in overgrown fields, woodlands, or the seashore, and in our
own lawns –if we don’t use pesticides. This presentation
introduces familiar plants and their no-so-familiar healing properties.
This program is a favorite of garden clubs.
P.S. The slides are beautiful!
CHINESE & WESTERN TONIC HERBS TO ENHANCE ENERGY, IMMUNITY AND PROMOTE
HEALTHY AGING
Tonic herbs are considered superior medicine for keeping
the body healthy
and in balance. They nourish and support the body’s systems on
a deep level
and naturally increase our energy level. Tonic herbs are considered
preventative medicine and give a healthy boost to our immune system.
They are essential for managing chronic illness and helping the body
rebuild its own natural defenses. Current research indicates that many
of these herbs help our bodies manage the stress response. Ginseng,
Astragalus, Tang Quai, Ho Shou Wu, Reishi and Cordyceps are a sampling
of herbs discussed.
STOCKING THE NATURAL MEDICINE CHEST
Most
of us have a cupboard somewhere in our homes for pills, ointments, and
other health items. Building a natural home medicine chest is a good
starting point from which to explore the uses of natural medicines and
their effects on your family. We will discuss the basics, what remedies
to have on hand, and how to use them. This program was created for Oxford
Health Insurance Company.
WOMEN’S HERBAL HEALTH CARE
Beginning with the onset of menstruation and continuing
through menopause, women experience physical and emotional changes linked
with fluctuating hormone levels. Botanical medicine and nutrition offer
natural solutions to help balance hormones, relieve stress, improve
digestion, enhance immune function and increase energy and vitality.
The importance of plant hormones, botanicals that are specific for the
female system, and the importance of a whole foods diet will be discussed.
This is also offered as a 2 part program.
HERBAL GYNECOLOGY:
MIDDLE YEARS AND MENOPAUSE
with Corinne deCholnoky, MD
No other season of a woman’s life has as much potential for creativity and freedom as this one. It is a new beginning with unique concerns, symptoms and challenges. Many of us enter this stage of life as misinformed as we were when we entered puberty. Women approaching menopause experience great hormonal changes that may last for several years. We will discuss both the conventional and traditional treatments of these changes and their symptoms. We will also offer guidelines for maintaining wellness as we age. This is a 2 part program. Limited availability
CHINESE HERBS & HEALING
FOODS
INTRODUCTION TO 5 ELEMENT THEORY
2 PART PROGRAM
This ancient healing system has diagnosed, treated and prevented illness for well over 3,000 years. It seeks to eliminate the cause of disease, not merely suppress the symptoms. This talk introduces the basic principles of 5 Element Theory, explains tongue, pulse, and facial readings, and offers self-help strategies to guide you in choosing the herbs and whole foods best suited to your constitutional type. The Five Element system of Chinese Medicine was developed by ancient sages who gave more attention to the health of the body and less attention to the treatment of disease. This system recognizes the uniqueness of each individual and seeks to correct energy imbalances that can lead to illness.Topics discussed in this series will include: fatigue, weight loss and immune deficiencies.
KITCHEN MEDICINALS
Common culinary herbs that we use for flavor also have considerable medical use. Most organic herb spices can be used to treat health problems ranging from headaches and indigestion to bleeding and acute infections. The kitchen spice shelf can be thought of as containing safe and natural alternatives to some of the synthetic drugs found in the medicine cabinet. Discover the health and culinary delights of garlic, ginger, parsley, sage, cilantro, rosemary and others. Optional: Lean how to make an herbal blend for cooking that is flavorful and nutritious.
THE STRESS CONNECTION:
ADAPTOGENIC HERBS TO CALM THE MIND & BALANCE THE SPIRIT
The nervous system is the connection between the physical and psychological aspects of our being. Recent studies show a clear connection between the stress response and most modern-day chronic health problems, including diabetes, heart disease, obesity. There are a number of herbs that can benefit the nervous system and lessen the weight of anxiety and tension that we carry around with us. This class will include discussion of Ginseng, Eleuthero, Valerian Rx, Rhodiola, Ashwaganda, Schisandra, Reishi, Cordyceps and others. All of these are strong health allies and when used correctly, can help relieve anxiety, mild depression, hyperactivity and insomnia.
HERBAL PEDIATRICS - TWO PART SERIES
RAISING YOUNG CHILDREN NATURALLY
Many common childhood illnesses can be cared for
with the use of herbal therapies. Children are sensitive and respond
naturally and quickly to the healing energy of herbs. This class will
give parents sound information on how to care for children using safe
and effective natural therapies. Specific treatments, dosage and hints
for how to get children to take their medicine will be part of the discussion
BUILDING WINTER IMMUNITY
WITH HERBS
The winter season brings on the cold and flu season. For some people a cold triggers chronic health problems such as sinus infections or bronchitis. Herbs can provide effective natural relief from these symptoms and in many instances stop or reduce the length of time the cold or flu bug lingers. This talk introduces both the herbs that are effective for staving off these bugs and those for speeding recovery and preventing complications. Learn why it is healthy to have one or even two colds a year, why some people are more vulnerable than others, foods than strengthen the immune system, how to treat a cold naturally, and what tonic herbs work on the immune system and strengthen the respiratory system.
CULTIVATING HERBAL WISDOM: GROWING A HEALING
HERB GARDEN FOR PLEASURE AND HEALTH 
There are many easy-to-grow, easy-to-use herbs that you can harvest and prepare to treat minor illnesses. This class is an introduction to some easy to grow medicinal herb plants that will enhance your existing garden or provide the focus for a new perennial bed. Chamomile, yarrow, lemon balm, echinacea, calendula feverfew, and peppermint are just a sampling of the possibilities. Learn how to grow them, when to harvest the plants and some simple herbal preparations such as infusions and decoctions.
THE
HEALING POWER OF SCENTS
A CLINICAL APPROACH TO AROMATHERAPY
Aromatherapy is a relatively new term, although the practice of using scents to heal is centuries old. Our sense of smell is our most primitive sense and affects everything that defines us as human. Today in France, more than 1,500 doctors have been trained in aromatherapy and prescribe essential oils routinely to their patients. Essential oils are most commonly used in preparations to relieve aches and pains, encourage relaxation, ease stress, and care for hair and skin. Others are used topically to heal wounds or added to a steam to clear a sinus infection. In this workshop you will learn to use essential oils to heal, uplift, enhance and balance for health and well-being, resources will be provided and techniques for blending will be discussed.
HERBS AND NUTRITION TIPS FOR HEALTHY AGING
“If I’d known I was going
to live this long, I’d have taken better care of myself.”
Mark Twain
This class was developed for Oxford Health Insurance Company and covers basic health issues for the over 55 population: The importance of digestive health as we age, the benefits of a whole foods diet, nutrition & herb support for brain function, effective botanicals for stress and anxiety, enhancing energy, easing the aches and pains of arthritis, benefits of exercise and more. Motivational and time for questions.
LIVING HEALTHY IN A TOXIC WORLD
28-day Supervised Group Nutritional Detoxification Program
This is your opportunity to be guided through a 28-day program with
the support of a small group meeting once a week for 5 weeks. A safe
program that will recharge, renew and rejuvenate your body, mind and
spirit. An opportunity to look at your eating habits and make some healthy
changes.
5
ELEMENTS OF CHINESE HERBS
THE MEDICINE OF BALANCE AND HARMONY
ONE YEAR PROGRAM FOR HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS
Offered at Norwalk Community College and The New York Open Center. Check out the Certificate Program link for more information
Pam Leahy, workshop instructor, is a medical herbalist
trained in both Chinese and western herbology and certified in the Taoist
Healing Arts. She is a professional member of the American Herbalist
Guild and a board certified holistic health counselor. Pam maintains
a private practice in Medical Herbs and Nutrition in East Norwalk, Ct.
She teaches herb workshops in the tri-state area and lectures for Oxford
Health Insurance Co in NYC. Pam is also a primary instructor in a one
year program in Chinese Herbs offered in NY and CT. Pam is
available as a speaker to hospitals, health organizations, garden clubs
and other groups interested in learning about the healing properties
of herbs.
Contact Pam Leahy
A Selection of Organizations Hosting Lectures & Workshops
Oxford Health Insurance Co Supplemental Care Program, NYC
Heifer International Conference at Overlook Farm, MA
Wainwright House, Rye, New York
American Cancer Society, CT
The New York Open Center, NYC
Norwalk Community College, CT
Madison Wellness Center, New York, NY
Stamford Hospital, Stamford, CT
Hallen School, New Rochelle, NY
Gilberties Herbs, Westport, CT
Northwestern Connecticut College
Total Life Care Center, Norwalk, CT
Greenheart Center, Stamford, CT
Westport Senior Center, CT
Westchester Fairfield Horticultural Society
Greenwich Continuing Education, Greenwich, CT
Neal’s Yard Remedies, Greenwich, CT
Edgehill, Greenwich, CT
New Canaan Historical Society
Bush Holly National Historic Assoc.
New Age Health Spa, Neversink, NY
Elementals Herbs 158 Main Street Ridgefield, CT 06877
Classes offered in the TriState Area (NY, NJ, CT) and New England
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