This is the first of three units in which we take an in-depth look at conditions commonly seen by medical herbalists and other primary care health workers.

• An introduction to broad concepts of conventional pathophysiology relating to upper respiratory tract infection, sinusitis, and gastro-oesophageal reflux.
• An analysis of how the approach of the phytotherapist differs from the conventional doctor in the management of these conditions, emphasising that herbal medicines are not prescribed as if they were ‘natural’ versions of conventional drugs
• Discussion of some of the drugs and treatments that may be offered by conventional doctors in the treatment of these conditions
• Deepening understanding of the use of self-help techniques relating to diet and lifestyle
• Examination of the role domestic medicine can play in helping to treat commonly experienced conditions.
• A review of our understanding of the actions of the herbs we have studied during this course to date.

• Discusses the concept of red flags in clinical medicine, including how to recognise them and how to refer appropriately for emergency care
• Discusses the macro-physiological approach of the medical herbalist and the importance of working alongside the patient in a constructive manner
• Lists some of the strategies the medical herbalist can use to ‘optimise’ the patient’s own healing responses
• Describes some of the key functional foods and phytochemicals that may be introduced into the diet safely whilst undergoing other treatments
• Explains the rationale for the use of complex mixtures of plants and phytochemicals
• Describes how herbal medicine works alongside conventional medicine in the management of illness.

• Hiatus-hernia and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD)
• The role of bitters and anxiolytics

• Explored ‘red flag’ symptoms which may signal a more serious underlying condition, and which should be looked at more closely or referred to a healthcare professional/GP .

• Devised a compound remedy comprising a bitter, at least one aromatic, and one other herb studied during the Course.

There is a further reading and research links list.

• An Overview of upper respiratory tract infections
• Learned how to make a mustard foot bath as part of kitchen pharmacy and domestic medicine
• Understood the impact of sinusitis and the medicinal use of herbs in its treatment