Ethnobotany

This course is designed to provide an opportunity for students to study Indigenous Ethnobotany. This course explores the field of ethnobotany beginning with a historical overview and usage, and human relationship with plants and their impact upon society. The course will examine natural botanical healing practices and methods. Political and ethical issues with respect to the natural vs. conventional and the impacts of ethno-botanical research and pharmaceutical production upon Indigenous people and the environment will also be examined. , In Indigenous communities many Aboriginal people use herbal medicines to treat their ailments. Therefore, to be effective in community healing (physical or mental) initiatives one must be able to understand and appreciate the use of herbal medicines in that community.