Herbalist & Alchemist Sponsors Herbal Training for Veterinarians

Washington, NJ (April 18, 2008) -- The increasing use of herbs in veterinary practice was highlighted when Herbalist & Alchemist sponsored the first in a series of veterinary educational tele-seminars developed by the Veterinary Botanical Medicine Association (VBMA).

VBMA members are practitioners who use botanicals as part of their scope of practice. The seminar program was developed for VBMA members and other vets who want to learn more about using botanicals.

The course, entitled Building & Reviewing the Basics - "Prescribing Herbs for Common Veterinary Conditions - 8 Herbs that Can Help Your Patients” was appropriate for practitioners of all levels. It gave beginners confidence with some of the most important herbs in the materia medica, and allowed more experienced vets to deepen their knowledge. The seminar covered traditional uses & clinical realities to consider in prescribing, including actions of the herbs, dosage forms, herb drug interactions, etc. The speaker was Dr. Barbara Fourgere, BSc BVMS (Hons) GDBus MOD&T BHSC (Comp Med) MHSc (Herb Med) CVA (IVAS), CVHM, CVCP, ACNEM, CMAVA.

The April 4^th seminar, which had nearly 40 participants from all over the world, was very well received. One participant said, “My colleague and I relaxed in the comfort of my office and both agreed that it was a great way to cram some great, useful, info without too much effort. Dr. Fourgere set a very high standard for future speakers.”  

Dr. Fourgere started her studies in complementary medicine at university in 1986. Since then she has studied human and veterinary alternative and complementary medicine and is certified in veterinary herbal medicine, veterinary acupuncture and veterinary chiropractic and has studied Traditional Chinese Medicine, veterinary and human homeopathy as well as Reiki and several other therapies.

Dr. Fourgere is a past President of the Australian Veterinary Acupuncture Association and a past President of the Veterinary Botanical Medicine Association. She is the author of Healthy Dogs, A Handbook of Natural Therapies, Pet Lovers Guide to Natural healing for Cats and Dogs, and coauthor of Veterinary Herbal Medicine and Integrative Veterinary Medicine. She has lectured in Australia, New Zealand, USA, India and Sri Lanka and is currently involved in teaching veterinary herbal medicine.

Herbalist & Alchemist President David Winston RH (AHG) was a keynote speaker at a recent VBMA conference.  After the very positive response from the members, the company welcomed the opportunity to support work of the organization in increasing educational opportunities for vets. “We have always had a large following of human practitioners who use our line,” said company CEO Beth Lambert. “Lately a large number of vets are beginning to be among our loyal customers as well.”