Have you been curious to know more about where the Four Humors come from? Did you know they are actually only one tenant within a complex system that also recognizes Organs, Spirits, Faculties, Actions and more?

Humoral or Greco-Arab medicine is a traditional system of medicine that, like Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda, incorporates a deep and comprehensive worldview. It is practiced under the name Unani ("Greek") Medicine in an unbroken lineage by millions of people today in Southern and Southwestern Asia, predominantly in Muslim communities. This system has not been recognized by many herbalists in North America, yet it is incredibly accessible as the foundation out of which "modern medicine" developed. It is also likely that more herbs in popular use derived from this system than any other - through studying this system, we can better understand many of the herbs we use today.

This 2-hour class will be a very brief introduction to a vast system. We’ll discuss the history and present-day practice of humoral medicine, as well as the foundational concepts of the "seven natural things", including the humors. We'll also spend a fair amount of time discussing the resources available to learn more, particularly highlighting the teachers who are carrying forward this living tradition in India and elsewhere.

Nick is a clinical herbalist and one of four co-owners of Railyard Apothecary. His training included a three-year clinical training program at the Vermont Center for Integrative Herbalism where he graduated in 2016. He's been working at Railyard Apothecary since then. He has studied directly with Unani Medicine teachers affiliated with Al Balagh Academy, while simultaneously studying the writings of Culpeper, Galen, Ibn Sina (Avicenna) and others. These experiences have helped him to better understand the traditional herbalism practiced by his European and settler ancestors.