Anatomy and Physiology

• The adrenal glands (medulla and cortex)
• Thyroid gland, structure and function
• Endocrine function of the pancreas
• The hypothalamic-pituitary axis

Pathophysiology

• Diabetes
• Hypoglycemia
• Hyper and hypothyroidism
• Adrenal insufficiency

Detailed Materia Medica

• Chinese/Korean/American ginseng
• Bugleweed
• Bitter melon
• Gymnema
• Ashwaganda

There is much crossover between the endocrine, nervous and reproductive systems, so whilst the syllabus presented here may seem incomplete, many areas which are strongly endocrine related are covered elsewhere within this program. This applies particularly to the hormonal regulation of reproductive function and the role of the thymus gland in the immune system.

The aims of this module are to give the student a sound basis in the common endocrine function and to demonstrate how the endocrine system acts as yet another link between every system in the body.You will learn sensible herbal approaches to diabetes and the use of herbs as support to the adrenal and other endocrine glands.