Many of our natural healing approaches have a deep connection to indigenous cultures around the world. As we examine the cultural roots of these modalities, as we deepen our understanding of the contexts from which our medicines come, we deepen both our understanding and practice of these healing agents and techniques. In this workshop, we share dialogue around the healing plants along with the stories and ceremonies that go with them from the indigenous cultures of the North.

We cover the origins of blockbuster drugs like Tamoxifen, whose analog is from Taxus brevifolia (Pacific Yew), and how intellectual property in the future of medicines from plants is being handled differently than in the past.

This interactive workshop addresses using herbal and pharmaceutical medicine to support trans and gender-diverse people, with a focus on common health issues that arise in the first year of physical transition with hormones. Participants learn tools and resources, with a focus on herbal interventions, for treating common issues that come up with folks using hormones to transition and maintaining the optimal wellbeing of patients. We also talk about basic language guidelines, consent, trauma-informed care, and many more topics that address how to affirm trans and gender-diverse populations.

This presentation reviews the possible effects or interactions of pharmaceuticals such as estradiol and testosterone. It also covers the ethical guidelines and cultural considerations of working with trans and gender-diverse populations.