Medicinal herbalist, perfumer, and Wise Weeds' proprietress Catherine Novak designed this 15-part correspondence course in response to numerous inquiries from individuals who wanted to learn more about the healing properties of essential oils and how to use them. The course material was developed over 10 years as a part of Catherine's own learning, teaching and writing experiences.

In addition to running Wise Weeds Botanicals, Catherine has served as an adjunct faculty member for Northampton Community College, Bethlehem, Pa., teaching introductory aromatherapy and herbal medicine. She has also taught in several N.J. adult school programs, including South Orange-Maplewood, Chatham, Morristown and Lyndhurst. She has been a featured speaker at Barnes & Noble; has appeared on Judy Lewis' cable TV show: Psychic World; and spoken about medicinal herbs on the Health Nuts NJ radio show.  She presents workshops at bookstores, day spas and other venues on the healing properties of essential oils and herbs as well as personal development.

*****************************
See below for a complete course outline and
instructions on how to sign up for the class
*****************************

The Practical Aromatherapy Correspondence Course enables students to gain both skill and knowledge about essential oils. The empowering coursework develops students' own appreciation for the healing qualities of essential oils, as well as educates them about appropriate resource materials and safety issues.

Students learn at their own pace and set their own schedule. On average, most students spend  three hours on each lesson. Catherine personally answers questions via email for students who have access to the Internet. Other students who do not have Internet access may submit their questions to her in writing through U.S. Postal Service.

A basic test at the end of each lesson helps students review and reinforce the knowledge they have gained. Wise Weeds will issue a certificate of satisfactory completion of the course to students who complete each test satisfactorily, and who also complete and submit the final exam. A book report and  special research project are also required. 

100 class hours credited for full completion of this course, including submission of lesson tests, final  exam,  copies of each sampling of essential oils, book report and research project.

Introduction:

Lesson 1: The Use of Fragrance throughout Time

• Spiritual,  religious and medicinal uses
• Aromatic Roots from Mesopotamia to Europe
• War Time Uses of Essential Oils
• Aromatherapy Clinics and Spas
• Sampling Essential Oils--Sweet Orange, Citrus sinensis, Petitgrain, Citrus aurantium
 
Lesson 2: Modern Research on the Effects Of Scents
 
• Odor Perception
• Reduction Of Anxiety
• Sharpening The Mind
• Activation of  White Blood Cells
• Treatment for Alopecia Areata
• Sampling Essential Oils --Ylang Ylang, Cananga odorata


Lesson 3: Processes of Extraction from Plants


• Steam Distillation
• CO2 Extraction
• Cold Pressing
• Concretes
• Resinoids
• Absolutes
• Enfleurage
• Sampling Essential Oils --Patchouli, Pogostemon cablin


Lesson 4: What Are Essential Oils?


• How are Essential Oils Derived?
• Herbally-Infused Oils
• Sampling Essential Oils--Lemon, Citrus limon, May Chang, Litsea Cubeba


Lesson 5: How Do Essential Oils Work?


• General overview of limbic system, lymphatic system, immune system, and skin.
• Distinct Modes Of Action:-Pharmacological, Physiological, Psychological
• Sampling Essential Oils --Eucalyptus Globulus, Eucalyptus Spp., Sweet Fennel, Foeniculum vulgare
 

Lesson 6: Ways To Use Essential Oils


• Massage
• Reflexology
• Inhalation
• Bathing
• Internal Use
• Sampling Essential Oils --Peppermint, Mentha Piperita


Lesson 7: Nothing is Standard about Essential Oils


• Distinguishing between types of similar essential oils
• Standardized versus Naturally Produced Essential Oils
• Sampling Essential Oils--Lavender (Lavendula Angustifolia or L. Vera), Lavadin and wild-crafted, high altitude lavender


Lesson 8: Using Essential Oils Safely: Part I Of II


• Proper Storage
• Dilution Recommendations
• Adverse Reactions
• Sampling Essential Oils --Rosemary, Rosmarinus Officinalis
 
Lesson 9: Using Essential Oils Safely: Part II Of II
 
• Basic Safety Tips
• Interactions Of Oils
• Sampling Essential Oils --Tea Tree, Melaleuca alternifolia
 
Lesson 10: Blending Essential Oils
 
• Proportions for Blending
• Skin Care
• Sampling Essential Oils --Roman Chamomile, Anthemis Nobilis


Lesson 11: Using Carrier Oils  

• Types of Carrier Oils
• Types of Butters
• Sampling Essential Oils  --Clary Sage, Salvia sclarea


Lesson 12: Using Essential Oils During Pregnancy


• Safety Precautions
• Other Considerations
• Sampling Essential Oils -- Rose, Rosa damascena


Lesson 13: Buying EO Doesn't Have to Be a Game of Chance


• Reliability of Suppliers
• Production and Quality of Essential Oils
• Value of Essential Oils
• Defining What an Essential Oil Is
• Organic oils
• Bottle Measurements
• Sampling Essential Oils --Geranium, Pelargonium graveolens


Lesson 14: Aromatherapeutic First Aid


• Burns
• Tooth Ache Relief
• Digestive Aid
• Breathing
• Compresses
• Diffusing Emotions
• Sampling Essential Oils --Sandalwood, Santalum album


Lesson 15: Review and Wrap Up


• Materia Medica of Essential Oils
• Glossary of Terms
• Bibliography
• Recommended Reading
• Quick Reference of the Healing Properties of Essential Oils
• Sampling Essential Oils --Myrrh, Commiphora myrrha

 
 
Students may select one of several options for taking and paying for this course. Option 2 is the most economical, for students who can afford to do so.  We highly recommend that students purchase the sample bottles of essential oils at the course's beginning, as they will use them from the very first lesson. The experiential part of this course is an integral part of the student's growing knowledge and comfort level with using essential oils.

Choose from the following payment options:

 
1.)    Course Fee: $300 paid in full. Includes Text and
        Lesson Tests for Lessons 1 through 15
        Final Exam Fee: $35. Includes certificate of completion
        of course when completed satisfactorily.
        Materials Fee: $95 for sample bottles of 20 essential oils,
        carrier oils and other supplies. (Highly recommended)
        TOTAL DUE: $430

OR

2.)     Course, Final Exam and Materials in Advance: $395.
            A savings of $35. (Final Exam will be sent upon completion
            of lesson tests 1 through 15).
            TOTAL DUE: $395

OR

3.)     Course Fees:
            Lessons 1 through 4……… $100
            Lessons 5 through 8……… $100
            Lessons 9 through 12…….. $100
            Lessons 13 through 15…….. $75

PLUS
            Final Exam Fee: $35. Includes Certificate of Completion
            of course when completed satisfactorily.
            Materials Fee: $95 for sample bottles of 20 essential oils,
            carrier oils and other supplies. (Highly recommended)
            TOTAL DUE: $505
 

To apply for this course, please submit your full name and address, including zip code, if a United States resident. Also include your phone number and email address. Payment must accompany application.

To print out an application, please go here. Use your back button to return to this page.


Please make money orders or checks payable to C. Novak. Send your information and payment to: Catherine Novak, Wise Weeds Botanicals, 485 So. Independence Blvd., Suite 111, Virginia Beach, VA 23452. Please allow two to three weeks to receive your course materials within the continental United States.


You can now also charge your payment with a credit card through our PayPal account. Please e-mail us for details.


 

 
Wise Weeds Botanicals
485 So. Independence Blvd., Suite 111
Virginia Beach, VA 23452
Office Phone: 757-216-8097, ext. 97

E-mail: wiseweeds@hotmail.com

For information on classes held at our offices in Virginia Beach,
Please go here.

 

Last Updated Janurary 2005
© 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 Wise Weeds Botanicals and C. Novak
All rights reserved.