Course Welcome — The Constitutional Rhythm of the Year

Welcome to the seasonal adaptogen course. By the end of the twelfth lesson, you will have built a working framework for seasonal adaptogen practice that supports your changing needs through the year.

The principle

Constitutional patterns shift through the seasons in predictable ways. Spring brings emergence and possible allergic patterns. Summer brings heat and activity. Autumn brings transition and immune challenges. Winter brings stillness and sometimes mood patterns.

Adaptogens — herbs that help the body adapt to stressors — can be matched to these seasonal patterns. The rotation of adaptogens across the year provides a varied, effective approach to ongoing support.

What this course covers

Twelve lessons:

- The constitutional rhythm of the year - Spring constitution and adaptogen choices - Summer constitution and adaptogen choices - Autumn constitution and adaptogen choices - Winter constitution and adaptogen choices - The adaptogen rotation strategy - Specific adaptogens in seasonal use - Coordination with other herbs - When adaptogens aren't appropriate - Long-term considerations - A capstone protocol

What this course is not

This is not a comprehensive adaptogen materia medica. The Clinical Herbalism intermediate course covers individual adaptogens in detail.

This is not a one-size-fits-all protocol. Different people in different climates have different needs.

What you will need

Working knowledge of the major adaptogens (ashwagandha, holy basil, eleuthero, rhodiola, schisandra, reishi, astragalus, etc.).

Access to quality adaptogen preparations.

A notebook for documenting your seasonal protocols and observations.

What to carry forward

Reflect on your own constitutional pattern. Does it shift with seasons? In what ways?

Next lesson, spring constitution.