Ecology of Ethnobotany of Medicinal Mountain Plants of New Mexico

HERB-0401 - Ecology of Ethnobotany of Medicinal Mountain Plants of New Mexico

A Field and Classroom Course in the Ecological Relationships, Traditional Uses, and Ethical Relations with the Mountain's Healing Flora

Step into the living medicine of the Sangre de Cristos and explore the profound connections between land, lineage, and plant healing. In this hybrid course, students will study the ethnobotany and ecological roles of over 50 native and naturalized medicinal mountain plants of New Mexico. Through two preparatory Zoom sessions and one immersive field day, students will gain direct experience in wild plant identification, materia medica, respectful harvesting practices, and ecological awareness. This course honors place-based herbalism and the ethical stewardship of ancestral medicines.

Zoom (Introductory Meetings) + Field Site in the Mountains of Northern New Mexico

🕒 12 Hours Ahna Ma

🌐 Theory, Lecture & Workshop View Syllabus

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Learning Objectives & Outcomes

By the end of the course, students will:

Identify and describe key medicinal mountain plants in their native habitats
Understand the traditional, contemporary, and ecological uses of each plant
Recognize key botanical families and field identification traits
Develop a deepened relationship with bioregional materia medica
Practice respectful foraging ethics and land acknowledgment
Integrate field journaling and observation into plant studies

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Target Audience

Advanced massage therapy students and herbal practitioners preparing to integrate bioregional herbalism ethically into professional practice.

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Prerequisites

A foundational understanding of herbal medicine is recommended. Open to herbalists, massage therapists, healing arts students, and plant-curious practitioners.

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Assessment & Evaluation

Participation in Zoom discussions and field immersion
Completion of a field journal entry for at least 10 plants
Sharing 1–2 personal materia medica entries during closing circle
Respectful conduct in wild spaces and with community

Ahna Ma

Art, in its initial stage, is science. Science, in it's highest form, is art.

Scientist, artist, and synergist Social-benefit entrepreneur Professional bodyworker and teacher Nourisher of bodies and ecologies Earthling

📄 Read More 🌐 https://www.mettabody.works/thai-massage

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Ecology & Ethnobotany of Medicinal Mountain Plants