NCNM Traditional Roots Institute Hosts Herbal Conference May 20-22

PORTLAND, Ore. (May 10, 2016)—National College of Natural Medicine (NCNM) and its Traditional Roots Institute today announces the third annual herbal conference to be held May 20-22 on the NCNM campus in Portland, Oregon, a city often recognized for its preponderance of clinically trained botanical medicine practitioners and registered herbalists.

The conference presents the clinical botanical tradition as well as the most recent scientific research that will appeal not only to the rising numbers of community herbalists and garden aficionados who use herbs as medicine, but also to healthcare clinicians from all fields with a varying range of herbal knowledge.

Launched in May 2013, NCNM’s Traditional Roots Institute is dedicated to raising awareness about the healing benefits of botanical medicine. In addition to the conference, it offers a variety of community lectures, workshops, and herb walks for the general public and healthcare professionals seeking to expand their knowledge of herbal therapies.

Botanical medicine, one of the foundations of education taught at NCNM, is regaining popularity throughout the nation. “I think we’re seeing an herbal renaissance in this country—and the Portland area is at its epicenter,” said Dr. Orna Izakson, lead naturopathic physician for the Traditional Roots Institute and registered herbalist with the American Herbalists Guild. Izakson noted that herbal medicine is one of the oldest existing forms of health care, having been practiced throughout known history.

“Watching people from all walks of life become energized by what’s possible in their own gardens is both exciting and inspiring. Herbal medicine is the people’s medicine. It’s wonderful to see it being rediscovered,” Izakson said.

The Traditional Roots herbal conference features more than 20 sessions with celebrated herbalists, including Paul Bergner; Kevin Spelman, PhD; Eric Yarnell, ND; and Jillian Stansbury, ND; among other notables. Topics range from depression and inflammation; medical cannabis; epidemics and affordable medicine; and garden medicines for common digestive complaints.

ABOUT NCNM

Founded in Portland, Oregon, in 1956, NCNM is the oldest accredited naturopathic medical school in North America and an educational leader in naturopathic and classical Chinese medicine, and integrative medicine research. NCNM offers seven postgraduate and graduate degrees, and two undergraduate degrees. It is the home of the prestigious Helfgott Research Institute, and provides healthcare services to thousands of patients each year at NCNM Clinic, NCNM Beaverton Clinic, and the SIBO Center for Digestive Health, as well as a dozen Portland metro community clinics. NCNM also offers community education through the NCNM Institutes.