I'd like you to take a minute and think back on what you've learned so far in this class. What is a key takeaway that you would share about botanical medicine? Up to this point, we have focused on establishing some key foundations of knowledge about botanical medicine. These include: differences between botanicals and pharmaceuticals, how to evaluate the evidence base, safety issues and quality measures, and botanical actions and preparations. We've also established that your role as a healthcare provider is to assess when it may be appropriate to include botanicals in discussion with patients, then educate and advise the patients of the botanical and pharmaceutical options, and allow them to decide which approach they would prefer to take. Now we will begin putting all of that knowledge base to action, and working to apply what you have learned to specific conditions. This week, we will take a closer look at using botanicals to manage symptoms in three domains: mental well-being, women's health, and musculoskeletal pain. But first let's get to know a few patients that may benefit from botanicals. Latisha is a 33-year-old female with mild depression and insomnia. She's currently taking a pharmaceutical for her depression, but she doesn't like the side effects. For anyone who has ever struggled with depression or insomnia, they know what a tough road it can be. Both of these conditions affect millions of people, men and women, throughout the entire world. While some pharmaceutical medications can help, many come with side effects that are intolerable or undesirable to the people taking them. There are many botanicals that could be useful for both depression and insomnia, that are reasonable options to try. Maria is a 54-year-old female experiencing menopause symptoms, and is having a particularly difficult time with hot flashes and mood swings. Maria shares a lot in common with many women who suffer from menopausal symptoms especially, excessive sweating or hot flashes. One of my patients actually affectionally refers to this as her personal summers. These symptoms can be very disruptive or getting aside however, for both women at home and in the workplace. This week, we'll be discussing various botanical treatments that may be helpful in the treatment of menopause, in addition to PMS, another common disorder that many women suffer from. George is a 70-year-old male whose knee osteoarthritis is keeping him from doing the things he would love to be doing. George is definitely not alone in suffering discomfort from osteoarthritis. This condition affects millions of people all over the world and can impact people's lives in many ways. Most notably, interfering with work or leisure activities. Fortunately, there are several options in the botanical world that may help George and others manage different types of musculoskeletal pain without a pharmaceutical pill. Keep Latisha, Maria and George in mind as you complete the readings and activities because you will get to revisit them in this week's quiz.