Herbalist Certification Programs

 I get asked all the time about how to learn about herbs in order to treat family, friends, and clients. A good way to start is by reading books, but that only gives you so much knowledge. The best way to learn how to become an herbalist is to study with one directly. A good herbal certification should include basic anatomy, physiology, biology, medical history, terminology, plant identification, diagnostic techniques (pulse and tongue testing), and education on over 150 herbs their uses, contraindications, chemical compounds, and history.

There are 3 different certification programs for people who want to learn about herbs, one is the Lay Herbalist Certification which is for people who want to use herbs to heal their family and friends or who want to practice before starting the Herbalist Certification program. The next is the Herbalist Certification Program which will give the student the ability to become a practicing herbalist. For advanced students, the school is offering a Master Herbalist Certification Program which will give the experienced herbalist an education in the complexities of herbal medicine.

Classes in Herbalist Certification Programs

Medical Herbalism: Learning the Art of Herbal Healing-This is an advanced class in herbalism. In this class we will be studying 100 herbs (in depth), discussing case studies, medicinal uses, standard dosages, contraindications, recipes and specific usage by disease, and doing more hands on learning (25 class hours- 50 study hours- 25 lab hours) 

History of Herbal medicne 
In this class we will discuss the history of herbalism from the time of the wise woman to current practice. We will discuss all of the major turning points as well as modern concerns. (3 class hours- 12 study time).

Dis-ease by Organ System- In this class students learn basic anatomy, physiology dis-eases by organ system, Chinese and aryvedic methods of treatment including the 5-element system, the doshas and western herbal disease concepts. As well as some of the history and greatest texts in herbal history. (25 class hours- 50 study hours)

Plant Latin 101
In this discussion we talk about the difference in botanical latin and common latin and how this affects pronounciation of the plant names. We go over plant latin and give students the secrets to understanding this complex system of identifying plants. (4 class hours- 21 study hours).

Making Herbal Medicine - In this class students learn how to make their own herbal medicines including basic formulations. (4 class hours- 11 lab hours)

Advanced Diagnostic Methods-this is an advanced class about facial/body diagnosis. In this class we will deeply explore what the different colors and lines are on the face, hands, and tongue. We will also go into diagnosing by looking at the ear, hands, and nails. We will also introduce the student to the 32 different pulses that are used by TCM practitioners (25 class hours-50 study hours- 25 lab hours).

Herbal Detoxification- In disease there is often a starting point. The healthy body is able to ward off disease, but often in today’s world there are food and environmental pollutants which surround us. In this class we will cover some of the toxins that surround us every day, the best way to detoxify, and the best detoxification herbs for each organ system. (4 class hours- 10 study hours)

Wildcrafting 101
In this class we discuss how to responsably wildcraft and how to promote good stewardship of the plant poupulations. This class includes a harvesting lab for the live students and individual lab time for on-line students. (5 class hours- 20 lab hours)

Understanding Lab values
In this class we go over common lab values what they mean individually and what they mean in common groupings. We will also discuss common disease patterns and expected abnormal lab values. (4 class hours- 10 study hours).

Taking a history and physical assessment
In this class we discuss how to do a classic intake form where you ask questions about each organ system in a logical manor to get to the root of our clients problems. (12 class hours- 13 study hours- 25 lab hours).

Botany 101
In this class we will discuss the common ways to identify plants including names of plant parts, how to identify certain families of plants and how to use this knowledge to be a better herbalist. (4 class hours- 13 study hours- 12 lab hours)

How to Start an Herbal Business- In this class we will discuss the ways to start a practice including setting up a herbal pharmacy, attracting and keeping clients, marketing, bookkeeping, and legal issues.(3 class hours- 20 study hours)

Expanded class listing for Master Herbalist Certification available upon request.

*Additional books are required for reading assignments.

Lay Herbalist Certification Program

Contact Hours: 115 hours
Course Duration: The program is self-paced without a time limit. The average time 6 months

Prerequisites: None

Program Description: This program covers hands-on herbal preparation, health conditions and corresponding herbal therapies, Materia Medica of 100 herbs.
Cost: $800.00

Certified Herbalist Program
Contact Hours: 500 hours
Course Duration: The program is self-paced without a time limit. The average time 18-24 months.

Prerequisites: Little to no experience with herbs.

Program Description: This in-depth program covers the history of herbal medicine, hands-on herbal preparation, health conditions and corresponding herbal therapies, extensive Materia Medica, terminology, case studies, and other topics related to herbalism. Students will learn about the three main traditions of healing: Chinese, Western, and Ayurvedic, including herbal suggestions for over 100 medical conditions based on these healing modalities. Growing and cultivating medicinal plants and making herbal remedies at home will also be covered.

Cost: $1,200.00

50% down payment of $600 (contact Dawn for more info prior to clicking)-

Course Duration: The program is self-paced without a time limit. The average time 24-36 months.

Prerequisites: Certified herbalist certification or 5 years experience.

Program Description: This in-depth program covers the history of herbal medicine, hands-on herbal preparation, health conditions and corresponding herbal therapies, extensive Materia Medica, herb research, terminology, advanced case studies, and other topics related to herbalism. Students will learn in depth about the three main traditions of healing: Chinese, Western, and Ayurvedic, including herbal suggestions for over 180 medical conditions based on these healing modalities. Herbal apprenticeship, Growing and cultivating medicinal plants and making herbal remedies for clients including how to create your own formulary and how to create complex herbal medicines. Cost: $1500.00

Quizzes- Are not graded but is aimed at giving the student direction in their education and as assistance to the final exam.

Tests-Tests will be given at the end of each module for those wanting certification as a Herbalist or Master Herbalist.

Final Examination: The final examination must be completed and submitted in order to obtain a grade and herbalist certification for the Certified Herbalist and Master Herbalist programs. The exam is open book and will encompass the entire program. Final examination must be requested within 1 class of finishing the program and will be graded according to a standard scale of:

A = 90-100%
B = 80-89%
C = 70-79%
D = 60-60%
F = 0-59%

A minimum score of C must be obtained to receive Herbalist certification. Retakes of test will be permitted until passing score is achieved.

Herbalist and Master Herbalist Certification Program Online classes are sent out in modules (or groupings) to facilitate the  learning process.

Book Report: Students must write a minimum of 2 pages (maximum of 10 pages) on 5 herbs from a class of herbal medicine and discuss their actions in relation to the organs, 5 tastes, and constitution. References should be listed at the end of publication.  Master Herbalist students will be required to write an additional paper based on research articles.

Case Conferences- As you begin using herbal medicine to treat people (friends, family, or clients) it will be required that you document at least 10 cases and turn them in according to the protocol (listed with the herbal documentation form). These will not be given a grade but will be gone over and discussed with the student. Master Herbalist students must document 20 cases including follow-up appointments.

Herbal Remedy Making: Students must make 6 herbal remedies (2 from each catagory) and make it from scratch, compiling a list and giving details on the process. Master Herbalist students must make 15 (5 from each catagory) different herbal remedies.