3 Best Herbalist Certification Schools Online (2023)

Some of the links below are affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.

3 Best Herbalist Certification Schools Online

Gold Standard (SAVE $150)

herbalist certification

Honourable Mention

herbalist school

Important: Herbalist Certifications Aren’t Regulated

What does this mean for you? You can receive a certificate from any school but you won’t be classified as a certified herbalist. With herbalism not being a regulated industry, it’s extremely important to vet the herbalist school you plan on learning from to make sure they’re legitimate and have high-quality standards.

This post will help you do just that.

Who is this post for?

This post is not for you if you’re looking to become a licensed herbalist.

This post is for you if you have a budget of $300-$2200 (payment plans are available for all programs) and want an easier time making a decision on which is the best online herbalist certification school for you.

I’ve done the homework so you don’t have to

If you’re like me and you hate the tedious process of finding, researching, and comparing programs then you’ll love this post. I’ve made contact with some of the providers as well in order to give you as much information as possible to help you make an informed decision

Word of Warning (Udemy)

I understand how tempting it is to get ‘certified’ on Udemy for $15 (some of them even off great info)—but if you want to be a great meditation teacher or coach, you need live practice plus feedback. Also, you want an extensive curriculum that provides feedback on your coursework, otherwise how else are you to know how you’re doing?

If you’re serious about this, and it’s not just something else to learn, I strongly recommend you do not cut corners.

If you’re looking for a cookie-cutter, low-priced online herbalist certification school that can be found on Udemy, this post is not for you. Otherwise, dive right in


Compare 3 Of The Best Online Herbalist Certification Schools

Scroll right to view more columns. If you are viewing from a phone or tablet I recommend rotating into a landscape for the best viewing experience.

herbalist certification
herbalist course online 1
herbalist school
SchoolHerbal AcademyChestnut School of Herbal MedicinePacific Rim College
Visit WebsiteVisit WebsiteVisit Website
Flagship ProgramClinical HerbalistClinical HerbalistCommunity Herbalist
Created with Industry Leaders
Help you stand out from the competition
Can Start Anytime
Prerequisite RequirementsNoneNoneNone
Length of ProgramSelf-pacedSelf-paced15 weeks
Total Hours7701000270
Hours/weekAnyAny15-20
Live Lectures
1-on-1 Mentoring available (no additional cost)
Digital Textbooks
Video Content For Modules
Prepares for Hands-On Clinical Training (if desired)
Medicine Making
Organic Herb Cultivation
Foraging and Wild Harvesting of Herbs
Herbal Safety
Herbal Actions and Medical Herbalism
Herbal Actions and Medical Herbalism
Botany and Plant Identification
Lifetime Access To Resources
Learn How To Start Your Own Herbalist Practice
Business Marketing
Private Group for Students
Investment (if paid in full)$2140$2999$2799
Payment Plan$375 x 6$167 x 20$260 x 12
Read ReviewRead ReviewRead Review
Visit WebsiteVisit WebsiteVisit Website


#1 Online Herbalist Certification School

herbalist certification

School: Herbal Academy

Flagship Program:
Clinical Herbalist Path Package
*Do you have a heart set on an herbal career with goals of becoming a professional or clinical herbalist? This guided pathway will help you get there!

Cost: $2545 $2345
Payment Plans: $424 $391 x 6

Other Programs:
Introductory Herbal Course
Intermediate Herbal Course
Business Herbal Course
Advanced Herbal Course
Family Herbalist Path Package
Entrepreneur Herbalist Path Package
Professional Herbalist Path Package
Clinical Herbalist Path Package
Cost: $297 – $1593
Payment Plans: $49.50 – $265.50

Introduction to Herbal Academy

A Glance into the Herbal Academy

Marlene Adelmann, Founder of Herbal Academy

A Message from Marlene Adelmann, Founder of Herbal Academy

Herbal Academy Mission

Herbal Academy Mission

Herbal Academy Review

Overall
9
Pros
All online
No waiting, start any time
Flagship Certificate: Clinical Herbalist
Learn from industry leaders
Course instructor support
Private Facebook community
Invest in 1 course at a time
Lifetime access
cons
No live lectures
Written material is digital, if you want a printed textbook version it’ll cost you extra.

Clinical Herbalist Path

INTRODUCTORY HERBAL COURSE OVERVIEW (95 hrs)

UNIT 1: HERBAL BASICS

The Herbal Approach and World Healing Traditions; Choosing Herbs; Storing Herbs; Herbal Teas and Tinctures; Syrups and Topical Applications; Herbal Actions; Trees, Mushrooms, and Seaweed; Anatomy Overview; Developing your Materia Medica; Making an Herbarium

UNIT 2: KITCHEN HERBS

Wellness in Your Kitchen; Spices; Kitchen Materia Medica; Kitchen Preparations; Herb Gardening; Wildcrafting; Bringing it Home

UNIT 3: HERBAL SUPPORT FOR COMMON COMPLAINTS

The Immune System; Building a Healthy Terrain; Healthy Digestion; Minimizing Exposure to Environmental Toxins; Tonic and Adaptogen Herbs; The Respiratory System; Coughs, Colds, and the Flu; Herbs for Children; Herbal Support for Reproductive Health; Vitamin D

UNIT 4: HERBAL SUPPORT FOR THE NERVOUS SYSTEM

Overview of the Nervous System; Stress; Nervines and Adaptogenic Herbs; Tension Headaches and Migraines; Sleep and Insomnia; The B Vitamins

UNIT 5: BODY CARE

Introduction to the Skin; Common Skin Conditions; Herbal Support for Healthy Skin; Internal Health = External Health; Topical Oils; Salves and Balms; Body Butters; Salt and Sugar Scrubs; Herbal Baths; Facial Cleansers; Moisturizers; Toners; Hair Care; Healthy Aging

UNIT 6: THE HOLISTIC APPROACH

Conventional Allopathic Medicine; The Holistic Model; The Holistic Approach to Herbalism; Integration; The Holistic Body; The Power of the Mind and the Placebo Response; Holistic Approaches in Practice; History of Western Herbalism; Integrating the Holistic Approach

INTERMEDIATE HERBAL COURSE OVERVIEW (175 Hrs)

UNIT 1: INTRODUCTION AND HERBAL REVIEW

Why Herbs?; How Herbs Work; Herbal Traditions; Challenges to Herbalism; Making the Reconnection; Herbal First Aid Booklet – Making Herbal Preparations; Herbal Actions; Herbal Energetics; Ayurveda; Chinese Medicine; Creating Formulas; Dosage; Side Effects and Safety; Herb-Drug Interactions; Drying and Storing Herbs

UNIT 2: FOOD IS THE FOUNDATION

Eating with the Seasons; Nutrition; Foods for Convalescence; Mindful Eating; Kitchen Cupboard Herbs; Making Herb-Infused Vinegars, Shrubs, Oils, Honeys, Cordials, Syrups, and Oxymels; Foraging Wild Edibles and Herbs; United Plant Savers At-Risk Plants; Gratitude and Ceremony; Creating A Materia Medica; Phytochemicals

UNIT 3: THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM

Digestive System Overview; The Importance of Healthy Digestion; The Gut/Brain Connection; The Gut/Immune System Connection; Supporting Digestive Health with Bitters and Carminatives; Cultivating a Healthy Gut Microbiome; Addressing Digestive Imbalances with Herbs; Digestive System Materia Medica; Breathing as a Wellness Tool

UNIT 4: THE IMMUNE SYSTEM

Overview of the Immune System; Diet, Lifestyle, and Herbal Support for a Healthy Immune System; Addressing Bacterial, Viral, and Fungal Infections with Herbs; Herbal Support for Autoimmune Conditions and Allergies; Immune System Materia Medica; Wellness-Promoting Mushrooms

UNIT 5: THE NERVOUS SYSTEM

Overview of the Nervous System; The Physiology of Stress; Herbal and Lifestyle Support for Stress; Herbal Support for Headaches; Herbal Support for Healthy Sleep; Herbal Support for Anxiety and Depression; Nervous System Materia Medica; Flower Essences

UNIT 6: THE CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM

Cardiovascular System Overview; Supporting Optimal Heart Health; Supporting Healthy Blood Pressure and Cholesterol; Food for the Heart; Addressing Cardiovascular Imbalances with Herbs; A Heart-Healthy Diet; Care of The Energetic Heart; Cardiovascular System Materia Medica

UNIT 7: THE LIVER

Overview of the Liver; Diet and Lifestyle Support for a Healthy Liver; Herbal Liver Tonics; Herbal Support for Liver Imbalance; Liver Materia Medica; Healthy Skin; Herbal Skin Care Booklet

UNIT 8: THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM

Respiratory System Overview; Maintaining a Healthy Respiratory System; Heart Rate Variability; Healthy Breathing and Herbal Lung Tonics; Herbal Support for Respiratory Imbalances; Respiratory Tissue States; Plants and Clean Air; Respiratory System Materia Medica; Aromatherapy for the Respiratory System

UNIT 9: THE URINARY SYSTEM

Overview of the Urinary System; Supporting a Healthy Urinary System; Water and Fluids; Herbal Bladder and Kidney Tonics; Addressing Urinary Imbalances with Herbs; Urinary System Materia Medica

UNIT 10: CHILDREN

Safety; Dosing; The Top Four Herbs for Kids; Herbal Support for Common Childhood Discomforts; Formulas and Recipes for Children; Herbalism and the Law

ADVANCED HERBAL COURSE OVERVIEW (500 Hrs)

UNIT 1: HERBAL WISDOM TRADITIONS AND HISTORY

The Humoral System and Astrological Medicine; American Botanical Movement; Other American Botanical Traditions; Traditional Chinese Medicine; Ayurveda; Global Healing Traditions; Modern Allopathy and Holistic Healing

“We are not makers of history. We are made by history.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.

In honoring those who have come before us and paved the way for herbal healing into modern times, the course begins by setting the stage with the unfolding history and herbal wisdom traditions which have shaped Western Herbalism: from the rich historical knowledge developed within the humoral system of the ancient Greeks, traditional Chinese medicine, and Ayurveda; to the burgeoning discoveries of the American botanical movement in the New World as it was influenced by indigenous and European systems of healing; to the development of modern allopathy and then an awakening to the potential for a collaborative approach. The course explores the frames through which many cultures have integrated plants into a holistic approach to wellness, grounding our current and ever-expanding knowledge in all that has come before.

UNIT 2: BOTANY AND PHYTOCHEMISTRY

Plant Identification and Taxonomy; Plant Chemistry; Pharmacognosy and Pharmacology; Herb-Drug Interactions; How to Evaluate Scientific Research

This unit focuses on the hard sciences of botany, taxonomy, and pharmacology in order to prepare students of herbalism with the tools necessary to identify medicinal plants in the field, to understand and evaluate scientific research regarding phytochemistry and herb-drug interactions, and to celebrate the knowledge that scientific research brings to the traditions of herbalism. This unit will assist in bringing detail to our understanding of the intelligence of the plants themselves and how this intelligence communicates with that of the human body.

UNIT 3: MAKING AND SELLING HERBAL PRODUCTS

See This After:  Here's the Cheapest Life Coach Certifications Online (2023)

Sourcing Herbs and Ingredients for Medicine Making or Product Manufacture; Good Manufacturing Practices for Dietary Supplements (21 CFR 111); Labeling Herbal Products; Creating a Business and a Brand

This unit is geared for those who want to develop a herbal products business, and includes information on sourcing herbs sustainably, detailed guidance on complying with good manufacturing practices and legal requirements for labeling in the U.S., and helpful business advice on creating a brand from an herbalist who has done so successfully. The course will get you started in the right direction, giving you valuable information up front to help guide you through the process and save time, money, and frustration down the road.

UNIT 4: BLOOD, LYMPH, AND MUCUS MEMBRANES

Anatomy Review; Hemodynamics and Blood Function; Lymphatic Physiology and Mucous Membrane Physiology; Common Conditions; Herbs and Healing; Case Study

In addition to performing their own unique functions, the blood, lymph, and mucous membranes have in common the vitally important function of working in unison to defend your body from exposure to foreign elements. The mucous membranes cover all internal body surfaces that have direct exposure to elements of the outside environment. Along with the blood, the lymphatic system is responsible for herding immune cells quickly and efficiently towards invading pathogens. Recognizing common conditions that could compromise these systems is vitally important.

This unit explores the anatomy and physiology, common complaints, etiology of imbalances, and herbal therapeutic approaches appropriate for the blood, the lymph system, and mucous membranes.

UNIT 5: THE ENDOCRINE SYSTEM

Anatomy: Major players and Messengers; Physiology: The Ultimate Messaging System; General Health and Wellness: Don’t Shoot the Messengers; Common Conditions of the Endocrine System

This unit explores the anatomy and physiology of the endocrine system, how to support the general health and wellness of this system, common complaints, etiology of imbalances, and conventional and herbal therapeutic approaches.

UNIT 6: MALE HEALTH AND WELLNESS

The Male Reproductive System; Boys: Youth through Puberty; Cultural and Social Aspects of Male Care; General Health Care; The Male Heart; The Prostate; Male Hormone Balance; Male Stressors and Other Common Complaints; Case Study

Unit 6 focuses on what it is like to live in the male body and how to care for it, beginning in this lesson with male anatomy and physiology of the reproductive system.

This unit takes a thorough look at the anatomy and physiology of the male reproductive system, heart, and prostate, and discusses general wellness support for both boys and men. This lesson also provides information on support for common physical and emotional imbalances men may experience.

UNIT 7: FEMALE HEALTH AND WELLNESS

Menstrual Cycle and Reproductive Potential; Girls Wellness; The Psychology of Female Wellness; General Health Care for Women; Breast Health; Common Female Complaints; Fertility, Pregnancy, Miscarriage, and Birth; Managing the Menopausal Transition; Case Study

Cultivating sensitivity and openness to the diversity among humans and their bodies are essential skills for clinicians, and this is particularly true in developing clinical skills in supporting uterine-ovarian health in clients seeking herbal and nutritional care.

This unit takes a thorough look at the anatomy and physiology of the female reproductive system, and discusses general wellness support for both girls and women, provides information on support for common physical and emotional imbalances women may experience, support for breast health, fertility, pregnancy, miscarriage, and birth; and takes an in-depth look at the menopausal transition and herbal strategies for support.

UNIT 8: THE MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM

Anatomy and Physiology of Bones, Tendons, and Ligaments;Anatomy and Physiology of Muscles; General Health and Wellness of the Musculoskeletal System; Common Conditions and the Herbal Approach; Managing Pain; Case Study

Understanding the various ways that tendons, ligaments, connective tissues, and bone interact with the entire body can aid us in determining the best way to offer a full body support plan. Having a clear understanding of the bone’s role in the immune system and how these tissues are involved in body wide nutrient balance can offer a view of the overall health of the body system. With these tools, an herbalist can offer a more health and wellness-based protocol rather than one based on curing dis-ease.

This unit explores the anatomy and physiology of the bones, tendons, ligaments, and muscles of the musculoskeletal system; general health and wellness of this system; and investigates herbal support for common conditions as well as how to manage pain and inflammation associated with the musculoskeletal system.

UNIT 9: HEALTHY AGING WITH HERBS

Longevity, Vitality, and Prevention; Working with Elders: Important Considerations; for the Herbal Consultation; The Aging Skin; Illness and Disease of an Aging Population

Imprinted on our DNA is the potential to survive. While our bodies eventually age and decay, our bodies still move through life with an impetus to move toward life, toward vitality and longevity. Immortality may never be our birthright—looking toward traditional viewpoints regarding the gifts and purpose of aging, any fountain of youth would be out of place. However, whatever our age or stage of life, we are able to employ specific lifestyle adaptations, dietary choices and health-supportive mindsets that can help us to avoid age-associated illness and disease and add vitality, wellness and enjoyment to our lives.

This unit discusses what it means to age, the energetics of aging, and herbal support for vitality in the aging process; takes a thoughtful look at important perspectives and considerations when conducting an herbal consultation with elders; looks at the anatomy, physiology, and herbal support for aging skin; and discusses common physical imbalances that accompany aging and herbal therapeutics to support them.

UNIT 10: WEIGHT MANAGEMENT FOR HEALTH AND WELLNESS

Overweight and Obesity; The Brain-Gut Connection and Psychology of Food; The Energetics of Food; Sugar; Common Food Allergies and Sensitivities; Fasting and Detox; Daily Living with Powerful Herbs; Dieting

Because nutrition is at the root of vibrant wellness, this unit dives into weight management for health, exploring the causes and effects of obesity, the fascinating brain-gut connection and energetics of food, the effect of sugar on the body, understanding food allergies and food sensitivities, and supporting a return to optimum body function via fasting and detox, healthy dieting, and integration of herbs into the daily diet.

By taking a holistic wellness approach with clients and focusing on health rather than weight, herbalists can teach that weight is only one component of health. It might be difficult to advance this philosophy what with the entrenched media, stereotypes, and what our society thinks we know of weight and obesity, but our clients will appreciate it and benefit.

UNIT 11: HEALING

The Nature of Healing; The Mind-Body Connection; Reaching the Spirit; Aromatherapy

Take a broad look at some of the determinants which influence the nature of healing. While healing is dynamic and looks different for each individual, there are basic similarities in our wellness needs. Healing involves engaging the mind, body and spirit. There is value in connection – to our own thought processes, to humanity, and to the natural world. The beauty of working with herbs along this path is that the very nature of herbalism connects us to resources and experiences that support healing on all of these levels.

This unit explores the nature and philosophy of physical and emotional healing, the importance of the mind-body connection and how it is understood in different systems of healing, how emotional conditions affect physical health and ways to reach the emotional body or spirit, and a thorough look at aromatherapy and how to use essential oils for healing.

UNIT 12: ASSESSMENT AND HERBAL THERAPEUTICS

Assessing the Body; Clinical Intake; Advanced Formulation

The good herbalist is the one who differentiates between one person and the next and learns to set the profile of the herb in the person or the disturbance. Each person is different and we need to accommodate ourselves to them and understand their differences. Evaluation is a long and difficult education, but don’t worry! Take every chance to learn.

This unit explores the practical skills of assessing the body using energetic and tissue state frameworks, tongue, face, and pulse assessment techniques, the clinical intake process, and advanced formulation of herbal remedies. Using this guidance and practice, you’ll learn to develop your own evaluation style.

UNIT 13: BECOMING AN HERBALIST

Defining your Path; Receiving Clinical Training and Experience; Cultivating a Healing Presence; Continuing to Grow; Useful Resources and Organizations

As an herbalist, your path will evolve over time. One of the most beautiful things about herbalism is the way that each individual is able to express themself through their practice. There are many different ways to be an herbalist, and each person has different strengths, interests, and preferences that become an integral part of their path.

This unit explores how to define your path as an herbalist, how to seek and receive additional clinical training and experience, how to cultivate an authentic healing presence and communicate that to your clients, and how to continue to grow your skillset throughout your career.

UNIT 14: YOU ARE AN HERBALIST

Introduction to Clinical Practice; Herbalism and the Law; Client Records and Confidentiality; The Client/Practitioner Relationship

Now that you have gotten your feet wet with key aspects of clinical training and practice, it’s time for the fun part: envisioning and creating your own herbal practice! If you already have an herbal practice in place, let this lesson be an inspiration for ways you may adapt or improve your practice. This is the time to put a lot of your actual herbal training aside for a bit and focus on the ideal business you’d like to create for yourself and how to put it together.

This unit will help you gain an understanding of what a clinical practice entails, how to acquire clinical training, what your legal responsibilities are, and how to run a practice, from keeping client records to developing intake procedures, and cultivating effective working relationships with your clients.

CASE STUDIES

Case studies are included throughout the course to illustrate imbalance experienced by real people and the clinical assessment and herbal protocols used to correct that imbalance.

Herbal Academy FAQ

The following is an FAQ for their Clinical Herbalist Path

What kind of certificate will I receive and will I be a certified herbalist?

Upon completion of any of our foundational courses, you’ll receive a certificate of completion suitable for framing that states you’ve completed the course under the direction of the Herbal Academy. You will receive a certificate after successfully completing each individual course.

Note that because the field of herbalism is not officially regulated by any specific set of standards or governing body in the United States, certification is a tricky subject. While one can study in herbalism courses for a certificate of completion, one cannot become a “certified herbalist.”

See This After:  It's Easy To Become A Herbalist—Here's How

The practice of herbalism is protected by the first amendment right to free speech. An herbalist cannot treat, cure, diagnose, prescribe, or see patients, instead, they can educate clients about dietary and lifestyle habits and make suggestions for herbs that will help balance the body and support wellness.

After taking this course, can I become a Registered Herbalist with the American Herbalists Guild (AHG)?

Our courses will provide study hours on such foundational topics as history and herbal traditions, materia medica, botany, anatomy and physiology, therapeutics, and practice management that are required educational topics for becoming an AHG Registered Herbalist.

See AHG’s recommended areas of study here: https://www.americanherbalistsguild.com/herbal_education

Depending on how extensive the student’s herbal background is, additional advanced training hours may likely be needed to fulfill the AHG requirement of 800 study hours. In addition, students need to seek out 400 hours of hands-on training under the guidance of an experienced herbalist or mentoring program to gain the clinical experience needed. Of course, the AHG review process will evaluate a student’s proficiency in herbalism, including a working knowledge of an extensive materia medica as well as case studies gained through hands-on experience, and is not just based on study hours.

How long will it take me to complete this course package?

All of our online herbalism courses are self-paced, which gives you the flexibility to study whenever your schedule allows. Everyone studies at a different rate, but we have found that the average completion time is approximately 95 hours for the Introductory Herbal Course, 175 hours for the Intermediate Herbal Course, and 500 hours for the Advanced Herbal Course, which is a combined 770 hours for the Clinical Herbalist Path Package. Because our courses are self-paced, there are no live lectures to attend and students have access to their courses 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

What materials will I need?

You will need an internet connection to access course materials along with a computer, tablet, or smartphone. You will also want to have a writing utensil and notebook to keep notes (our Materia Medica Journal is a great resource for this!). You may like to purchase herbs, oils, butters, waxes, and containers for any of the recipes that you choose to make. This package comes with discounts to a variety of online herb suppliers to help make your studies more affordable!

Do I need to purchase textbooks for this package?

Textbooks are an optional add-on for students who also want the course material in book form. You can purchase the Introductory and Intermediate Herbal Course Textbooks separately via our Goods Shop. (We do not offer textbooks for the Advanced Herbal Course at this time.) After you register, log in to your student account to receive significant student savings on textbook upgrades. Students enrolled in the Clinical Herbalist course receive $98 off the price of the Introductory Herbal Course textbook and $248 off the price of the Intermediate Herbal Course textbook.

When can I get started?

After you purchase the course, it will be available via your Student Dashboard immediately. Simply click the “start course” button for a given course to begin your studies!

How long will I have access to the course materials?

We have found that adding an expiration date to online course access helps students stay dedicated to and focused on their studies. Much like a typical college semester, this helps set expectations and allows our teachers and staff to support and meet the needs of our students through the course forum, phone calls, and emails.

The Introductory Herbal Course expires 1 year after you press the “start” button in your student dashboard.
The Intermediate Herbal Course expires 2 years after you press the “start” button in your student dashboard.
The Advanced Herbal Course expires 3 years after you press the “start” button in your student dashboard.

You will have the option to purchase a 6-month extension plan for each separate course if needed, and you can download all course materials as PDFs for future reference.

Can I take this course if I don’t live in the United States?

Our classroom is truly a global classroom. We are honored to have students joining us in class from around the world. Herbal Academy courses offer a wide range of information about plants, and much of the information will be applicable outside of the United States.

Is this course available in any other languages?

No. At this time, our courses are only available in English. 

Review of The Herbal Academy Introductory & Intermediate Courses
Herbal Academy Review | Introductory Course || Mini Courses
Review of the Herbal Academy


#2 Online Herbalist Certification School

herbalist course online

School: Chestnut School of Herbal Medicine

Flagship Program: Herbal Immersion Program
Cost: $2999
Payment Plans: $167 x 20

Other Programs:

Herbal Medicine Making
Cost: $599
Payment Plans: $119 x 6

Foraging: Edible Medicinal and Wild Herbs
Cost: $999
Payment Plans: $99 x 12

Intro to Chestnut School of Herbal Medicine

Online Herbal Immersion Program

Chestnut School of Herbal Medicine Review

Overall
7.5
Pros
All online
Flagship program: Herbal Immersion Program
cons
No live lectures

Herbal Immersion Program

Welcome to the Program

  • Introduction and Welcome Tour
  • Success with Online Learning: Strategies for Continued Inspiration

Module 1: Foundations in Herbalism

  • Cultivating Relationships with Healing Plants
  • Introduction to Botany: Plant Classification, Scientific Names and Key Terms
  • Botany: Floral and Reproductive Parts, Tour of Floral Diversity
  • Botany: Leaf and Vegetative Terminology
  • Introduction to Five Common Plant Families
  • Introduction to Herbal Actions
  • Guidelines to Foraging and Wildcrafting
  • Native American Plant Gathering Practices with Felicia Cocotzin Ruiz
  • Spring Plant Walk in the Appalachian Mountains
  • Introduction to Medicinal Preparations
  • Harvesting and Drying Herbs
  • Edible Flowers
  • BONUS LESSON: Poisonous Plants and Notable Constituents
  • BONUS LESSON: Foraging Self-Care, Precautions, and First Aid
  • Interactive Review of Plant Classification and Key Botanical Terms
  • Interactive Review of Vegetative Terms and Leaf Terminology
  • Interactive Review of Floral Terms and Five Common Plant Families
  • Botany and Plant Families Review with Marc Williams, Part 1
  • Botany and Plant Families Review with Marc Williams, Part 2
  • Botany and Plant Families Review with Marc Williams, Part 3

Module 2: From the Ground-up: The Nitty-Gritty of Soil and Organic Gardening, Part 1

  • Principles of Organic Gardening
  • Planning Your Dream Garden: Design, Pathways, Mulching, Polycultures, and Maximizing Yields
  • Growing Healthy Soil (Which In Turn, Grows Healthy Plants)
  • Understanding and Building Soil Fertility: Plant Nutrients, Amendments, and Fertilizers
  • Botanical Garden Allies: Nitrogen-Fixers, Cover Crops, and Dynamic Accumulators
  • Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a New Garden Bed with Tilling
  • Container Gardening, Part 1: Vessels, Soils and Herbs
  • Container Gardening, Part 2: Wetland Medicinals

Module 3: Common Useful Garden Weeds – the Bounty that Grows in Between

  • Daylily – Hemerocallis fulva
  • Lamb’s Quarters – Chenopodium album
  • Chickweed – Stellaria media
  • Violet – Viola spp.
  • Purple Dead Nettle – Lamium purpureum
  • Creasy Greens – Barbarea verna and B. vulgaris
  • Garlic Mustard – Alliaria petiolata
  • Dandelion – Taraxacum officinale
  • Cleavers  – Galium aparine
  • Yellow Dock  – Rumex crispus
  • Japanese Honeysuckle – Lonicera japonica
  • BONUS LESSON: The Magic and Bounty of Wild and Weedy Herbs and Foods
  • Interactive Review: Early Spring Foraging
  • Interactive Review: Spring Foraging
  • Interactive Review: Summer Foraging
  • Interactive Review: Late Summer Herbs
  • Natalie Bogwalker’s Review of the Wild Herbs
  • Botany Review with Marc Williams: Common Edible Plants, Part 1
  • Botany Review with Marc Williams: Common Edible Plants, Part 2

Module 4: Plant Propagation

  • Special Strategies for Germinating Herbs: Stratification, Scarification, and Light-Dependent Germination
  • Preparing Seed Trays and Sowing Seeds
  • Soil Blocks: the Container-less Container
  • Bottom Heat for Enhancing Germination
  • Root Division
  • Stem Cuttings
  • Layering
  • Seed Saving of Medicinal Herbs

Module 5: Tonic Herbs and Adaptogens

  • Introduction to Adaptogens, Alteratives and Tonic Herbs
  • Gotu Kola – Centella asiatica
  • Tulsi – Ocimum tenuiflorum
  • Nettles – Urtica dioica
  • Milky Oats – Avena sativa
  • Astragalus – Astragalus propinquus
  • Ginseng – Panax quinquefolius
  • Hibiscus – Hibiscus sabdariffa
  • BONUS LESSON: Burdock – Arctium lappa and A. minus

Module 6: From the Ground-up: The Nitty-Gritty of Soil and Organic Gardening, Part 2

  • Introduction to Permaculture
  • Building and Nourishing a Compost Pile
  • Composting Leaf Mold
  • Organic Pest and Disease Management
  • Season Extension Tips and Tricks
  • Woodland Cultivation of Medicinal Herbs
  • Preparing Homemade Potting Soil: Our Favorite Recipe

Module 7: Herbs for the Immune System

  • Introduction to Immune Stimulants, Immunomodulators and Antimicrobials
  • Boneset – Eupatorium perfoliatum
  • Spilanthes – Acmella oleracea
  • Echinacea – Echinacea purpurea
  • Goldenseal – Hydrastis canadensis
  • Bee Balm – Monarda didyma and Monarda fistulosa
  • Calendula – Calendula officinalis
  • Elderberry – Sambucus nigra

Module 8: Introduction to the Digestive System: Herbal Actions and Nutrition

  • Introduction to Bitters, Astringents and Carminatives
  • Foundations of Nutrition Part 1: Whole Foods, Organic Foods and GMOs
  • Foundations of Nutrition Part 2: Macronutrients, Fiber, and Intestinal Flora
  • Foundations of Nutrition Part 3: Vitamins and Minerals
  • Foundations of Nutrition Part 4: Bioflavonoids in Food and Herbs
  • Foundations of Nutrition Part 5: Food Allergies and Intolerances

Module 9: Herbs for the Digestive System

  • Anise Hyssop – Agastache foeniculum
  • Meadowsweet – Filipendula ulmaria
  • Fennel – Foeniculum vulgare
  • Mint – Mentha spp.
  • Chamomile – Matricaria recutita
  • Lemon Balm – Melissa officinalis
  • Basil – Ocimum basilicum

Module 10: Herbs for the Respiratory System

  • Introduction to Expectorants, Demulcents and Anticatarrhals
  • Elecampane – Inula helenium
  • Mullein – Verbascum olympicum
  • Marshmallow – Althaea officinalis
  • Yarrow – Achillea millefolium
  • Goldenrod – Solidago spp.

Module 11: Herbs for the Nervous System

  • Introduction to Nervines, Hypnotics, Anxiolytics, Antidepressants and Analgesics
  • Valerian – Valeriana officinalis
  • Skullcap – Scutellaria lateriflora
  • Passionflower – Passiflora incarnata
  • California Poppy – Eschscholzia californica
  • Mimosa – Albizia julibrissin
  • Rose – Rosa spp.
  • Vervain – Verbena officinalis

Module 12: Herbs for the Female Reproductive System

  • Introduction to Uterine Tonics, Emmenagogues, Hormone Balancers and Uterine Antispasmodics
  • Ecology of Estrogen in the Human Body: Xenoestrogens, Phytoestrogens and Estrogen Metabolism
  • Black Cohosh – Actaea racemosa
  • Vitex – Vitex agnus-castus
  • Motherwort – Leonurus cardiaca
  • Red Raspberry – Rubus idaeus

Module 13: Medicine Making – Core Preparations

  • Infusions and Decoctions
  • Tinctures
  • Herbal Honeys and Syrups
  • Herbal Vinegars
  • Flower Essences

Module 14: Food as Medicine – Bringing Healing Herbs into the Kitchen

  • Infused Culinary Oils
  • Infused Culinary Vinegars
  • Fire Ciders: Spicy Medicinal Vinegars
  • Goo Balls: Herbal Nut and Fruit Confections
  • Compound Culinary Butters
  • Herbal Finishing Salts
  • Herbal Sauces
  • Wild Herbal Pestos, Hummus and Pâté
  • Medicinal Mushroom Concoction
  • Herbal Popsicles, Iced Teas and Granitas
  • Herbal Bone Broth/ Immune Tonic Soup
  • Herbal Meads, or Honey Wines
  • Herbal Bitters
  • Herbal Shrubs: Sweet and Sour Fruit Infusions
  • Fancy Pants Ice Cubes
  • Herbal Simple Syrups
  • Cocktails and Mocktails

Module 15: Topical Herbal Preparations and Natural Body Care

  • Infused Oils and Salves
  • Compresses and Poultices, Herbal First Aid
  • Introduction to Hydrotherapy
  • Introduction to Aromatherapy
  • Floral Skin Serum
  • Body Butter
  • Salt Scrubs
  • Bath Salts
  • Aromatherapy Sprays
  • Aromatic Massage Oils
See This After:  2 CBD/Cannabis Coach Certifications - 1 Is Worth it (2023)

Module 16: Herbal Livelihoods/Applying the Knowledge

  • The Heart of Livelihoods: Business Ethics and Inspiration
  • Herbal Livelihoods
  • The Nitty-Gritty of Business: Marketing, Websites, Social Media, Insurance, Business Entities, Legalities of Herbalism, and Pricing
  • Herbal Products Businesses: An Introduction to Current Good Manufacturing Processes (cGMPs) and Product Labeling Requirements
  • Further Learning and Networking: Organizations, Media, Conferences, and Clinical Programs
  • Connecting to Your Life’s Purpose with Chuck Marsh
  • Permaculture in Action: Spotlight on Joe Hollis’ Mountain Gardens and Paradise
  • Amy Hamilton of Appalachian Seeds and Nursery
  • Running a Mobile Free Herbal Clinic with Lorna Mauney-Brodek
  • Larken Bunce of Vermont School of Integrative Herbalism
  • Dr. James Duke of the Green Farmacy Gardens
  • Asia Suler of One Willow Apothecaries
  • History of Earthaven Ecovillage
  • Permaculture Principles with Chuck Marsh
  • Kauai Farmacy Gardens: Bioregional Farm-to-Apothecary
  • Charlotte Herbal Accessibility Project: Interview with Brandon Ruiz
  • Marc Williams of Plants and Healers International & Botany Everyday
  • Ayo Ngozi Drayton of The Creative Root
  • Leah Penniman of Soul Fire Farm
  • Meshell Orozco of Brambleberry Botanicals
  • Ellenie Cruz of Ac3nsion Art

Module 17: Siting Reference Guide: Regional Profiles and Habitat Lists

  • Arid Lowland Climates with Monica Rude
  • Cold Temperate Climates with Deb Soule
  • Arid Mountainous Climates with Kathi Keville
  • Rocky Soils in Mid-Continental Climates with Steven Foster
  • Subtropical Climates with Emily Ruff
  • Mediterranean Climates with Richo Cech
  • Woodland Medicinals: Chinese and Eastern North American Herbs with Joe Hollis
  • Wetland Herbs
  • Shade Herbs
  • Arid Climate Herbs
  • Hot & Humid Climate Herbs

BONUS Module: North American Herbal History and Traditions

  • Introduction
  • A History of European & North American Colonial Herbal Medicine
  • A History of Native American Herbal Medicine
  • A History of Black Herbal Medicine from Africa to North America
  • Connecting With Your Own Herbal Lineage & Honoring Other Traditions
  • Black Herbal Elders with Lucretia Van Dyke
  • Herbal Accessibility: Uniting Culture & Community Gardens

Course Hours

  • Medicine Making – 150 hours
  • Botany and Plant Identification – 75 hours
  • Materia Medica (Herbal Therapeutics) – 250 hours
  • Herbal Actions – 40 hours
  • Permaculture – 10 hours
  • Nutrition – 75 hours
  • Herbal Safety: Drug-Herb Contraindications and Potential Side Effects – 20 hours
  • Soil Science: Plant Nutrients, Amendments, Composting, and Soil Flora – 30 hours
  • Foraging and Ethical Wildcrafting – 150 hours
  • Organic Herb Cultivation – 150 hours
  • Herbal Business Basics: Marketing, Legalities, and Inspiration – 50 hours

Total Hours: 1000

Chestnut School of Herbal Medicine Review

Coming soon


#3 Online Herbalist Certification School

herbalist school

School: Pacific Rim College

Flagship Program: Community Herbalist
Cost: $2799 ($3500 CAD)
Payment Plans: $260 x 12

Other Programs: Home Herbalist
Cost: $890
Payment Plans: $160 x 6

Intro to Pacific Rim College

Introducing 2 New Online Programs, Home & Community Herbalism

Pacific Rim College Review

Overall
5
Pros
All online
Flagship program: Community Herbalist
Live lectures
Cons
Runs in cohorts, you can’t start any time
Not as in-depth as Herbal Academy
Costly for a 15 week program

Herbal Workshops

Herbal Workshops are presented by leaders in the field of Western Herbal Medicine, many of whom who have published books and articles and are internationally-renowned speakers.

Prerequisites: – –    Hours: 24

Natural Emergency Medicine

In this course students learn to apply natural remedies – Acupuncture, Herbal Remedies, Homeopathics and others – to emergency situations both in the clinic and outside. Students learn to recognize and diagnose emergency conditions using biomedical techniques and provide effective therapy combining techniques learned in BMS221 and knowledge of natural healing remedies.

Prerequisites: – –    Credits: 1    Hours: 12

Practical Herbal Pharmacy

This practical course provides students with an education in the preparation of various herbal products that are required to be effective in the dispensary. The products that are made include Infusions, Tinctures, Syrups, Capsules, Flower Essences, Infused Oils, Herbal Baths, Liniments, Poultices, Fomentations, Salves, Balms and Creams. Each class focuses on one particular product and instructions is given about the use and effectiveness of each preparation. Students take home the products that they make in this class to use and experience themselves. Students are required to complete a practical presentation in class on a product of the student’s choice. This is an ideal class for anyone interested in making their own herbal remedies!

Prerequisites: – –    Credits: 3    Hours: 45

Backyard Gardening

In the age of financial uncertainty, gardening skills are a sought after commodity. This comprehensive and practical 30-hour introduction to backyard gardening in the Pacific Northwest will provide beginners with the requisite skills, knowledge, and support to begin their own organic growing projects at home. At the end of the program participants understand plant growth requirements and how to provide them for a variety of annual and perennial plants, including food and medicinal crops; the role of a living soil system in growing healthy plants and know how to feed the soil using organic methods; basic gardening methods, including seeding, planting, watering, mulching, cold protection, pruning and container gardening; the role of beneficial species in suppressing pests and disease and know how to manage common insect, weed and disease problems organically; and how to extend and share the harvest.

Prerequisites: – –    Credits: 2    Hours: 30

Herbal Walk/Identification

This class gives students the opportunity to learn Herbal Medicine by exploring living plants as they exist in the natural world. Students learn proper identification of medicinal plants and the types of environments in which they naturally grow.

Prerequisites: – –    Credits: 1    Hours: 12

Materia Medica for Community Herbalists

Students build relationships with the plants that they will be using to create medicines for their patients. During the classes, students use organoleptic skills to experience the herbs, which includes tasting, smelling and observing teas, tinctures, oils and raw plant material.  This course examines the following herbs: Arnica, Ashwaghanda, Bearberry, Black Cohosh, Buchu, Calendula, Cayenne, Chamomile, Cleavers, Comfrey, Cramp bark, Dandelion root/leaf, Echinacea, Elderflower/berry, Elecampane, Fennel, Garlic, Ginger, Goldenrod, Hawthorn berry/leaf, Holy basil, Horse chestnut, St John’s wort, Lavender, Lemon balm, Licorice, Marshmallow root/leaf, Meadowsweet, Milk thistle, Mullein, Nettle root/leaf, Oat straw/seed, Oregon grape, Passionflower, Peppermint, Plantain, Raspberry leaf, Red cedar, Reishi, Rosemary, Sage, Siberian ginseng, Skullcap, Slippery elm, Thyme, Turmeric, Valerian, Vitex, Willow, and Yarrow.

Prerequisites: – –    Credits: 3    Hours: 45

Energetics of Herbal Medicine

Systems of energetics are ways of describing and classifying patterns of disease and properties of plants that provide a basis for herbal therapeutics. In this course, we examine the energetic systems that inform traditional western herbalism. These include the intuitive approach to plant medicine that underlies all energetic systems, the four elements of Greek and Egyptian medicine, the four humours of European medicine and the insights of the Physiomedicalist and Eclectic physicians of the nineteenth century. Students learn to translate the principles of these systems to a contemporary context and apply them in their practice.

Prerequisites: – –    Credits: 3    Hours: 45

Introduction to Herbal Medicine

All cultures around the world have used plants as medicines either as their sole health care modality, or as a complementary or alternative option. This class explores the history of plant use in various cultures and examines the similarities and differences of their systems of healing.

Prerequisites: – –    Hours: 6

Herbal Therapeutics

Students learn to create customized treatment plans for patients. This includes the use of herbal preparations and diet and lifestyle counselling. Students also learn how to determine the effectiveness of treatment and the limitations of herbal medicine therapeutics within these conditions.

Prerequisites: – –    Hours: 30

Business Development

This course will highlight the opportunities available to graduates of the Community Herbalist Program within the community.The course is broken up into case study analysis, business plan concepts and a presentation. The case study analysis consists of showcasing “community” herbalists offering Herbal Medicine services from previous CHP students and/or folk herbalists in the community. This analysis will offer students ideas for future non-clinical business plans and goals. Students will then learn business plan concepts including business description, market analysis, marketing planning and financial planning. Presentations will be based off of future business plans and projects that students wish to venture into after completion of the Community Herbalist Certificate program, including, but not limited to, farm markets, herb retail shops, growing medicinal plants and matriculating into the Diploma of Phytotherapy program to become a qualified Clinical Herbal Practitioner.

Prerequisites: – –    Hours: 9

Introduction to Nutrition

The course introduces students to the foundations of holistic nutrition. The roles of macronutrients are discussed along with where to source them in the diet and key strategies for optimizing absorption and assimilation. This course outlines dietary approaches for addressing inflammatory conditions, consider basic supplementation protocols, and introduce medicinal foods.

Prerequisites: – –    Credits: 1    Hours: 12

Pacific Rim Community Herbalist Review

Coming soon

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications do you need to become a herbalist?

There are no formal qualifications needed to call yourself a herbalist as it’s an unregulated industry.

To become a licensed herbalist, however, one must acquire a variety of qualifications. These qualifications can vary depending on the region that an individual is applying for.

How long does it take to become a certified herbalist?

Each herbalist school offers very different timelines for its courses. Timelines can range from 1 month to 1 year, or more.

Can you get a degree in herbal medicine?

Yes, for example, this school offers a bachelor’s degree in herbal medicine. First, check with your region to make sure the degree is accepted.

Where can I study to be an herbalist?

Studying online to become a herbalist is most popular. Arguably, The Herbal Academy provides the most value for your money.

Time To Make A Decision

I sincerely hope that I have provided enough information here to assist you in making your decision on choosing 1 of the 3 highest quality herbalist Certification schools available online.

If you have any questions or feel there are gaps in information, and you would like me to add more information, please let me know in the comment section below, I will gladly try to help you out.

Detailed reviews of other areas of certification:

Online Life Coach Certification

Online Health Coach Certifications

Holistic Nutrition Certifications

Business Coach Certifications

Online Meditation Teacher Certifications

CBD Coach Certification

Have questions regarding any of these online herbalist certification schools?

If you have any questions regarding any of the information I have presented here regarding any of these online herbalist certification schools feel free to contact me 🙂

May you awaken
May you see clearly
May you be love

Take care ♥

You May Also Like

6 thoughts on “3 Best Herbalist Certification Schools Online (2023)”

  1. Hi Rob. Thank you so much for this post. I’ve been looking for exactly this to narrow down my decision on which herbalist certification to choose. It will helps me much.

    Reply
  2. Couldn’t agree more! Online certifications from sites like Udemy or Coursera are tempting because they’re cheap to get while being huge ego boosters but let’s be honest, they can’t replace valid, well documented schools – regardless if they’re online or offline – that require you to go through hundreds upon hundreds of hours of courses and tests.

    The Herbal Academy seems to be the best fit for me, even more so with their private community. I am sure that being able to bounce info back and forth along with getting quick feedback/answers – as compared to messaging the instructors – will save a lot of time in the long run.

    Reply
  3. WOW, I had no idea Pacific Rim College was not as great as others make it out to be. And it’s so expensive. I actually had someone recommend them to me. They said they liked it but I am much more attracted to the Herbal Academy. Heard lots of good things about them online and I think I will go with their courses. I am especially looking forward to learning how I could start my own herbalist practice. This is something I wanted to do for a few years now but kept postponing it.

    Reply
  4. Having read this I thought itt was extremely enlightening.

    I appreciate yyou taking the time and nergy to puut his information together.

    Reply

Join the conversation

15 − three =