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Becoming a herbalist involves taking specialized classes in herbal medicine, which can be obtained through university degrees, distance programs, or workshops. Some countries require licensing and registration before practicing, while others do not.
There are several steps that can be taken to become a herbalist. In general, a person would take specialized classes in herbal medicine, the use of plants and herbs in medicine. Some countries offer specific university degrees in herbal medicine, while others do not. Likewise, some require licensing and registration before a person can legally practice, while other countries do not.
There are some universities that offer their students the opportunity to receive a bachelor’s degree specializing in herbal medicine. This is a good starting point for someone wanting to become a herbalist. At some South African universities, for example, students can complete a five-year degree in herbal medicine. They have general science classes such as chemistry and biology, but they also have classes focused on the study of medicinal plants such as herbal pharmacology and natural healing principles. They typically do this in a university setting, complete with research projects and clinical work.
Alternatively, some countries, such as Australia, focus more on distance or correspondence programs specializing in herbal medicine for students locally and internationally. This is a good way to become a herbalist if a practical education is not available. Students learn primarily through the use of DVDs, CDs, and textbooks, but some programs include the ability to ask direct questions to an Internet instructor. Typically, these programs can take anywhere from one year to several years to complete, depending on whether the student is full-time or part-time.
In the United States, there are herbal or naturopathic programs similar to those undertaken by someone wanting to become an herbalist, but they are generally more like lengthy workshops. Some workshops can take hundreds of hours to complete, while others are completed in a few days. Many of these workshops also cover other forms of alternative medicine such as acupuncture and Chinese medicine. Depending on where you reside, some people who earn certificates or degrees in natural medicine may need to register with state governments, as is the case in Washington and California, for example.
Although herbal medicine is not recognized in the United States, some countries require their herbalists to be licensed. For example, someone wanting to become a herbalist in South Africa will need to register with the Allied Health Professional Council before they can actually practice. The registration process requires a practitioner to complete an application and prove that she has completed her bachelor’s degree, including three years of courses in general medical science and two years of courses in classes specifically focused on herbal medicine.
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