Medicinal Herbs: A Beginner’s Guide by Rosemary Gladstar The Way of Herbs by Michael Tierra Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine by Andrew Chevallier Body into Balance by Maria Noel Groves The Gift of Healing Herbs by Robin Rose Bennett While books are a good place to start, you shouldn’t stop learning there. Hands-on learning through a school or an apprenticeship will teach you the more subtle aspects of diagnosis and treatment. [4] X Expert Source Chad Herst, CPCCHerbalist Expert Interview. 3 August 2020.
Keep your herbs well organized and clearly labeled. Some of the most common herbal supplements include echinacea, evening primrose, gingko biloba, ginseng, and St. John’s Wort. [5] X Trustworthy Source Johns Hopkins Medicine Official resource database of the world-leading Johns Hopkins Hospital Go to source
Alcohol, such as vodka or 80-proof rum, makes a good base ingredient. You can also use glycerine, vinegar, or even honey. Use whatever herbs you want, depending on what kind of tincture you’re making. For example, choose chamomile for a tincture that promotes restful sleep or echinacea for immune system support when you’re battling a cold. [6] X Research source Store your tincture in a cool, dry place for 3 weeks to 6 months. Shake it daily and when you’re ready to use the tincture, strain it through cheesecloth and store it in dropper bottles or clean glass jars. [7] X Research source Note that a standard adult dose of herbal tincture is 1⁄2 to 1 teaspoon (2. 5 to 4. 9 mL) up to 3 times daily. [8] X Research source
Attend herbal conferences to ask fellow conference-goers about their experiences and what programs and courses they’ve liked (or disliked). Visit https://www. americanherbalistsguild. com/ for a helpful (though not exhaustive) list of good herbal schools.
You can learn the basics of herbalism from a 100-300 hour introductory program. [9] X Research source Be aware that there is no certifying agency or licensing board for herbalists in the United States. Most herbal schools will award a certificate of completion when you graduate, but this is not the same thing as being officially board-certified.
To attend graduate school or medical school, you need a Bachelor’s degree. Consider majoring in botany, biology, or a related science field. [11] X Research source To be a naturopathic doctor, complete a 4-year graduate-level program accredited by the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education after finishing medical school. After graduation, you need to pass the Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Exam (NPLEX) before taking the state licensure exam. You must re-certify with 20 hours of approved continuing education each year. [12] X Research source
Try a trial period of a week with your mentor first to see if you’re well-suited to each other. [13] X Research source If you’re a newly graduated naturopathic physician, considering shadowing an experienced naturopathic physician for a year or 2 instead of doing a residency, which isn’t required for naturopathic physicians. [14] X Research source
Naturopathic physician or practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine Clinical herbalism, in a private or integrated practice Making herbal products, such as tinctures or tea blends Retailing and marketing herbal products, online or in a brick-and-mortar store Teaching about herbalism, for instance in herbal schools, community centers, conferences, or camps Researching herbs for universities or governments, or doing GMP testing on products.
Search online for full- and part-time jobs in the herbalist field. Check out https://www. naturalindustryjobs. com/currentjobs. asp for listings of relevant positions.
Try writing articles for blogs or local papers to get your name out there and showcase your expertise.
Check out the book Business Mastery by massage therapist Cherie M. Sohnen-Moe for a helpful guide in mastering the business side of your career.
Don’t advise clients on how to take (or stop taking) pharmaceutical medications. You can legally make recommendations, educate your clients about specific herbs, and dispense herbs.
For more information about GMPs contact your local or state organic certification agency, or visit the FDA website: https://www. fda. gov/Food/GuidanceRegulation/GuidanceDocumentsRegulatoryInformation/DietarySupplements/ucm238182. htm. [16] X Research source Whether you’re a small community herbalist or a multi-million dollar supplement manufacturer, if you make and sell your own products to the public, particularly tinctures, you’re legally obligated to comply with the GMPs. The FDA can shut your business down for non-compliance.
For example, you probably aren’t prepared to take on a client who has cancer if you’ve only taken a 6-week course on herbs.
