What Is an Herbalist?
- ALUA PATEL
- Apr 30, 2023
- 2 min read
Definition of an Herbalist
A practitioner who uses plants, herbs, roots, and natural remedies to support health.
Focuses on prevention, holistic balance, and natural healing.
May be called “herbal practitioners,” “medical herbalists,” or “clinical herbalists.”
Defined by Merriam-Webster as someone who practices healing by the use of herbs.
What Herbalists Do
Assess a person’s health through holistic evaluation.
Recommend herbal remedies in teas, tinctures, capsules, oils, or topical applications.
Provide lifestyle and wellness guidance alongside herbs.
Work in private practice, wellness centers, or integrative health clinics.
Educate communities about plant medicine and preventive care.
Areas of Specialization
Clinical Herbalists
Work directly with clients on chronic or acute conditions.
Often complete advanced education and clinical training.
Traditional Herbalists
Draw from ancestral knowledge and cultural practices.
Use folk remedies passed down through generations.
Community Herbalists
Focus on education, workshops, and grassroots health.
Provide affordable access to herbal remedies.
Product Herbalists
Formulate teas, tinctures, and wellness products.
Work in herbal companies, apothecaries, and supplement brands.
Training and Education
No universal licensing; pathways vary by country.
U.S.: herbalists may complete online programs, apprenticeships, or degrees.
UK: professional regulation through NIMH.
Accredited schools: Herbal Academy, MUIH, ACHS.
Registered Herbalist (RH) credential available from the American Herbalists Guild.
Training length: months (certificate) to 4–6 years (degree + clinical practice).
Herbalist vs. Other Health Practitioners
Herbalist: plant-based remedies, holistic wellness.
Naturopath: broader focus, includes diet, supplements, homeopathy.
Medical doctor: pharmaceutical and surgical interventions.
Nutritionist: diet-focused, may or may not use herbs.
Herbalists often collaborate with other practitioners in integrative care.
Common Remedies Used by Herbalists
Teas/Infusions: chamomile, peppermint, nettle.
Tinctures: echinacea, valerian, turmeric.
Capsules: garlic, ashwagandha, ginseng.
Ointments/Salves: calendula, comfrey, aloe vera.
Syrups: elderberry, licorice root.
Benefits of Working with an Herbalist
Personalized wellness plans.
Natural alternatives to pharmaceuticals for mild conditions.
Preventive health focus.
Emotional support through holistic lifestyle guidance.
Access to traditional knowledge and modern research.
Encouragement of eco-friendly, sustainable health practices.
When to Consult an Herbalist
For general wellness, stress management, sleep issues.
To support digestion, immunity, energy, skin health.
When interested in natural remedies alongside conventional care.
For education on safe use of herbs at home.
Safety Considerations
Herbalists are not medical doctors; they do not diagnose or prescribe.
Herbs may interact with medications (e.g., St. John’s Wort, garlic).
Pregnant and breastfeeding individuals require extra caution.
Choosing a qualified herbalist ensures safety and reliability.
Collaboration with healthcare providers is encouraged.
Career Path of an Herbalist
Begin with interest and self-study.
Take beginner courses or join herbal schools.
Complete apprenticeships, certificate, or degree programs.
Build clinical experience through supervised practice.
Join associations such as AHG or NIMH for recognition.
Work independently, in wellness centers, or in product development.
Herbalism in Modern Practice
Increasing demand for natural and integrative medicine.
Herbalists contribute to wellness retreats, spas, and holistic clinics.
Growth of herbal product industry.
Herbalists serve as educators, formulators, and wellness guides.