Herbalism: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries

Program Overview

Herbalism is a comprehensive, interdisciplinary field dedicated to the study and application of plant-based remedies across diverse global traditions. This program equips learners with the scientific and practical knowledge needed to ethically and effectively integrate herbal medicine into health and wellness practices.

• Basic Anatomy, Physiology, and Pathology: Foundational understanding of human body systems, normal function, and disease processes to inform safe herbal applications.
• Toxicology and Safety: In-depth study of plant constituents, potential adverse effects, and the risks associated with herb-drug interactions and improper use.
• Nutrition and Holistic Health: Exploration of dietary influences on wellness and how nutritional status affects response to herbal therapies.
• Materia Medica and Botanical Terminology: Comprehensive study of medicinal plants, including identification, properties, and traditional uses across Western, Native American, African, and Australasian systems.
• Therapeutic Herbalism: Clinical application of herbal remedies to support the body’s natural healing processes and address acute and chronic conditions.
• Herbal Pharmacy and Phytotherapy: Principles of formulating, preparing, and dispensing herbal medicines, including tinctures, infusions, salves, and capsules.
• Botanicals and Ethnobotany: Investigation into the cultural, historical, and ecological contexts of plant use across different societies and regions.
• Wildcrafting and Sustainable Harvesting: Ethical and sustainable techniques for collecting wild plants, emphasizing conservation and biodiversity.
• Labeling and Dispensing Standards: Compliance with regulatory guidelines for accurate product labeling, dosage instructions, and safe distribution of herbal preparations.
• Counterindications and Contraindications: Knowledge of when and how not to use specific herbs based on individual health status, conditions, or medications.
• Consultation and Communication Skills: Development of professional interviewing techniques and patient-centered dialogue to assess needs and tailor herbal recommendations.
• Practice Management and Ethics: Training in professional conduct, record-keeping, scope of practice, and adherence to ethical standards in herbal healthcare delivery.