Herbal medicine is a centuries-old discipline that is finding many new converts today. Herbalists use plants and plant extracts to treat patients. Herbalists' patients' symptoms might include high cholesterol, digestive tract irritation, insomnia, coughs, allergies, and hypertension. Most successful herbalists graduate from degree or training programs.

Degree and Training Programs

The American Herbalist Guild suggests that good herbalist degree programs should include coursework in botany, plant identification, therapeutic uses of herbs, the history and philosophy of herbalism, clinical skills, professional ethics, and pharmacy. Options for herbalist training include distance learning, short six- to eight-month courses, longer two- to three-year training, and apprenticeship and self-study. The biggest advantage of the longer training programs is that they offer more hands-on clinical training.

Careers for Those with Herbalist Degrees

Herbalists can choose from many career paths. Some work in the herb industry as buyers, researchers, growers, herb journalists, or consultants. Others offer their expertise in partnerships with physicians. Many work as teachers, writers, or consultants. According to a recent study by the American Herbalist Guild, herbalists make between $20,000 and $120,000 on average.

Because they have such a wide range of responsibilities, their salaries can vary widely. Herbalism is a great career choice for someone who enjoys helping people and who has an interest in the way herbs and other medicines interact with the human body. As more and more people gain interest in alternatives to traditional medicine, herbalists should find more and more work opportunities.

Online Degrees in Herbalist

Clayton College of Natural Health

Clayton College of Natural Health is an online college with programs that focus on natural health and healing. They offer programs for everyone -- from those who simply want to be better able to take care of their household pets to licensed doctors who want to learn more about the field of natural health.

Clayton College's programs focus on natural health and healing, incorporating education of the impact of lifestyle on health and how to maximize wellness through healthy living. Their unique programs focus on the current trends within natural approaches to healthy eating and living.

Students in these programs will study Asian techniques for healthy living alongside western medicine and medical techniques. Natural remedies, however, are primarily taught and emphasized. Clayton College's mission is to provide all of its students with a synergistic view of nutrition as a part of a spiritual, integrated, and harmonious life on this planet.

Clayton College is accredited by the American Association of Drugless Practitioners and the American Naturopathic Medical Accreditation Board.
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Herbalist Degrees Offered:

Consulting Herbalist Certificate - Level 2
If your work involves herbs -- whether it is in growing or retailing herbs, manufacturing herbal products, or assisting an herbalist or nutritionist -- then you may wish to continue your education by enrolling in this program. Students will take courses such as History of Herbalism, Herbal Nutrition, Therapeutic Herbology, Biology, Anatomy and Physiology, and Toxicology and Pharmacology.
Family Herbalist Certificate - Level 1
If your primary interest in using herbs is to improve your family’s health, then this program is for you. It also forms the basis for the Consulting Herbalist and Master Herbalist programs. Students will take courses in Basic Nutrition, General Herbology, The Home Herbal Garden, Issues of a Consulting Practice, Home Remedies and Simples, and Aromatherapy.
Master Herbalist Certificate - Level 3
This program offers in-depth educational support and practical experience that prepares graduates for work as consultants, educators, or private practitioners. Students will take courses such as Herbalism and Phytotherapy, Ayurvedic Herbal Medicine, Building and Maintaining a Consulting Practice, Chinese Herbal Medicine, Native American Ethnobotany, Plant Identification, Client-Practitioner Relationship, and Practice Skills for the Herbalist.