Training Programs for Herbalists
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.
