Herbal Schools - all

ABC of Herbalism with Susun Weed

I offer four different courses, each of which explores a different aspect of herbal medicine. Each course includes a project booklet of 26 assignments, audio/video tapes/DVDs, books, a discount on classes with me, time to deal with your personal needs, erratic mailings of fun stuff, and special gifts. You are free to complete your course as your time and life allow; there is no time limit. There is no requirement to send in lessons or to report to me, except as you desire. Upon completion of your course you receive a beautiful certificate suitable for framing.

American College of Healthcare Sciences

ACHS has delivered quality education and personal attention to students since 1978. Today, we offer convenient degree programs online in an Associates or Master of Applied Science in Complementary Alternative medicine, AAS or MACAM. ACHS also offers a wide variety of professional career programs in Master Herbalist, master aromatherapist, Holistic health practitioner and more. As a student in one of our DETC accredited online programs, you will receive the same quality education and level of you should expect from a prestigious private college. By pursuing an education in holistic health at Australasian College, students are prepared to enter the rapidly growing field of complementary alternative health. Our master's, associate's degree programs and diploma programs provide the administrative, scientific, clinical, and ethical training required to become a successful holistic health professional.

Appalachia School of Holistic Herbalism

ASHH provides sound technical training in holistic healing with a focus on preventative lifestyle. Holistic healing aims to do no harm to the planet in realization that there is no separation between that which we do to ourselves and that which we do to the whole. Holistic health supports the well being of the entire person: mind, body, and spirit. Students are educated and empowered to cultivate deep wellness within themselves and others using hands, heart, nature, and plants.In a society more familiar with corporate logos than backyard plants, it is imperative that we reclaim the innate wisdom of identifying, honoring, and utilizing the plant kingdom. The earth’s bounty is always reaching out to us, offering its aid to restore us to vitality. Learning in nature and through nature at ASHH, on our thirty-acre campus, connects the student to the roots and essence of Herbalism. Through the study of medicinal plants and holistic living skills, we return the ancient art of healing to the individual and to the family, rebuilding conscientious communities and embracing our divine potential. We must learn to love and care for the Earth as we would our own children. In doing so, we find this nurturance becomes our nourishment. This is why, at ASHH, we offer classes for children as well as beginning, intermediate, and advanced adults.

Australian College of Phytotherapy

The Australian College of Phytotherapy is located in Warwick in Queensland, Australia. It was established by Kerry Bone in 1998 in order to conduct clinically oriented, post-graduate courses in Western Herbal Medicine. The College's mission statement is: "The College will provide a specialist education in Western Herbal Medicine of an internationally recognised standard of excellence." It is the College's policy to - Provide courses of recognised excellence in Western Herbal Medicine; Continue to update and develop courses to ensure that the quality of the training is maintained; Provide courses in such a way as to ensure the effective delivery to a wide range of students; Provide an environment of support for all students.

Ayurvedic Institute

Since 1984, The Ayurvedic Institute has taught and promoted the traditional knowledge of Ayurveda. The Educational Department offers the Ayurvedic Studies Program, advanced study in Albuquerque and India, Jyotish courses, an Ayurvedic correspondence course by Dr. Robert E. Svoboda as well as various weekend and intensive seminars. Our Herb Department carries Ayurvedic and Western herbs and many Ayurvedic products and the Panchakarma Department provides traditional Ayurvedic procedures for purification and rejuvenation. The Ayurvedic Press is a division of the Institute and publishes books and textbooks on Ayurveda. Dr. Vasant Lad, Ayurvedic Physician, director of the Institute and its principal instructor, received his Master of Ayurvedic Science (M.A.Sc.) in 1980 from Tilak Ayurved Mahavidyalaya in Pune, India. He brings a wealth of classroom and practical experience to the United States. A native of India, he served for three years as Medical Director of the Ayurveda Hospital in Pune, India. He was a Professor of Clinical Medicine for ten years at the Pune University College of Ayurvedic Medicine. Dr. Lad's academic and practical training includes the study of allopathic medicine and surgery. Dr. Lad is the author of several books and respected throughout the world for his knowledge of Ayurveda. The Ayurvedic Institute, recognized as a leading Ayurvedic school and Ayurveda health spa outside of India, was established in 1984 to teach the traditional Ayurvedic medicine of India and to provide these ancient therapies. Ayurvedic healing includes herbs, nutrition, panchakarma cleansing, acupressure massage, Yoga, Sanskrit, and Jyotish (Vedic astrology).

Bastyr University

The Bastyr University mission is to educate future leaders in natural health sciences that integrate mind, body, spirit and nature. Through natural health education, research and clinical services, Bastyr improves the health and well-being of the human community

Blue Ridge School of Herbal Medicine

The Blue Ridge School of Herbal Medicine provides hands-on education in the heartland of American herbal medicine. We teach a "planetary" curriculum integrating Chinese, Ayurvedic and Western "deep physiology" medical philosophies, emphasizing use of local plants and clinical applications.

California School of Herbal Studies

Founded in 1978 by Rosemary Gladstar, CSHS is one of North America's oldest centers for herbal education. Now under the ledership of owners Rebecca Maxfield and Jason Miller and program coordinator Autumn Summers. CSHS continues in the spirit in which it was formed by offering a multi-perspective approach to Earth-centered botanical studies. Our goal at the California School of Herbal Studies is to empower individuals with the skills, confidence and experience needed by the community herbalist. Western Herbalism forms the base of the training, and Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine are introduced by guest teachers. Materia Medica focuses on North American and European herbs. Successful graduates of our intensive program leave here with the knowledge they need to enter and contribute to the rapidly blossoming field of herbalism, and receive certificates of completion that are highly regarded by the herbal community. Visitors to the school are welcome, but please call first so we can be sure someone will be available to greet you!

Campus Broshim

Campus Broshim is the complementary medicine department at the School for Accreditation and Continuing Education Sports Programs at the Tel-Aviv University. We offer various study programs: Chinese Medicine, Naturopathic Medicine, Ayurveda, Shiatsu, Tuina etc. and advanced studies for graduates of these programs. Our programs are recognized by the complementary medicine professional bodies and guilds in Israel. We also have professional contacts with leading complementary medicine schools abroad like the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in the US. The school is involved in clinical researches of complementary medicine subjects in cooperation with hospitals in Israel. We have two Herbal study programs: 1. A post-graduate program for students with a medical or Para-Medical background, who wish to study for a Clinical Herbalist. (Students who do not have these pre-requisites, study courses in western medicine in addition to the herbs). 2. Herbal studies within the Naturopathic Medicine study Program. The Herbalist program started three years ago and is lead by the following teachers: Mina Faran, PhD – President of the Israeli Herbalist Association Tzvia Shapira, PhD – Member of the Israeli Herbalist Association Mrs. Dvira (Mirkin) Shkedi, MSc, Clinical herbalist Yossi Shevach, PhD, Naturopath -- Expert in functional nutrition Orna Yaffe, ND -- Naturopath

Centre for Natural Healing

Centre for Natural Healing & The Mederi Foundation offer two separate six-day courses for health care professionals and senior students of natural medicine. The Core Skills training provides foundational strategies in managing cancer. The Advanced Training offered to alumni of The Core Skills Training, is designed to maximize your practical and theoretical understanding of the clinical applications in managing cancer with Natural Medicine. Taught by Chanchal Cabrea and Donald Yance, both implement his approach -- "The Triphasic Model." Core Skills and Strategies in Managing Cancer with Natural Medicine: May 5 – 10th, 2008 OR September 22 - 27th, 2008. Advanced Training in Integrative Cancer Therapies for Clinicians will be held September 24 - 29th, 2007.

Chestnut School of Herbal Medicine

Our classroom is the outdoors- garden, field, forest, mountain and stream. All of our classes are held outside at both the garden/school center(near Asheville, NC)and at various ecosystems featuring the beauty and extreme botanical diversity of the Southern Appalachians. Our model of teaching involves experiential or hands-on learning. Learning about the plants in person, where they grow, engages the senses as we smell, touch, see, and often taste our green allies. Rather than simply talking about a wild plant as food, we spend time together gathering wild edibles and preparing vital, delicious meals. We learn sustainable wildcrafting through the many hours spent on field trips ethically gathering wild medicinals and preparing tinctures, teas, and oils. Students will complete our program with a full natural medicine chest created by their own hands from fresh bioregional or organically grown herbs. Reverence for the sacredness of all life is part of our guiding philosophy and inspiration.

Chicago College of Healing Arts

We believe learning happens in a lively environment where students are engaged with each other and a rich body of work. In particular, we believe that students need hands-on experiences to ground their intellectual understandings. Because of this our courses have elements that appeal to all the senses, and all levels of being. Students taste, smell, observe, grow and experience herbs. Nutrition and medicine making classes have lab components, and the Clinical Practicum allows students to grow into being powerful healers in a nurturing environment. “Living with Herbs,” the original name of our school, comes from our commitment to knowledge which is based on relationships to that which is known; our students spend time in the beauty of nature as well as in the laboratory. We view slides of plants we are learning, while also tasting the herb and experiencing its spiritual energy by taking in its flower essence. Our rigorous didactic studies are leavened with humor and a playful spirit of inquiry.

Clayton College of Natural Health

Clayton College of Natural Health (CCNH) seeks to teach each student how to be healthy and how to teach others to be healthy. By offering a wide variety of certificate and degree programs, CCNH has continued to fulfill this mission for over 27 years. The three level Herbal Studies program at CCNH was developed in conjunction with the educational guidelines of the AHG. From the Family Herbalist, to the Consulting Herbalist, and finally the Master Herbalist certificate programs, CCNH has an educational experience for any level of herbal education that the student seeks. An exciting option for the prospective or enrolled student is attending the annual CCNH conference where renowned herbalists such as Matthew Wood, David Winston, Darryl Patton, and Phyllis D. Light teach classes, conduct plant walks, and are available for a weekend of learning.

David Winston's Center for Herbal Studies

Good herbalists treat people, not diseases, and in our program we strive to teach the skills necessary so that each student can accomplish that goal. We focus on differential diagnosis skills, materia medica and therapeutics which are essential to individualize treatment and help patients to not only resolve symptoms, but create constitutional change needed for physical, emotional and spiritual wellness.

EarthSong Herbals

Our intention is to promote excellence in herbal practice. We provide students with beginning level herbal studies, intermediate and advanced classes in practitioner's skills. Visiting lecturers may include Matthew Wood, Anne McIntyre, David Dalton, Mindy Green and more. Check the website for the latest offerings. Apprenticeship (BEGINNING) Our weekends are spent absorbing knowledge of the plants on many levels. Margi’s focus is on a practitioner’s viewpoint. Lectures will be kept to a minimum. The joy of reading and accumulating wonderful herb books is encouraged. Introducing the identification, preparation, and wonder of herbs and their gifts is the emphasis. You will learn how to formulate teas, oils, salves, extracts and skin care products. We will introduce you to, and dance with, the expansive powers of flower essences, pure essential oils and the magic the green world has to offer. Herbal Hours (INT) In-depth adventurous study enjoying one herb as our focal point. We expose ourselves to the pure essential oil, extract, infusion or decoction, infused oil, case studies using the plant, scientific research, doctrine of signatures, magical uses. This is an opportunity to learn practical formulations understanding the energetics of one herb. We will also learn to read the body for signs indicating the specific organ systems to strengthen. ClinicCircle and Clinical Intensives (INT/ADV) Mentorship Program AHG Become comfortable in clinical practice. 1-5 days of active office life with clients, formulation, preparation and helpful discussion to follow. Live the life of a practicing herbalist for five days, or come for one or two. Continuing education credits with the American Herbalists Guild are available on request. This is an opportunity to build your foundational skills, learn more on the use of herbs, supplements, flower essences, essential oils and the magical interaction of people with them. Reading The Body (ALL) Read the face, nails, tongue and body to understand indications of lines, blemishes, marks and colors. Understanding the cues of the organ/body correspondences is a precious gift (and a curse). Indications of hot, cold, damp dry and wind conditions can easily be read once you train your eyes to see. Margi shares the knowledge learned from her teachers and clients over the past three decades.

East West School of Herbology

The East West Courses are a unique combination of Western, Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese herbology. Many of the graduates of our 36 Lesson Professional Herb Course program have obtained professional membership status in the American Herbalists Guild (AHG). This is important since the AHG is the only professional clinical herbalists organization in North America. Herbal medicine in North America has grown from an off-beat interest promoted by a handful of non-mainstream adherents, to an 8 billion dollar a year mainstream business -- and it's still growing. Increasingly we see professional medical practitioners including medical doctors, pharmacists, nurses, chiropractors, acupuncturists to non-professional lay persons exhibit a keen interest in herbal medicine prompted at the behest of their patients. The reason is clear: Herbs work. For this, there is no dispute even by those who would be normally critical of so-called 'alternative medicine.' As a result, there is an urgent need for qualified people in the growing professions of clinical herbology, herbal pharmacy, herbal research, herb cultivation and wildcrafting, herbal marketing and product development. Throughout the last several decades Michael Tierra and the East West School of Herbology have been in the forefront of the herbal renaissance, promoting its widespread growth and acceptance throughout the Western world. To increase the standards, credibility and acceptance of clinical herbalism, in 1989 Michael founded the American Herbalists Guild. There is no shortcut to mastery. Courses and schools that purport to offer 'master herbalist' (MH) or other misleading degrees, often based on a 'quickie' weekend or a single week-long workshop, have no guaranteed legal professional standing. Be that as it may, there is a growing number of professional herbalists throughout North America. Many of these are graduates of the East West Herb Course, which represents a comprehensive and thorough herbal training program. (See the "Student Profiles" on the bulletin board). Our graduates are confident and competent herbalists! Remember; one can learn hundreds of herbs, but that knowledge is clinically worthless without its integration into a traditional system of diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, only the East West Herb Course systematically integrates the three main systems of herbal medicine based on the traditional practice of Western, Chinese and Ayurvedic (East Indian) herbal medicine. We believe that herbal medicine is not simply another profession, but an inspired calling. It is to this inner calling, as well as the increasing numbers of students who feel drawn to the study of herbal medicine, that we dedicate our teachings. If you are one of those who feel such inner promptings, come journey with us down this heartfelt path of wonder and learning. A wise person once said that whatever energy is expended towards education is never lost. Enroll in one of our courses today and let it serve as your guide on your personal 'Way of Herbs.'

Foundations in Herbal Medicine

The Foundations in Herbal Medicine course provides an integrated perspective on the use of herbal medicine that is based on sound scientific principles and longstanding herbal wisdom. This approach enables the student to apply herbs with discrimination and understanding, circumventing the problem of treating symptoms without addressing the cause.

Foundations of Herbalism

Foundations of Herbalism serves as an educational model for integrating the principles of herbal medicine into daily life. The course offers the essential foundation needed in order to become a well-rounded herbalist for either professional or personal purposes.

Heart of Herbs Herbal School

Heart of Herbs Herbal School nurtures students in learning and experiencing traditional herbal education with a modern edge. Combining up-to-date herbal education with traditional practices prepares the Heart of Herbs student to work in their community, based on the needs of their community, as educated practitioners who know and understand herbalism and/or aromatherapy. Students have the option to learn on-site or through our popular distance learning programs. Students are trained in their field to: To work as practitioners who listen and work with the needs of their clients. Putting the needs of the client first in the health plan. To excel in herbalism or aromatherapy allowing students to formulate and combine remedies to the exact needs of a client. Provide clients with accurate evidence based information and education, to assist clients, consumers and clinicians to use herbalism or aromatherapy appropriately and safely. Students are trained in communication skills, business aptitude, practitioner ethics, appropriate care and protocols. Students will learn about over 100 herbs and 50 essential oils (depending on program). Develop materia medicas, learn about safe and ethical use of herbs and essential oils. The program also covers the following to varying degrees depending on program: Pharmacological and physiological effects; Formulation and combining remedies for specific and general needs; Research based education; Anatomy and physiology; Wildcrafting and plant identification. The school was founded in 1998 by internationally known herbalist Demetria Clark. Heart of Herbs herbal School has educated over 1500 students, through apprenticeship and distance education. The school offers the following programs: 1)Master Herbalist, 2) Certified Herbalist, 3)Master Aromatherapy, 4)Certified Aromatherapy, 5)Herbal Skin Care for Business Program, and 6) other Advanced Practitioner Programs. Each program is updated twice a year. We also offer extensive support solutions for students allowing continual access to Demetria, so we can support each person's individual educational needs. Our motto for students is "Life Happens, we support your education in your life." (Note: We also have an international office in Basel, Switzerland.)

Heartstone Herbal School

Heartstone Herbal School provides a strong foundation for a life-long relationship with plants as medicine. We visit the places where plants live and learn to harvest and use them in respectful and sustainable ways. We visit the anatomy & physiology of the body to assist our use of the plants as medicine. The person, the plant and the planet are viewed and taught in this holistic manner. We value the interface of science and spirit as a rich and nourishing place. Our curriculum grows out of the place where they meet. Please visit our website for more information.

Herbal Medicine for Women

Herbal Medicine for Women is a botanical medicine course for health care providers and individuals interested in learning how to effectively and safely use botanical medicines for women's health, and seeking to deepen their own personal relationship with healing plants, the rhythms of the earth, and their own bodies and cycles, and how to communicate their knowledge to others. The course, covering health and illness throughout women's lifecycles, is especially relevant for herbalists, midwives (nurse midwives and direct entry midwives), naturopathic doctors, physicians, pharmacists, nurse practitioners, childbirth educators, doulas, and herb retailers. The program provides a solid foundation in herbal medicine for promoting wellness and educating about or treating gynecologic and obstetric complaints. CEU approved (295 hours) by NCCAOM, Oregon Board of Naturopathic Examiners, and Midwifery Education Accreditation Council.

Institute of Aromatic and Herbal Studies

The philosophy of the Institute of Aromatic & Herbal Studies is to provide the highest quality education and hands-on exposure to "all things herbal and aromatic." We take a holistic approach to herbal medicine, studying the plants themselves, growing conditions, harvesting, preparation of herbal medicines and distillation for essential oils and hydrosols and the healthful uses of these herbs and aromatics. The knowledge of herbal medicine allows us to be proactive in our own health-care. Once we have the ability to heal ourselves, we can help others. The Institute of Aromatic and Herbal Studies emphasizes the use of local, native plants for the home preparation of teas, tinctures, capsules, which allows students control of their own health care.

International College of Herbal Medicine

The International College of Herbal Medicine (ICOHM) specializes in web-based Herbal Education. We offer both individual unit study as well as Introductory, Clinical and Post Graduate programs. Our vision is to provide an educational process that is holistic in its approach and innovative in its method of delivery. Professional courses with a difference. Students have a range of prior learning experiences and these will be considered to enable the student to enroll in any program. The programs are written and mentored by an international lineup of tutors who are practicing skilled herbalists as well as trained doctors, pharmacists, midwives, writers and educators.

International Integrative Educational Institute

The International Integrative Educational Institute houses the Herbalist College and the Ayurveda College. IIEI offers a wide variety of courses and classes in the natural health field. Topics cover herbalism, massage, yoga, diet & lifestyle, and energy work. Most of the courses offer Continuing Education credit or professional certification. IIEI, with Karta Purkh Singh Khalsa as course director, has a highly trained, diverse faculty of qualified instructors. The International Integrative Educational Institute offers an online store selling herbal products, body care products, books, videos and other health aids. Karta Purkh is a mentor with the American Herbalists Guild.

Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences

Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences offers a blended/online learning Master of Applied Natural Products Degree program - most semesters combine a 5-day hands-on, on-campus intensive experience complemented by the convenience of online course work. The students are exposed to the knowledge, wisdom and experience of amazing speakers and practitioners in the area of Herbal Medicine, Pharmacognosy and Phytopharmacology, Dietary Supplements, Functional Medicine, Natural Products Informatics, Epidemiology and others. The program offers academic training to candidates with a previously earned baccalaureate degree (preferably in healthcare-related field) who have completed prerequisite requirements (see our web site for details).

Midwest School of Herbal Studies

Our mission is to provide the highest level of education in botanical studies, with an emphasis on integrative herbalism (modern Western phytotherapy, native-American, Unani, Ayurvedic, & TCM), and to do so at an affordable cost and in the most user-friendly format possible.

NAMTI School of Botanical Studies

We offer a well-balanced, comprehensive and engaging program that emphasizes the study of our North American bioregional plant medicines. Seventy-five percent of our materia medica focuses on local plants indigenous to the western United States. Working with the plants is a transformational journey, born from the wisdom of our ancestors. We acknowledge and are guided by the awareness of this sacred and time-honored path. Integrating medicinal therapies with earth centered values opens a gateway for self healing to manifest in each individual. We offer our students the tools to hold the lineage of plant medicine. These tools are derived from a full spectrum and balanced education in the art and science of Western Therapeutic Herbalism. Carrying on the traditions of the Rocky Mountain Center for Botanical Studies, Clinical Herbalist Feather Jones has recreated the Western Herbalism Certificate Program in the magical red rock country of northern Arizona. Our school offers a unique combination of studies, and our graduates leave with a passion and intention to make a difference in the world, springing from a confidence in their herbal knowledge and a deeper awareness of themselves. Our graduates become self-empowered as community herbalists with a vital force to step into the world and create a healthier planet. As those before us, we acknowledge the concept-what we do now affects the next seven generations. Learning the plants in the classroom, honoring and harvesting them in the field & garden with a hands-on approach, making medicines with them and using them as therapies, not only sparks awareness of the world around us, but our connections to it. Building on the foundation established in the first year, the second year advanced program is designed to further the students' knowledge of materia medica, therapeutics, nutritional and clinical skills. This advanced program is open to graduates of the first year as well as students from other schools with at least 400 hours of herbal education and knowledge of our local materia medica. Applying students must complete the required entrance assignments* before entering the program.

Northeast School of Botanical Medicine

The philosophy and goals of the Northeast School of Botanical Medicine are entwined to help students grasp the depth of herbal medicine and their future roles as herbalists. We want the students to gain the practical skills, knowledge and insights into plants and plant-based medicines to help and educate those people whom they will meet. The school looks to bring together the two main aspects of herbalism; the plants and the people. From both sides we encourage critical thinking and practical skills. From the plant side there is a lot of time spent with plants in their environment developing the skills to make accurate plant identification, learning how to ethically and sustainably gather these plants, how to prepare them, and acquiring an understanding of how to use them as medicine. From the people end, we teach the many facets of clinical assessment skills. Looking at an individual's health and how to approach this from a few different angles. These include the scientific disciplines of physiology and an understanding of how disease is viewed within the current medical paradigm (pathophysiology), as well as looking at their constitutional types and personal characteristics that make each person an individual and help the clinician decide on treatment protocols. We believe that herbal medicine is a way to help serve our communities. The informed herbalist can be available to answer people's health concerns and teach others how to recognize and prepare their own plant medicines. We feel that being an herbalist can be a political act. It can help change the way that medicine is often practiced in the United States and elsewhere. By taking medicine into our own hands, finding and preparing them from scratch and educating those around us may slowly help remodel the way medicine is often exercised. Herbal medicine is an aesthetic medicine. Made from trees and roots and flowers it is a profoundly beautiful art. And we hope that as people become aware of the medicinal value of plants, that their awareness of their natural environment grows and this helps people gain new insights into plants and the environment around them. In short herbalism is a beautiful, healing, political awareness-raising, community service medicine.

Northwest School for Botanical Studies

The Northwest School for Botanical Studies (NWSBS) offers two extensive programs including the 300 hour Professional Herbalist Training (PHT) Program and the Clinical Herbalist Training (CHT) Program; as well as classes for beginning and intermediate herbal studies. The PHT Program incorporates the following classes into the curriculum: herbal materia medica, physiology, herbal therapeutics, constitutional medicine, diagnostic skills, herbal pharmacy, kitchen pharmacy, field botany, gardening, aromatherapy, and clinical and business practicum. The emphasis of the materia medica is on the clinical uses of western plants, as well as the uses of some traditional Chinese herbs. Students will learn to identify plants in field and in the garden; although they are encouraged to cultivate their own gardens before they harvest plants in the wild. The kitchen pharmacy class trains students to incorporate the use of herbs into the diet, to maintain radiant health and vitality. The herbal pharmacy class includes many hours of “hands on” medicine making techniques and formulation; and provides instruction on many of the skills necessary to maintain an herbal pharmacy. The Clinical Herbalist Training Program covers many case studies, treatment strategies, formulation, diagnostic techniques, pathophysiology, intake forms; techniques for creating a successful practice, and basic tools for practitioners to maintain their own health and vitality. Both the PHT and CHT programs emphasize a holistic and constitutional approach to foster client wellness. The Northwest School for Botanical Studies strives to provide the highest quality education possible to students who have a serious interest in pursuing herbal studies.

Ohlone Center of Herbal Studies

The Ohlone Herbal Center is a leading clinical and educational center for sustainable systems of Western herbal-based healing. Our innovative programs feature multiple levels of learning based on individual student needs. We offer evening classes for working adults, and an intensive two-year program that takes students through apprenticeship, therapeutic and clinical experiences. The last year of the program features clinical work with clients to give students invaluable hands-on understandings in the field. Graduates have all the tools and knowledge they need to practice clinical herbalism, taking care of their communities by working at non-profit clinics, developing private practices, working with medical professionals, and teaching the next generation of practitioners. Ohlone specializes in enabling graduates to understand how to develop successful careers in herbal healing practices. Our support for students continues after they graduate through practitioner groups that provide a collaborative learning experience throughout their careers.

Pacific Rim College

Pacific Rim College is a government (PCTIA) accredited academic institution of complementary and integrative medicine located on Vancouver Island in beautiful Victoria, British Columbia. The college was founded to provide world-class education, modern research opportunities and premiere clinical services in a variety of medical modalities. The mission of Pacific Rim College is to provide education, services and research opportunities in Complementary and Integrative Medicine, amalgamating indigenous and diverse systems of healing with contemporary scientific beliefs and technology. Pacific Rim College is committed to being an academic leader in Complementary and Integrative Medicine. Offering world-class education in Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine, Phytotherapy, Integrative Health and Hellerwork.

Philo School of Herbal Energetics

Apprenticeships with Mary Pat Palmer, MA, RH(AHG) and Matthew Wood MSc, RH(AHG). Additional classes. Founded as the Boston School of Herbal Energetics in 2000 and moved to 16 acres of enchanted land in Philo (northern California). The focus is on the plants and our relationship to and reverence for them. We hope to bring the power of medicinal plants to the people who love and use them. We welcome your visits, but please call first. Graduates receive certificates for both apprenticeships and classes and become part of our Philo family. Some labor barter is available.

Pipsissewa Herbs

Pipsissewa Herbs will teach principles and techniques in traditional Native American Herbal Medicine, through hands on learning in plant use and recognition, emphasizing native, naturalized, and cultivated plants, to allow the student to use herbs for the health and wellness of themselves and their families, or to continue studies at a higher level.

Professional Herbalists Training Program

This 2 year herbal program is designed with the clinical herbalist in mind. Classes are held one weekend a month with a focus on Chinese medicine diagnostics, herbs and formulations. The program is unique in its ongoing intern clinic. After completing the 3 foundation classes, students start observing in the Wednesday night clinics that also include case discussions. After about 6-12 months students begin seeing clients while supervised by senior staff. This course can be completed in two years or students can attend classes as time allows. Classes include Theory, Diagnosis, Materia Medica of herbs and formulas and integrates western and other cultural herbs into the Chinese system. Other areas taught include, Tai Chi, Qi Gong, Auricular therapy, Moxibustion, Cupping, Dietary, Vitamin/mineral therapy and medicine making. Areas of emphasis are diagnostics, ethics and business management. Primary instructor is Bob Linde, AP, RH. Classes start annually. Check website for current classes and starting dates. Classes are pay as you go. Contact us for an information packet today.

Ranherbs College of Phytotherapy

The Ranherbs college of Phytotherapy, provides a three years full- time course in clinical botanical medicine. Our school emphasizes the integration of both traditional as well as modern aspects of herbal practice. Gal M. Ran, RH (AHG), with more then 15 years of herbal practice and academic experience, is the college academic director, while Yaniv Murciano, RH (AHG) serves as the college director. Our graduates are fully qualified clinical herbalists, and may become professional members of the Israeli herbal medicine association. We believe in the sensible integration of past, present and future herbal knowledge and understanding.

School of Integrative Herbology

Integrating Western Herbology and Ayurveda with Candis Cantin 8 Hours of Audio CDs/ Over 600 Page Course Pack/ 10 Herb Samples/ Pocket Guide to Ayurvedic Healing by Candis. Learn how to integrate Western herbology with the constitutional and lifestyle model of Ayurveda. Sample course topics show how to: Evaluate the constitutional dispositions of people and their imbalances using the Ayurvedic principles; Treat acute and chronic conditions for different constitutions; How to nourish, build and cleanse the seven tissues; Create herbal formulas using the six tastes of plants and foods; Make herbal medicine using Western herbs; Learn ways to achieve greater vitality using Chinese, Western, and Ayurvedic tonic herbs; Use food as our medicine; Discover methods for living a more peaceful and balanced life. The Home Study Correspondence Course includes all material in the Integrative Herbology Beginning Program (Part 1) and the Intermediate Integrative Herbology Study Program (Part 2) taught at our school.

Shang Shung Institute

At the Shang Shung Institute’s School of Tibetan Medicine, students immerse themselves in the study of Tibet’s ancient healing arts. Students enjoy small classes led by distinguished Tibetan physicians of renowned medical lineage. This rare opportunity to study the full scope of Tibetan Medical practice offers students the possibility to become the first Tibetan doctors trained in the West. In the Fall of 2005, the North American branch of the Shang Shung Institute initiated this four-year program under the direction of Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo. This program is the first in the West to closely parallel the training of a traditional Tibetan physician in Tibet or India. The Shang Shung curriculum, created by Dr. Wangmo, is based on the Gyud Zhi, the four primary Tibetan Healing Science Texts that are used in all traditional schools of Tibetan Medicine. Class lectures cover the texts’ main topics, including general healthcare, woman’s health, pediatrics, toxicology, injuries, provocations, geriatrics, and fertility. Diagnostic methods of consultation, pulse reading, and urine analysis, as well as treatment methods including herbal preparations, diet, lifestyle, and external therapies are taught in both the classroom and in practical labs. Supplementary topics include Tibetan language, Astrology, Kunye Therapy, Ethics, and History of Tibetan Culture and Medical Practice. The faculty at the Shang Shung Institute School of Tibetan Medicine are distinguished graduates of acclaimed Tibetan Medical institutions; such as, the Lhasa University School of Traditional Medicine, and Men-Tsee-Khang: the Tibetan Medical and Astrological Institute of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Many have had extensive experience practicing traditional Tibetan medicine and pharmacology before and after coming to the West.

Southwest Institute of Healing Arts

Southwest Institute of Healing Arts (SWIHA)is committed to graduating students with a high degree of competency, character and commitment to the holistic field of healing. Our mission is to broaden the minds and hearts of students, while instilling in them a profound sense of ethics and a high level of skill. We build a foundation of knowledge and awareness that moves students to a commitment of excellence in their chosen professions and their lives. Southwest Institute of Healing Arts' mission is to teach people how to touch lives, heal bodies and free spirits!

Southwest School of Botanical Medicine

Advanced Distance Learning programs: 1) Clinical and Constitutional Herbalism; 2) Materia Medica. Instructor: Michael Moore Each program has 12 lessons, 12 hours of video lectures a lesson (DVD), printed manuals, lesson materials and email, mp3 or telephone mentoring. Teaching professional herbalists since 1979

Tai Sophia Institute

The Master of Science in Herbal Medicine program at Tai Sophia Institute combines current scientific research with centuries of tradition to provide students with a solid knowledge of the philosophy, theory, and practice of herbal medicine for the support and maintenance of health and well-being. As individuals increasingly take responsibility for their own healthcare, there are questions from consumers, pharmacists, physicians, and complementary medicine practitioners about issues of use, quality, and cross-effects with mainstream pharmaceuticals and treatments.

The program is designed to serve a critical need for education, research, and information in the field of herbal medicine by training graduates to become practitioners of excellence as well as leaders in research and in the production and standards of commercial botanical remedies. Graduates will:
• Have the competence and experience to be successful, practicing clinical herbalists.
• Provide guidance to practitioners, policy makers, academic researchers, and industry leaders concerning the standards of efficacy, quality, and safety of herbal products.
• Contribute to national efforts to promote the professional practice of herbal medicine and increase awareness of the value of herbal medicine and its role in integrative medicine.
• Provide educational programs for the wider community in the practice of herbal medicine.
• Develop a body of knowledge that will inform and assist clinicians and consumers in their use of herbal products.
• Build a bridge between conventional and herbal medicine practitioners.

The program provides students with a solid familiarity of the foundation of herbal medicine, human biology, and varied healing traditions. Each student will build a knowledge base of over 100 herbs, their traditional usage, the clinical research validating their usage, their dosage as well as known pharmacological effects and contraindications, toxicity, and possible drug interactions. The program offers the country’s first Master of Science in Herbal Medicine, providing students with a comprehensive, in-depth education in understanding the rich history, science, and complexity of herbal medicine.

Founded by Simon Mills, co-author of two of the world’s leading textbooks on herbal medicine, president of the British Herbal Medicine Association, and secretary of the European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy (ESCOP). Led by Director James Snow with highly experienced and prestigious core faculty, along with distinguished guest lecturers.

Over 1000 hours of hands-on clinical training and experience, as well as, extensive training in the preparation and formulation of herbal remedies.

The North American Institute of Medical Herbalism

The North American Institute of Medical Herbalism offers classroom, clinical, distance learning, and continuing education courses. Our full certification is only available on-site. The complete curriculum culminates in an eight-month clinical residency in our public clinic, through the following stages:

• Fundamentals of Medical Herbalism 176 classroom hours
• Advanced Herbalism 436 classroom hours
• Clinical Herbalism 310 hours

The student may also do a dual certification program in Clinical Herbalism and Clinical Nutrition. Because most of the classes for certification in nutrition overlap with classes in the herbalism programs, the dual certificate can be earned with an extra 126 hours of advanced topics in nutrition. Each of these programs earns an individual certificate. The NAIMH is approved and regulated by the Colorado Department of Higher Education, Private Occupational School Board.

In addition, NAIMH offers a 36-hour introductory course in herbalism. We also offer some of our classes in the advanced certificate program as stand-alone courses for continuing education credit. Our distance learning and CEU courses are approved and regulated by the Colorado Department of Higher Education, Private Occupational Schools Board. All our distance learning and CEU classes contain an audio component (CD-ROM) as well as written notes and readings contained on a Data CD-ROM.

The School of Natural Healing

Founded in 1953 by the legendary Dr. John R. Christopher, and currently directed by David Christopher M.H., A.H.G., The School of Natural Healing’s Master Herbalist Program provides quality distant learning. Students can enjoy classes taught by world renowned experts via DVDs, CDs, books and study guides. The School provides a well rounded curriculum, including botany, anatomy, nutrition, formulary, pharmacognosy, and herbal chemistry with an emphasis on practicum. The Master Herbalist program prepares students to serve effectively in their communities. Help us in our goal to have an herbalist in every home and a Master Herbalist in every community.

The Scottish School of Herbal Medicine

Founded in 1992, the Scottish School of Herbal Medicine remains the only independent Herbal Medicine School in the UK. Our four year professional training BSc programme and two and a half-year part-time MSc programme have been fully validated by the University of Wales and accredited by the National Institute of Medical Herbalists since 2000. What makes our School unique is our approach of integrating the art and science of herbal practice in conversation with Nature, together with our strong ethos rooted for example in vegan organic nutrition for the health of people, planet and animals. We are actively involved in promoting a new paradigm for research in Herbal Medicine which is sensitive to the complex concepts and forces which underpin our traditional craft. Being the first MSc in Herbal Medicine in the western world we remain a groundbreaking organisation pushing forward much needed research and for this we require experienced practitioners to join us at the cutting edge. The course is designed to allow participants from across the Atlantic to join us and previous graduates have included Matthew Wood and Chanchal Cabrera. For further details of the faculty and programme please see our website on www.herbalmedicine.org.uk

Tree of Light

We provide coursework designed to help people sell commercial herb products in a professional and credible way. Our curriculum includes courses in health assessment, herbalism, aromatherapy and nutrition. We have both correspondence courses and certified instructors who can teach our courses on location.

Vermont Center for Integrative Herbalism

Vermont Center for Integrative Herbalism (VCIH) is located in the small, historic capital city of Montpelier, nestled in the Green Mountains. We are embraced by an incredible diversity of plant ecosystems, including woodlands home to cohoshes and ginseng, bogs full of pitcher plants and lady’s slipper, and high meadows dense with yarrow and lobelia. Drawing on our equally diverse human community, VCIH grew out of the Sage Mountain Free Herbal Clinic, a collaborative learning and practice experiment founded in 2001. Now directed by Betzy Bancroft RH(AHG), Larken Bunce MS and Guido Masé RH(AHG), VCIH is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing our community with healthcare resources grounded in Nature. We offer free and sliding-scale herbal consultations through our well-established community clinic, while providing comprehensive herbalist training programs that draw on the clinic as a rich educational resource. VCIH offers a comprehensive 3-year Clinical Herbalist program that offers over 1200 hours of training, preparing students for work as professional herbalists. The curriculum weaves field experience with the plants and didactic classroom instruction. Emphasis is placed equally on understanding both energetic and physiologic impacts on health and illness, as well as on developing practitioner skills. Students spend a total of 18 months in the community clinic, 12 of which involve direct work with clients under supervision. Students also develop teaching skills by participating in our ongoing Community Education program. We welcome students with prior training or self-study to apply for advanced placement into the second or third year of the program. We also offer the first year as a stand-alone course—the Family Herbalist program. Our curriculum and educational philosophies draw from our mission as an organization. We hope to further the empowerment and education of individuals in the use of traditional medicines in their own healthcare; to assert the necessity of the herbalist in an effective healthcare model; and to encourage a culture of ecological awareness, respect and deep relationship with Nature as the foundation for all healing.

Wild Rose College of Natural Healing

Herbal medicine is the oldest continuously practiced form of healthcare on the planet. The World Health Organization (WHO) indicates that over 80% of the world's population still relies upon local medicinal plants as a primary form of health care. Even though herbal medicine is not yet part of the health care system in Canada, modern medicine draws from it such that 30% of pharmaceuticals are derived from medicinal plants. While the practice of herbal medicine has largely been ignored by medical science, there is an increasing awareness among the public of both the efficacy of herbal remedies and the need to look at disease and health in a radically different way. Herbal medicine embraces the concept of wholism, an idea that suggests that each unit of living matter or reality is made up of unified wholes that are greater than the simple sum of the parts. This view of the body is especially important in the treatment of illness for it recognizes the myriad number of factors that can influence the health of the body, including diet, lifestyle, attitudes, spirituality, genetics and the environment. Clinical herbal medicine is the use of medicinal plants, nutritional science, and time-honoured health practices in a clinical environment, assisting the client to overcome illness and regain health. A Clinical Herbalist uses several methods to assess the health status of a client, including case history, physical examination, and interpretation of lab results, as well as several other highly specialized techniques such as pulse and tongue diagnosis, and iridology. The Clinical Herbalist Diploma program at Wild Rose College provides for all of the training and skills the successful candidate will need to establish a practice in wholistic healing.