Guidelines for Starting an AHG Chapter

The American Herbalists Guild Code of Ethics:

Adopted & Effective: 09/28/2026

Preamble 

The American Herbalists Guild (“AHG”) is committed to high professional standards, ethical practices, and professional integrity, to protect the trust the public places in our profession. This Code of Ethics (“Code”) establishes the guiding ethical principles that all AHG members, including Registered Herbalists (“RH”), are expected to abide by. 

Applicability 

All AHG members must abide by this Code. Part One of the Code applies to General Members, RHs, and Supporting Members, with respect to their practices and when they participate in AHG-sponsored or AHG-affiliated activities (e.g., educational programming, publications, AGH meetings). Part Two of the Code establishes additional standards applicable specifically to RHs. 

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PART ONE: GENERAL CODE OF ETHICS FOR ALL AHG MEMBERS 

I. Guiding Principles for Ethical Practice 

As an herbalist, you embrace holistic principles that prioritize the well-being of individuals and communities, avoid harm, and ensure respect for all individuals. You advocate for the practice of herbal medicine, including by engaging in education about its safe and effective use. 

II. Fairness, Justice, and Inclusivity 

As an herbalist, you must: 

1. Treat all individuals with dignity, compassion, and respect. 

2. Promote inclusivity, cultural humility, and equitable access to holistic health education. 3. Challenge personal biases and expand cultural competency. 

III. Environmental Responsibility 

As an herbalist, you recognize the interconnection between individual and environmental health by: 

1. Sourcing botanicals sustainably and prioritizing organic, ethically cultivated, and harvested products. 

2. Advocating for environmental stewardship as part of holistic health. 

IV. Conflict of Interest 

As an herbalist, you must: 

• Disclose any financial, professional, or personal interests that may influence or reasonably appear to influence your recommendations, services, or decision-making. 

• Maintain clear separation between clinical advice and product sales. 

• Make product recommendations based on client needs, not financial gain. 

V. Harassment and Discrimination 

As an herbalist, you must: 

1. Maintain professional boundaries and avoid exploitative relationships with others, including clients, students, or colleagues. 

2. Refrain from harassment, discrimination, bullying, or other conduct that demeans or intimidates others. 

3. Foster safe and respectful spaces in all professional interactions. 

4. Treat fellow members, colleagues, presenters, staff, and others in the AHG community with professionalism and respect at meetings, conferences, educational programs, and other professional events. 

5. Engage in professional discussions and disagreements respectfully, including when exchanging differing viewpoints or approaches to herbal practice. 

6. When collaborating or working with others, communicate professionally, respect appropriate boundaries, and refrain from conduct that interferes with another person’s ability to participate fully in the work or activity. 

VI. Public Representation of Credentials 

As an herbalist, you must: 

• Use honest, accurate, and non-misleading language, in advertising, teaching, publishing, and public communications. 

• Avoid sensational, deceptive, or unsubstantiated claims about herbal medicine or your practice. 

• Accurately represent your education, training, and professional credentials. You must not describe or present a degree or credential in a manner that falsely implies academic accreditation, professional licensure, or recognition by a governmental or regulatory body. 

• Comply with all applicable licensure requirements and restrictions on the use of professional titles. 

VII. Humanitarian Service 

As an herbalist, you must: 

1. Support the health and well-being of your community through education, outreach, and service efforts. 

2. Ensure that access to herbal knowledge and guidance is not restricted by socioeconomic status. 

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PART TWO: CODE OF ETHICS & CONDUCT FOR REGISTERED HERBALISTS 

The following sections establish heightened ethical standards applicable to RHs. These standards supplement the general standards in Part One and reflect the additional professional responsibilities that accompany the RH credential. The RH credential certifies, among other things, that its holder complies with the AHG’s published ethical and professional standards, including this Code. Adherence to the standards stated in this Part is a condition of authorization to use the RH designation. 

I. Informed Consent and Confidentiality 

As an RH, you must: 

1. Practice within the scope of your training and experience, and within the lawful scope of practice applicable in your jurisdiction. 

2. Provide clear and honest information about your services, qualifications, and fees. 

3. Obtain informed consent before beginning any herbal care, recommendations, or services, including consent from guardians when working with minors and dependents. 

4. Maintain strict confidentiality of client information, unless disclosure is legally required or explicitly authorized by the client. 

II. Professional Standards and Accountability 

As an RH, you uphold high professional standards by: 

1. Conducting thorough assessments and maintaining accurate, secure client records. 

2. Recognizing the limits of your expertise and referring clients to other professionals when necessary. 

3. Tailoring recommendations to meet the unique needs of each client and avoiding excessive or unnecessary interventions. 

4. Maintaining the physical and mental capacity necessary to provide safe and effective care. 

III. Collaboration, Peer Review, and Continuing Professional Development As an RH, you must: 

1. Foster respectful collaboration with other herbalists and healthcare professionals. 

2. Welcome constructive feedback from peers to enhance your clinical skills and knowledge. 

3. Commit to ongoing professional development by advancing knowledge through continuing education, training, mentorship, and collaboration, consistent with AHG recertification requirements. 

IV. Record-Keeping and Case Notes 

As an RH, you must: 

1. Maintain clear, secure, and confidential records for all clients. 

2. Maintain appropriate record retention and disposal practices. 

3. Ensure records are accessible for appropriate professional use and transfer when required. 

V. Addressing Concerns and Accountability 

As an RH, you must: 

1. Engage in transparent and fair processes to resolve client disputes and address concerns. 

2. Accept accountability for errors and take corrective actions when necessary. 

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Document Version: 8/28/2026

Status: Adopted 

Supersedes: AHG Code of Ethics (prior version)