How to Become a Herbalist Without a Degree - 10 EASY Methods

You don’t need a college degree to become a successful herbalist. In fact, many respected herbalists throughout history and today are self-taught or trained through apprenticeships, workshops, and hands-on experience. If you have a deep interest in healing with plants, there are many accessible paths to becoming a knowledgeable and effective herbalist without setting foot in a traditional university.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know about becoming a herbalist without a degree—from education and certifications to practical experience and building a career.

Panaprium is independent and reader supported. If you buy something through our link, we may earn a commission. If you can, please support us on a monthly basis. It takes less than a minute to set up, and you will be making a big impact every single month. Thank you!

What Is a Herbalist?

A herbalist is someone who studies and uses the medicinal properties of plants to promote health and well-being. Herbalists may work with individuals to support healing naturally, create herbal products, teach others about plant medicine, or run an apothecary.

There are different types of herbalists, including:

• Clinical herbalists: Work with clients one-on-one to create herbal protocols

• Community herbalists: Offer support and education within a local community

• Product makers: Create teas, tinctures, skincare products, and more

• Educators and writers: Share knowledge through teaching or publishing

You don’t need a degree to pursue any of these paths—but you do need solid knowledge, ethics, and ongoing learning.

Is a Degree Required to Practice Herbalism?

No, in most countries—including the United States, Canada, the UK, and Australia—you do not need a college degree or license to become a herbalist. Herbalism is considered part of complementary or alternative medicine and is largely unregulated.

However, herbalists are still expected to:

• Practice responsibly and ethically

• Avoid making false health claims

• Be transparent about their training and qualifications

• Refer clients to medical professionals when appropriate

If you want to work as a herbalist legally and safely, it’s important to understand your local laws and regulations. For example, in the U.S., you cannot legally diagnose, treat, or prescribe unless you are a licensed healthcare provider.

1. Start with Self-Education

Many herbalists begin their journey by teaching themselves through books, online resources, and experimentation. This is a great way to learn the basics and decide which path in herbalism interests you most.

Recommended Books:

• “Medicinal Plants of the Pacific West” by Michael Moore

• “The Herbal Medicine-Maker’s Handbook” by James Green

• “Body Into Balance” by Maria Noël Groves

• “Medical Herbalism” by David Hoffmann

• “The Earthwise Herbal” series by Matthew Wood

Online Resources:

• Herbal blogs (e.g., LearningHerbs, Herbal Academy blog)

• YouTube channels by practicing herbalists

• Free herbal webinars and workshops

Tip: Start a herbal journal to document your learning, plant experiences, and recipes.

2. Take Online Herbalism Courses

While you don’t need a degree, formal training can help you build confidence, structure your learning, and connect with the herbal community. Many respected herbal schools offer certificate programs online.

Top Online Herbal Schools (No Degree Required):

• Herbal Academy – Offers beginner to advanced online courses with certification

• Chestnut School of Herbal Medicine – Known for in-depth plant medicine and medicine-making training

• CommonWealth Center for Holistic Herbalism – Focuses on clinical skills and energetic herbalism

• The Science & Art of Herbalism by Rosemary Gladstar – A foundational home-study program

These courses are usually self-paced, affordable, and open to anyone with a passion for plants.

3. Learn from Nature and Experience

True herbal knowledge comes from working directly with plants. Spend time in nature learning to identify, grow, harvest, and prepare herbs.

What to Do:

• Start a herb garden—even with a few pots

• Go on guided plant walks or learn wildcrafting

• Practice making teas, tinctures, salves, and syrups

• Volunteer at community gardens or herb farms

• Keep experimenting and noting what works and what doesn’t

Tip: Always learn about safe foraging practices, ethical harvesting, and toxic plant look-alikes.

4. Join the Herbal Community

Connecting with other herbalists is one of the best ways to deepen your knowledge and gain mentorship.

Ways to Get Involved:

• Attend herbal conferences (in-person or virtual) like the American Herbalists Guild Symposium

• Join local or online herbal groups and forums

• Follow and support herbalists on social media

• Take part in herb swaps or community apothecaries

• Consider apprenticeships with experienced herbalists

Many herbalists are happy to share advice, resources, and support with passionate learners.

5. Choose Your Path: Generalist or Specialist?

As you grow in your herbal knowledge, you can choose to be a generalist (someone who works with many types of issues and herbs) or a specialist (e.g., women’s health, digestive health, skin care, emotional support).

Some herbalists also specialize in traditional systems like:

• Western Herbalism

• Ayurveda (Indian herbalism)

• Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

• African or Indigenous plant medicine traditions

Choose the path that resonates most with your interests, values, and personal background.

6. Practice Herbalism Ethically

Because herbalism is not heavily regulated, ethics are crucial. Herbalists should:

• Be clear about their scope of practice

• Avoid giving medical diagnoses

• Never replace medical care for serious conditions

• Use sustainable, cruelty-free, and ethical sourcing

• Avoid cultural appropriation—give credit to the traditions and people where herbal wisdom comes from

Tip: Join an organization like the American Herbalists Guild (AHG) or United Plant Savers to stay connected and support best practices.

7. Offer Herbal Support or Services

Once you’ve gained experience, you can start offering herbal support in ways that are ethical and aligned with your training.

Possible Services:

• Offer herbal wellness consultations (as a wellness coach or educator, not a medical provider)

• Create and sell your own herbal products

• Host workshops or online classes

• Write or blog about plant medicine

• Support friends and family with herbal knowledge

Start small—offer free or sliding-scale sessions to build your confidence and gather testimonials.

8. Create a Portfolio or Herbal Resume

Even without a degree, you can show your credibility with a strong herbal portfolio.

Include:

• Certificates from courses and trainings

• A list of books read and mentors followed

• Case studies (with client permission or anonymized)

• Personal herbal projects or product samples

• Testimonials or referrals

• Your herbal philosophy and ethics

This portfolio helps you communicate your expertise to clients, collaborators, or potential students.

9. Stay Committed to Lifelong Learning

Herbalism is an evolving, lifelong journey. Plants teach us new lessons with every season. Even the most experienced herbalists continue to learn, refine their skills, and connect with new sources of wisdom.

Stay curious. Be humble. Let the plants guide your path.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need a college degree to become a herbalist. What you do need is dedication, curiosity, and a deep respect for the plants and traditions that make up this healing art. With the right resources, hands-on experience, and ethical practice, you can build your herbal skills and even create a thriving herbal business—all from home.

Herbalism is not about credentials—it’s about connection. Connection to nature, to tradition, to community, and to yourself.

Ready to Get Started?

Here’s a quick action plan:

1. Pick 2–3 beginner herbal books and start reading

2. Enroll in a reputable online herbal course

3. Grow or buy 5 basic herbs and make simple remedies

4. Join an online herbal forum or social group

5. Keep learning, observing, and sharing what you discover

Was this article helpful to you? Please tell us what you liked or didn't like in the comments below.

Alex Assoune (MS) is a global health and environmental advocate. He founded Panaprium to inspire others with conscious living, ethical, and sustainable fashion. Alex has worked in many countries to address social and environmental issues. He speaks three languages and holds two Master of Science degrees in Engineering from SIGMA and IFPEN schools.