The Herbal Path

Herbs have been studied, explored, and relied upon for thousands of years. They have been skillfully turned into teas, tinctures, salves, powders and more. Herbalists have made allies with thousands of medical and culinary herbs. Many of the medicinal herbs used today are classified ambiguously as weeds, but as herbal remedies become more popular and the idea of bringing back health and wellness into our own hands, the term Herbalist has been floating around more and more.

Calling Yourself a Herbalist

A Herbalist is a person who might study plants, create allies with herbs, and/or generally takes a holistic healing approach to health and wellness. They might grow herbs, sell herbs or make herbal remedies. To be honest there are many definitions of what a herbalist is and because there is no governing body overseeing that designation here in North America we have the freedom to explore and call ourselves herbalists any way we see fit.

While herbalists are not medical doctors or practitioners and cannot diagnose or treat illness, they can offer herbal remedies and preparations, educate and create awareness around the importance of medical self reliance and ultimately focus on the holistic wellness of the whole of humanity.

As mentioned earlier, there is no governing body overseeing or regulating herbalism here in North America. There are many courses out there that will say “Certified Herbalist or Master Herbalist” etc, but they are just course titles and are not the gold standard nor do they always pump out better herbalists than the woman who has spent the last 30 years studying herbs and making healing remedies for her family or community. Society today places a lot of emphasis on educational titles and that piece of paper you get at the end of a lengthy and costly college diploma or university degree. In my opinion, hands on study and experience is 100x more important when it comes to herbalism. However, I know there are people out there who appreciate guidance, advice and a set of standards they can follow or strive to achieve and in that case there are 3 main herbal organizations I am familiar with being a Canadian.

1. OHA - Ontario Herbalist Association - offers 3 tiers of memberships, requires extensive training to use the designation Registered Herbalist (RH), their goals are to create public awareness, community and a set of standards to adhere to. Specific herbalism schools are recommended on their website.
2. CCHA - Canadian Council of Herbalists Association - a not for profit organization representing and unifying all herbal associations, herbal practitioners and government.
3. AHG - American Herbalist Guild - requires extensive training to use the designation Registered Herbalist (RH), provides resources and education links, networking and recognition. Specific schools who meet their guidelines are listed on their website.

*Just a reminder - These organizations can provide an important standard to strive for but it’s equally important to understand that membership in any of these or others is not required in Canada or The United States to practice Herbalism or call yourself a Herbalist.

Courses & Schooling

There are many schools out there that offer free courses or introductory courses, medicine making courses, Materia Medica courses, Clinical Herbalist courses -which will be the most in depth course you will likely take as a practicing herbalist who sees clients, they require a set amount of actual clinical hours. There are also people who choose to self study or apprentice under an elder or another herbalist in their community. There truly is no right or wrong way to study herbalism, and if you engage with plants in any capacity you can already call yourself a herbalist.

A couple schools/courses I have studied with or recommend are: Commonweath Holistic Herbalism - free courses, discounts and a podcast that is absolutely amazing. Herbalista Free School - completely free herbal education. Chestnut School of Herbal Medicine - frequently offers discounts. Wild Rose College of Herbal Medicine - Canadian herbalism school. Note: This list is not extensive and I will elaborate on this topic at a later date.

Here are some herbal paths you could be on or want to take:

1. Culinary Herbalist - combines the art of cooking with the science of herbalism.
2. Folk Herbalist - the root of how all herbal medicine began, often rely on passed down knowledge and cultural practices derived from plant wisdom.
3. Home Herbalist - those who use herbal remedies in their daily lives, often cultivate a home garden, focus on healing their family and promoting a holistic lifestyle.
4. Community Herbalist - work within their communities offering accessible herbal healthcare, may lead classes, workshops, community gardens etc.
5. Herbal Medicine Maker - specializes in crafting herbal remedies such as teas, tinctures, syrups etc. Might have an apothecary online or locally.
6. Aromatherapist - works with the plants volatile oils and hydrosols therapeutically. Practices holistically incorporating mind, body & soul.
7. Botanist - scientific study of plants, taxonomy, ecology, Latin names etc
8. Wildcrafter/Forager - experts in identifying, harvesting and ethically sourcing wild herbs.
9. Herbal Educator - provide classes, courses, workshops etc, aim to inspire more herbalists.
10. Herbal Writer/Blogger - shares research, information, recipes, practical tips etc through social media content, books, articles, blogs thus making herbalism wildly accessible.
11. Clinical Herbalist - a healthcare provider that practices in a clinical setting.
12. Herbal Alchemist - integrates herbal medicine with astrology and ancient teachings for eg. spagyric medicine.
13. Herbal Formulator - someone who creates herbal recipes and formulations.
14. Spiritual Herbalist - integrates the sacred connection between plants and the spiritual realm. Uses ritual, prayer, meditation to create plant allies.
15. Witchcraft Herbalism - roots in ancient culture, connection between plants and spirit world, herbs used for medicinal or spiritual purposes. Garden magic.
16. Medical Herbalist - those who fall into this category would be herbalists practicing outside of North America where technical training is required to use the designation Herbalist - eg United Kingdom.
17. Herb Farmer - cultivates, cares for and sells medicinal or culinary herbs.
18. Herbalism Researcher - dedicates study to medicinal plants, pharmacognosy and pharmacology etc.
19. Herbal Business Owner - apothecaries, tea shops, supplement shops etc.
20. Herbal Artist - beautifully crafting herbal drawings and artwork.

As you can see there are many routes a herbalist can go and many of these overlap each other. Chances are the Herb Formulator is also a Herbal Medicine Maker and the Community Herbalist might also be a Home Herbalist and Aromatherapist. I personally fall into many of these paths.

Don’t ever squeeze yourself into a tiny little herbal box though. Herbalism is a lifelong love affair with the power and awe of plants and the natural world around us.

I urge you to start practicing herbalism today if you already haven’t. Get outside in nature and find a plant, any plant - sit with it, talk to it and listen to what it has to say or pick up a potted herb from the grocery store and bring it home and do the same. All it takes is a little spark and a lifelong journey into the healing power of plants will be awakened. We owe it to ourselves, those whose came before us and those who will come after to learn and practice herbalism.

Our world needs less “tiktok stars“ and more stewards of the land. Herbalism is a great way to connect with the land, regenerate her and ensure her resources are available for generations to come, all while healing your self, family and community #winnning !!!

Please feel free to reach out with any questions you might have, I am always around to chat!

~ K

If you're interested in more reading on herbalism & connection, I just finished this incredible book!! 🙌

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