Medical Herbalist

You'll need:

• knowledge of medicine and pharmacology
• knowledge of psychology
• counselling skills including active listening and a non-judgemental approach
• sensitivity and understanding
• thinking and reasoning skills
• the ability to read English
• knowledge of biology
• excellent verbal communication skills
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

As part of your day-to-day duties, you may:

• take a detailed history of the client's symptoms and lifestyle
• carry out a physical assessment and appropriate tests
• prescribe a relevant herbal remedy
• grow and prepare herbs in various forms, including capsules, extracts, ointments or infusions
• keep client notes
• see clients for follow-up appointments
• refer clients to their GP where necessary

You could work in a therapy clinic or at a client's home.

You'll find it useful to arrange some work shadowing with a practising medical herbalist before you begin your studies.

Professional and industry bodies

There is currently no statutory regulation for medical herbalists.

Check with the National Institute of Medical Herbalists and European Herbal and Traditional Medicine Practitioners Association for the latest information about regulation.

Further information

You can find out more about becoming a medical herbalist from the National Institute of Medical Herbalists.