How to Become an Herbalist
Several years ago, my husband and I went to a CVS drugstore when we lived in Las Vegas, NV because we had a gift certificate for $50. I had been studying herbalism for around 10 years at that time, and as we walked up and down the aisles, my husband was amazed at the fact that we didn't need ANY of the OTC medications on any of the shelves.
Eyes wide, he pointed out, "I knew you handled a lot of our medical needs, but this is crazy! You make all this stuff."
Yes. I do. And I still do another decade later.
We ended up purchasing bandages, iodine, a tooth repair kit, an eye cup, and non-medicines.
I still make all of our medicines from plants we grow, forage, and sometimes buy and/or quality essential oils. I’ve also added steam distillation for hydrosols and extracting small amounts of essential oil to my skill set too.
This article is about how YOU too can learn how to make your own natural remedies using herbs, get rid of the chemical toxins, and keep your family healthy all the time.
It all started around 20 years ago. Accidentally.
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The essential oil craze had taken hold of my friends, and I decided to start dabbling with the oils. My gosh! I realized they work! They weren't a hoax after all! One success after another, after another, and I realized there was something to these special plant essential oils.
I had put my essential oils on the shelf for a bit, though, because they were quite pricey, plus I was still not “quite” sure how safe they really were.
Then one lucky day, I picked up my first hard core herbalism book in a feed store. I bought that book and I’ve never looked back! I kept my experimentation with tinctures and infusions a secret for awhile though, because I found most people didn’t “get” it at all.
A couple years later, when another friend mentioned this "weird" natural herb store down the street from the school where I worked at that time (one I had become VERY familiar with), I laughed. His eyes grew round when he shared: "They even have these things called tinctures!"
While continuing to experiment with and use both herbs and essential oils, I started reading books and taking coursework on herbalism, studying every chance I got! My own personal library of herbal resources grew and grew, as did my passion for all the incredible ways plants can heal our bodies, minds, and even help with our spiritual health. Then, I decided that in order to work competently with essential oils, I should probably become a certified aromatherapist. And I did. Then I became a professional level aromatherapist, and now I’m finishing up my clinical studies in that arena of plant medicine too.
You can read about how I entwine essential oils into my herbal practice.
If you are interested in empowering yourself and your family in the area of learning how to keep yourselves healthy and thriving naturally, here are my best tips for the beginning and aspiring herbalist.
Here’s the thing.
It took me a LONG time to learn to become an herbalist and aromatherapist. I know the pitfalls along the way. I know where to source my information. I understand the power of like-minded friends on your journey.
These days, I help people who want to learn the lifelong skills of herbalism and use of essential oils to become a confidently practicing herbalist MUCH faster than I did. As a previous school teacher, I know how to speed along the learning process and create a community of students who truly support each other.
But I digress. Let’s dive into my best tips for how to become an herbalist!
FTC Disclosure: There are affiliate links scattered throughout this article. If you click through and make any kind of purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
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Advice for the Aspiring Herbalist
1) Take Action!
Yep. The best thing you can do is just get going. Right now, purchase a really good book or two for the beginning herbalist and read, highlight, and mostly….experiment. Start making your own infused oils. Start making your own herbal teas! Start creating your own tinctures. Then experiment on yourself!
Once you discover how satisfying and exciting it is to make your very own plant medicine and find that, YES! It actually works, you may never want to take allopathic medications again. In fact, you may never need to! Mr. V. and I have not taken any OTC or Rx medications at all for around twelve years now, as I write this.
Bottom line is: Start learning now! There is never a better time. You will never be less busy. Start reading! You might want to graduate to coursework! Go for it!
Take a look at some of our most popular courses! Or, join us in our customized home apothecary course, Ditch the Drugstore. You may even desire to become a certified Family Herbalist!
SAFETY NOTE: Please do NOT try to learn herbalism “for free on the internet.” With the explosion of the internet, there are some downright dangerous things published on line. Please read further for how to tackle this problem……
2) Experiment
Use those herbal concoctions you create! Go ahead! Try them! You will probably find, as I did, that most of the things you make work really well. And some don't. You'll learn so much about your own body and the bodies of your family members. You'll develop an intuition about plants and what works best for the people in your life as well as yourself.
I remember like yesterday when I made my first tincture: Willow Bark tincture. My plan was to use it for headaches to replace the Ibuprofen we took fairly often. I made the tincture, let it sit in my sunny window, shook it lovingly every day, then finally the day came to strain it.
The next time I had a headache, and I went reaching for those Advil, I remembered: "Wait! I have the Willow Bark tincture all ready to go!" I tried it. IT WORKED! It worked faster and better! And I knew what was in it! I was hooked!
How awesome is that?
Then I tried it on some of my friends. My friends know that if they come to my house, they may be asked if they want to be a guinea pig. One friend had a little headache, and I gave her some Willow Bark Tincture. Her headache was gone in a flash!
As you start using your herbal preparations: salves, teas, tinctures, syrups, poultices, and more, and you find that they work, your confidence will build, and you will be naturally inspired to continue your learning journey.
Bottom line: Use your herbal creations. Share them with open-minded friends. Just be sure you are aware of any contraindications the herbs may have for specific people or interactions with medications.
3) Build a Resource Library and Use It
Googling is great. You can find a lot of information on the internet. If you use the internet for knowledge and information, be sure you check your information against at least three sources for validity. Some people say some crazy things out there in the inter webs.
I suggest finding at least three quality herbalists whose values you’re aligned with to learn from. In my experience, some of the herbalists who veer down the lane into New Age philosophies seem to teach more heavily to these philosophies than actual herbal science. Find teachers who resonate with you. If you love New Age, then they may be for you. If you’re a Believer, then you may want to find a Christian herbalist like myself. But do be sure to find herbalists who rely on clinical studies to an extent, as well as many years of experience and anecdotal work.
I’m a great herbalist to start with, if I say so myself. If you’re still reading this far, I hope you agree. Be sure to explore my website and YouTube channel, as there are literally hundreds of resources right here. I do happen to be a Christian herbalist.
Here are some of the herbalists I trust for information, personally: Kristen Smith at A Better Way to Thrive. Chris Dalziel at Joybilee Farm. I also do like how research-based Maria Noel Groves and Rosalee de la Foret both are.
And of course: Buy your own books, and build your own library.
There is something about holding a real book in your hands, written by an experienced herbalist who's been working in the field for many years, that bespeaks of the credibility of the practice. Writing your own notes in the margins, highlighting information you want to remember, dog-earing pages---these things make your learning personal and special. Grow your library of resources!
After you purchase your first one or two beginning books, and you discover you are in love with using plants for healing, you'll automatically want to grow your library of resources. I have over 100 books dedicated to plant medicine now, as well as medicine creation, identifying and foraging herbs, creating natural products, using essential oils, and more! I can't list them all here, but all the books you see in the Amazon ads in this article are books I have, love, use, and are among my favorites.
Also, here are some links to some of my favorite books every beginner needs:
any book by Michael Moore (he writes books for specific regions of the country), and
and there are so many more!
Find out how to become an herbalist!
4) Organize Your Herbs, and Keep Them Organized
As you begin working with herbs, you will begin to develop a family apothecary! You'll find yourself with jars and jars of lovely herbs! Trust me on this: once you get over about 25 different herbs, you are going to want some kind of system to keep them organized and easy to find. (Find out how to store herbs here.)
At this point I have hundreds of herbal jars in my cupboard and on my shelves in many different-sized jars. I’ve also got my herbs organized in a dedicated clinical apothecary in our office down in our town. Here are a couple of strategies for keeping them organized:
Label Every Jar
Trust me on this: You will not remember what those green leaves in that one jar are six months from now. You just won't. Label every jar with the common name of the herb, the Latin name, whether it's organic or wildcrafted, it's source (company where you bought it as well as the country of origin), and the date you stored it away in the jar.
Especially if you ever sell your creations, you'll need this information for FDA labeling requirements.
Alphabetize the Jars
This is kind of a no-brainer. I have mine alphabetized loosely. However, I have some very large one-gallon jars full of herbs I use often, and they don't fit on the shelves with my smaller jars. So, I have two sets of alphabetized herbs.
You can also organize them in groups by body system, plant type, etc. However, some herbs, such as chamomile, have such a wide range of benefits, it would be difficult to put that jar in just one group. The best way is a simple A-B-C order.
Shelving
Be sure you can see your herb jars. It's really easy for a jar to get tucked away in the back of a cupboard, and you'll find it a couple years later (Ahem.). It will be full of stale herbs at this point, and be best for the compost heap.
However, if you have a shelving system where you can see your herbal jars, this is less likely to happen. Mr. V. made me some 2x4 mini shelves to fit into our large cupboard, and this allows some to sit higher than others, allowing me to see them.
5) Buy Quality Herbs (Or Grow or Forage Your Own)
Herbal medicine is only as good as the quality of the herb used. If you are going for the cheapest herbs you can find, you are bound to be disappointed. Be sure you find a great source or three you can trust to always carry quality, freshly dried herbs.
There is absolutely no point in storing and using herbs that are stale, oxidized, or have lost their "life." Fresh herbs are best, if you have access to them. However, most of us must turn to dried herbs, especially during the winter months. Drying your own fresh herbs is second best. And finally, if you're purchasing dried herbs, find a great source! My personal favorite is Starwest Botanicals. Their quality is excellent, they provide a wide variety of options for each herb, and their customer service is amazing and fast.
Perfect for your home apothecary or kitchen! Get the FREE Home Remedy Guide and Cheat Sheet NOW!
6) Research Before Using Herbs
Even highly experienced herbalists continue to research their herbs., especially as clinical studies continue to be done by scientists. As you gain experience and confidence, for most of the preparations you make, you'll know the herbs intimately and won't need to research.
But for the beginning herbalist, doing a quick review of every herb you use is important for several reasons. It reinstates the knowledge in your brain, helping you remember it. Research also sets your mind at ease and helps allay any concerns about herb-drug interactions or safety issues.
Also, if you’re on medications or working with someone who is, and/or if you’re pregnant, nursing, or working with one who is, then research is a must. Herbs can and do interact with medications, and pregnancy is an important time to be sure only safe things go into your body.
7) Create Your Own Materia Medica
The words, "Materia Medica" mean "healing materials" in the literal sense. Nowadays, herbalists use the term, "Materia Medica" to mean an herbalist's personal bank of written information on specific herbs, their properties, how they can be used, any contraindications, and dosages.
Information on each herb may include common and Latin names, where the herb originates, how it's grown, and which parts of the herb are useful for what.
When you create your very own Materia Medica, you have your own personalized bank of herbal information. Since you created it, you are more likely to remember what you've experienced and learned from using the herbs too.
8) Take Courses and Keep Learning!
I'm a big fan of continual learning. I'm actually enrolled in four different courses at this very moment! I love learning and DOING. If you have discovered you have a passion for creating and using plant medicines, you might want to go a step further and enroll in a quality course. Do your research, though, because like anything else, some herbal schools are better than others.
You have to know what you are looking for, too. Are you looking for the science of herbalism? Or are you looking for a more New Age-y groove? Some herbalism courses actually include spell-work. So look into the school, and make your own determination about what you desire.
For a faster guide to home herbalism, with natural remedies you can start using right now, and TONS of student support from me, personally, plus additional weekly lessons in a student group, you might want to consider my own course, Ditch the Drugstore, a Customized Home Apothecary course or the Family Herbalist Certification Program.
Once you have knowledge, it can’t be taken from you. Start learning now!
And…if a full on course isn’t for you right now, consider joining my herbal membership, The Confident Herbalist Tribe, where you’ll have a more relaxed and organic herbal learning experience and make friends in a wonderful community.
You’ll learn deeply about one plant a month (phytochemistry, remedies, current research, materia medica, and lots more), and have access to over 60+ full masterclasses for pennies a day. You’ll also have access to ALL of our workshops and short courses, which gives you an amazing foundation! The Confident Herbalist Tribe
If a course is not for you at this time….be sure to join my free newsletter, where I share herbal and essential oil tips and recipes every Wednesday! You can sign up through any of the buttons here or get my FREE Herbal Remedy Guide and Cheat Sheet for your home!
Why we don’t take drugs, and what we do instead….
Final Thoughts on Tips for Becoming an Herbalist
I've always loved plants. I used to grow them in my bedroom when I was a kid. I practiced all kinds of propagation methods I knew to do at the tender age of 12. I loved helping my dad in the garden, watching the seeds emerge. I learned how to use plants well, for food, at a young age. And our family foraged wild plants together.
But we didn't use plants for healing and health. I didn't grow up naturally with this knowledge, as other more fortunates do.
So when I discovered the wide world of using plants for healing, health, and even acute situations, I found one of my great life passions. I wish I could express the pleasure I've gotten from working with my herbs.
Besides the pleasure factor, another thing I realized early on in my plant medicine journey is how empowering it is to know about the healing properties of plants and be able to heal yourself as needed. Have a UTI? I can handle that. Have a bad cold/flu? That too. And MANY other health needs.
That foray my husband and I took into the CVS drugstore? What an eye-opener! I didn't realize it had 1) been so long since I'd even been IN a drugstore, and 2) we don't need any of the ointments, rubs, or medications to be found there---except maybe hydrogen peroxide and rubbing alcohol. :-)
You might also be interested in these articles and videos—and there are hundreds more. Just go to the SEARCH tap on my website, and click the link there for the Index.
Here are some ideas for you to start:
Easy Immune Boosting Soup Recipe
Favorite Herbal Antivirals to Have Ready
Favorite Herbal Antibacterials
Easy Home Remedies for Congestion (Herbs and Essential Oils)
What is a Tincture, and How to Make a Tincture,
8 Powerful Herbs for Your Heart,
How to Make a Pain Relief Salve,
How to Make Manly Man Tea, (And there are SO many more on the website. Go do some searches over there for your own needs!).
What do you think of plant medicine? Where are you on the continuum of belief? I'd love to know what you think! Please leave a comment, question, or thoughts in the comments section below!
Hugs, Health, and Self-Reliance,
Heidi
P.S. Sign up for the newsletter! You’ll also get access to the Free Resource Library when you do! You can immediately download and use any or all of the resources there, including the eBook, How to Relax Using Herbs. Enjoy!
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Disclaimer: I am NOT a medical doctor. The statements in this article, elsewhere on my website, or in any publication are not meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any illness or health issue. They are simply for informational purposes and are my personal opinions based on experience and study. Please see a medical professional for any health issue and before using herbs.
Have you wanted to learn how to use natural remedies so you can get rid of the toxins and live a healthier life? Do you want to know what to do to stay well during the cold and flu season and how to handle illness quickly and effectively so you can get well again faster? Here are 8 tips for becoming a home herbalist so you can use herbs safely and effectively for your family’s health. #herbalist #home #naturalremedy #homeremedy #howto #become #stayhealthy #natural #healingharvesthomestead