Learn How to Become an Herbalist

Do you dream of becoming an herbalist but aren’t quite sure where to start?

Herbalism is a calling and a traditional branch of knowledge that’s part of our not-so-distant past—many of our great-grandmothers knew more than just a thing or two about herbs. These old ways still appeal to us—many folks want to learn how to become an herbalist simply to bring healing herbs into their day-to-day lives. Others feel a distinct vocational calling. In either case, herbalism is flourishing, and you have lots of exciting choices for receiving an herbal education and starting an herbal career.

The world is asking for more herbalists and healers, and we want to help you get going! We’ve put together a FREE 100-page resource as your herbal starter gateway—we’ll talk about options for herbal study, herbalist careers, and herbal certification and other legalities. Plus, we’ll share all of our very favorite herbal resources, from herb schools to blogs to books.

Learn how to become an herbalist with the Budding Herbalists Guide.

If you’re interested in studying herbalism or becoming an herbalist, we’ve created the most comprehensive *FREE* guide (100+ pages) on all things herbal!

Chestnut School's budding herbalist guide explores herbalist's salary and career opportunities.

How to Start Your Herbal Career: The Ultimate Guide for Budding Herbalists covers:

• How to Get the Best Herbal Education for You
• Herbalist Career Opportunities
• Herbalist Legalities in the United States
• Recommended Herbs to Start Your Home Apothecary
• Our Herbal Book Recommendations
• And so much more…

Who is the Budding Herbalist Guide for?

Whether your herbal aspirations have already bloomed into a fruitful career, or you’re just starting to sow the seeds of your herbal future, there are guaranteed to be savory morsels inside ripe for the picking.

A smiling woman pruning herbs.

For Budding Herbalists

  • The low-down on in-person & online herbal schools
  • Tips on how to start your home apothecary
  • Reputable sources for wildcrafting tools & supplies, medicinal herbs, mushrooms & essential oils
  • Our favorite medicinal-yet-tasty recipes

For Seasoned Herbalists

  • Herbal career roadmaps & salary expectations
  • How to navigate cGMPs & the legalities of herbal products businesses
  • Resource lists of herbal conferences, organizations & publications
  • Information on the best clinical herbalism programs

Join the Botanical Medicine Momentum

It’s an exciting time to learn how to be an herbalist! More and more people are using medicinal herbs for their health and well-being. Nearly one-third of Americans use medicinal herbs, and the World Health Organization estimates that 80% of people worldwide still rely on herbs as their primary form of health care. According to the American Botanical Council’s Herb Market Report, US retail sales of herbal dietary supplements reached over $7 billion in 2016.

This botanical medicine momentum shows there’s more interest in herbal products than ever before in modern times. And there’s a greater demand for herbal instruction, along with books and articles that teach about the medicinal use of herbs. With this flurry of interest, there are more opportunities than ever for rewarding employment in the field as well as golden opportunities for entrepreneurship.

A person admires anise hyssop.

Meet the Models

Indy Srinanth

INDY SRINATH is a Los Angeles based urban gardener, mushroom cultivator, and food justice advocate. She’s committed to increasing organic food access and health literacy in underserved populations. Find her work on Instagram @indyofficinalis. Photo by Juliet Blankespoor

Amber Brown

AMBER BROWN is an Indigenous Alaskan belonging to the Tlingít people of southeast Alaska and British Columbia. Amber grew up near the small coastal town of Homer, Alaska, in the house her father built, processing wild salmon, picking native berries, learning to bead Tlingít-style necklaces and earrings, and visiting Sitka, Alaska, to watch her grandmother dance in the Naa Kahidi dance group. Amber currently resides in Homer, Alaska, on the Outer Inlet land of the Dena’ina Athabascan. Amber is passionate about wild foods and medicine, learning the traditional Indigenous language and art forms of the Tlingít people, native trees and forest medicinals that promote the land’s long-term health, and trying to live in the moment. In addition to her passion for wild food and arts, she’s adept at gathering and propagating local plants and minerals and making small-batch, seasonal tinctures, potions, art, and wild food delicacies. Visit @sunroseorange to follow Amber and her creations. Photo by Lynne Harty

Meghan Gemma

MEGHAN GEMMA is one of Chestnut School of Herbal Medicine’s primary instructors through her written lessons, sharing herbal and wild foods wisdom from the flowery heart of the school to an ever-wider field of herbalists, gardeners, healers, and plant lovers.

She began her journey with the Chestnut School in 2010—as an intern and manager at the Chestnut Herb Nursery and then as a plant-smitten student “back in the day” when the school’s programs were taught in the field, and later she became part of the school’s writing team. Meghan lives in the Ivy Creek watershed, just north of Asheville, North Carolina. Photo by Juliet Blankespoor

Coco Villa

COCO VILLA creates one of a kind conceptual clothing pieces for seasonal collections and private clients. Creations are wildly crafted in small batches and naturally dyed by hand with locally foraged plant matter. All goods are stitched together from natural fibers, folk fabric, hand printed textiles, or salvaged materials. Follow Coco on Instagram and visit her website. Photo by Juliet Blankespoor

Not quite sure which of our online courses is the best fit for you?

Take a peek at our Course Comparison Chart to get started on your herbal journey!