Where to Even Start When it Comes to Learning About Herbalism?
The two top questions I get when it comes to herbalism are “Where do I even start?” and “How do I become an herbalist?”. I know from experience that the thought of learning herbalism is so overwhelming. Now that I am very knowledgeable when it comes to herbalism, I can say that in my opinion, I believe that herbalism is very easy, there is just so much to it.
I have been learning about herbalism for about 7 years non-stop, and I feel like I know a lot about herbalism. However, there is still a lot I don’t know. And I bet you in 20 years I will feel the same. Herbalism is one of those subjects that there is endless learning. So please keep that in mind.
First, you have to ask yourself what kind of herbalist you want to be. Do you want to just learn about herbalism and help keep your family and friends healthy? Do you want to sell herbs? Do you want to consult with people?
If you live in the United States there is no such thing as Certified Herbalists. The FDA doesn’t regulate herbs. If you want to, you can take classes. I went to school, and I got a diploma in Holistic Health Practice at American College of Healthcare Sciences. While I was there I took several Herbal Medicine Classes and I fell in love. This school is a little pricey, but the school is accredited, and well worth the cost! I have heard wonderful things about Herbal Academy. There are so many wonderful classes out there.
If you don’t want to take classes, that is okay. I strongly recommend staying off Google though. Google most of the time exaggerates herb's side effects and can make them sound a lot scarier than they really are. YouTube is a wonderful place to learn about Herbalism. My two favorite channels are She is of the Woods and Evolutionary Herbalism.
Books are my favorite way of learning about herbalism. I get most of my information from books. My favorite beginner herbalism books are The Modern Herbal Dispensatory, anything by Rosemary Gladstar, and Body into Balance.
Now I want to give you a few shameless plugs on a few things I created for beginner herbalists.
Starter Kit: I created this product for new herbalists who are overwhelmed and don’t know where to start. I love tea blends, and I believe there is a time and a place for tea blends. However, I believe when you are new to herbalism, it is a good idea I get to know herbs individually. Get to know what they look like, what they taste like, and most importantly how they make you feel. This kit comes with a packet that gives you a brief description on each herb, and a few ways on how to use the herbs.
Herb of the Month Membership: I hear herbalists all the time talk about how when learning about herbalism, the best way is to learn about one herb at a time in great detail. Learn as much as you can about it. I totally agree! So I created this Membership, which is turning out to be more like a community (which makes me so incredibly happy). In this membership, you get 2 PDF Files every month, at least 4 videos will be added, a Q&A, a private Facebook group, a 15% discount on anything in the shop at any time, and every 3 months that you are a member, I will send you 3 herbs. Every herb that we have learned about in the past is still in the membership, and you can access it at any time.
Introduction to Herbalism Ebook: I created this ebook with information that I thought was helpful when I was a beginner herbalist and information from common questions that I get. Members of the Herb of the Month get this Ebook at no cost!
One last tip for learning about herbalism, allow yourself to be a beginner. Take one step at a time, and before you know it, you will be knowledgeable in herbalism.
