If you’re searching for courses in herbalism and wondering how to become an herbalist, you’ve come to the right place.
There’s more herbal information available today than ever before—books, blogs, videos, social media accounts.
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed!
But becoming an herbalist isn’t about memorising plant lists or watching endless videos.
It’s possible to do that for years, and still feel like you’re not getting anywhere.
It’s about learning how to use your herbal knowledge when you need to, when you or someone you love is in pain.
The difference between someone who wants to be a herbalist and someone who is an herbalist comes down to action and practice.
Below, you’ll find a practical, step-by-step breakdown of how to become an herbalist, and how the right courses in herbalism (like the 30-Day Family Herbalist online herbalism course, now only $7.99) can support your journey.
1. How to become an herbalist: Prioritize action over passive learning
One of the biggest mistakes beginners make is confusing consuming information with learning herbalism.
Watching videos, scrolling through social media, or reading blog posts can get your brain all fired up with dopamine, and feel inspiring—but inspiration alone won’t make you a herbalist!
Herbalism is a practical skill. It’s learned through making remedies, tasting them, using them, and observing results over time.
In the 30-Day Family Herbalist online course, every lesson is designed to move you from reading to doing.
You don’t just learn what a tincture is—you make one.
You don’t just learn that herbs can help with stress or digestion—you practice choosing, preparing, and using them.
This is one of the best answers to how to become an herbalist: Start making simple remedies right away!
2. Start with “low-hanging fruit”
Many people delay starting because they believe they need to know a lot about herbalism first in order to be safe.
It’s a common misconception that herbal medicine is dangerous: you can find many food-grade herbs in supermarkets.
You probably already eat or drink some of them regularly: chamomile, ginger, spices like chilli and garlic, and garden herbs like mint are all potent medicinal herbs.
Choose these food herbs and start consciously choosing them more often in meals: you’re already being an herbalist!
Some of the easiest remedies to make include herbal teas, infusions & decoctions, infused oils, and honey & vinegar infusions.
These remedies are safe, easy to make, and effective. They build confidence quickly!
In the 30-Day Family Herbalist online course, the first week focuses on building a home apothecary and making simple medicines you can use straight away.
When you see herbs helping with sleep, digestion, minor injuries, or colds in your own family, all these little successes transform into confidence in your abilities as a herbalist.
3. Learn through your own body
Herbalism is personal. What works beautifully for one person may feel too strong or too weak to someone else!
This is why traditional herbalism has always emphasised observation.
One of the most overlooked aspects of how to become an herbalist is learning to listen to your own body.
Good herbalism courses teach general dosage ranges—but they also encourage careful experimentation within safe limits.
The 30-Day Family Herbalist repeatedly encourages this kind of mindful experimentation. You learn how to:
- Start with gentle doses
- Track effects
- Adjust based on individual responses
- Respect variability between people
This is how herbalists develop their skills, through real-world experimentation.
4. Courses in herbalism: Choose learning formats that suit you
There’s no “right” way to learn herbalism.
Some people learn through taking notes. Others through discussion. Others through practice and repetition.
The best courses in herbalism recognise this and offer multiple ways to engage with material.
In 30-Day Family Herbalist, learners benefit from:
- Clear written lessons
- Daily focus topics
- Discussion prompts
- Community interaction
- Answers to questions with 48 hours
This flexibility is essential, especially if you’re balancing family life, work, or other responsibilities.
5. Learn from other people’s real experiences
Textbooks are useful—but lived experience can be an incredible mine of information.
Forums, discussion groups, and guided course communities expose you to what-if scenarios and prepare you for them.
You learn how herbs behave in different bodies, climates, and contexts.
The 30-Day Family Herbalist provides tons of opportunities for reflection and discussion.
6. Keep your own herbal library of reliable reference books
The internet may not be here forever!
Every herbalist, beginner or advanced, should own a small core library of trusted references.
As part of your journey to becoming a confident herbalist, it’s wise to keep herbalism books that cover:
- Materia medica
- Herbal actions
- Remedy making
- Foraging
- Dosages
- Safety and contraindications
- Herbal first aid
- Emergency medicine
30-Day Family Herbalist contains several pages of references of tried-and-trusted herbal classics.
7. Courses in herbalism: Build your own home apothecary
Remember the last time you, or someone you love, had toothache?
Imagine having a remedy right on hand that would make the pain disappear in seconds! (that’ll be clove oil or tincture).
One of the most empowering aspects of becoming a herbalist is learning how to create a functional apothecary for everyday life.
In the 30-Day Family Herbalist, you’ll learn how to stock herbs and preparations that support:
- Digestive upset
- Anxiety and sleep issues
- Colds and flu
- Inflammation and pain
- Wounds and skin issues
- and more!
Being able to reach for a remedy you’ve made yourself—rather than panicking in a stressful moment—is a huge step towards becoming a herbalist.
8. How to become an herbalist: Learn how to preserve your own herbs
Drying herbs, storing them properly, and maintaining potency are core herbal skills.
The 30-Day Family Herbalist teaches practical preservation methods so your efforts don’t go to waste.
Learning how to dry, label, and store herbs properly is part of building independence as an herbalist.
Thank you for reading my thoughts on “Courses in herbalism: How to become an herbalist”!
If you’re serious about becoming a herbalist, consider joining The School of Wild Medicine‘s affordable course for beginners.
If you want to take your practical skills to the next level, the 30-Day Family Herbalist online course is for you.
There’s currently a huge 90% early-bird discount on the course for all new learners.
Life-time access is only $7.99, and you’ll get access to frequent course updates.
I’d be honoured to guide you through the exciting process of stocking your first home apothecary!
We’ll cover the most common health conditions and first-aid scenarios. See you there 🥰
