Careers in Herbalism

Clinical Herbalism

Working with herbs and clients in a one-on-one setting is called clinical herbalism. Herbalists who practice clinical herbalism may draw on their education and experience in order to help their clients find beneficial herbs.

Someone looking to enter this career can either open an individual practice or partner with an already established physician to provide holistic services to patients. Either way, it is recommended that practicing herbalists have at least two years of herbology education (if not more), with advanced training in clinical herbalism. Acquiring a degree in a related field of health is also beneficial.

Teaching & Public Speaking

It is natural to step into the world of education after studying herbalism. After all, herbalists hold the secrets of the ancient art of medicine-making that is only beginning to make a comeback into modern society. There is a need for herbalists to step up to the platform to teach others the practice of herbalism.

Opportunities to teach and public speak are popping up across the country and across the globe. Many regions don’t have established herbal groups and others have them but need guest speakers and educators to continue growing.

Blogging & Freelance Writing

Herbalists hold within them a wealth of information that can be shared with beginner herbalists or those interested in applying more natural methods of healing to their lifestyle. There are many successful bloggers who make an income through paid sponsorships, advertising, e-books, selling products, and affiliates.

Selling Herbal Products

There are so many products herbalists learn to make through their studies: salves and balms, herbal supplements, tinctures and teas, spices, and much, much more!

Herbalists will often venture into their own businesses after studying herbs. Products may be sold through a number of avenues: websites, blogs, Etsy, farmer’s markets, fairs, and other events. Herbalists have opportunities to establish both B2B and B2C organizations.

Sales & Consulting

Consulting is also an option for educated herbalists. Research compensation plans to discover if these businesses are a fit for you.

Holistic Job Opportunities

A growing number of herb shops, herbal pharmacies, natural medical clinics, and herb farms are looking for team members to join their staff.

Job openings in administration to nutrition consultation to business management are all realistic opportunities for the studied herbalist. Having a certificate in herbalism offers a competitive edge and the specialization often desired in holistic organizations.

Growing Herbs

Learning about herbs, identification, and how to grow them can offer a unique specialty in agriculture. Growing herbs for wholesale, a farmers’ market, or an herbal shop are all opportunities for the herbologist.

CSAs and urban gardening for restaurants, schools, and hospitals are also areas to pursue with a certification in herbalism.

Further Education Opportunities

Herbalism makes you marketable. Perhaps you already have a career but would like to specialize in a niche market. Getting an education in herbalism is a clever way to do just that.

Below is a basic list of majors that may benefit from a knowledge of herbalism. The options stretch as far as the imagination.

Aromatherapy, mind-body medicine, psychotherapy, reiki, yoga, massage therapy, acupuncture, reflexology, physical therapy, osteopathy, kinesiology, chiropractic, nursing, biology, environmental sciences, exercise science, nutrition, dietitian, holistic skin care, caregiving, life coaching, social work, mental health, forestry, agriculture, and veterinary. Even marketing and communications professionals can open up opportunities by studying herbalism for career advancement.