Study Herbalism in Colorado – From Seed to Medicine

A 500-hour herbalist certification program combining online classes, hands-on medicine-making, plant identification, field trips, and an herbal mountain retreat. Complete in 7 to 18 months.

Study Herbalism in Colorado – From Seed to Medicine

A 500-hour herbalist certification program combining online classes, hands-on medicine-making, plant identification, field trips, and an herbal mountain retreat. Complete in 7 to 18 months.

Member of the American Herbalist Guild

State-approved by Colorado DHE

80+ years combined instructor experience

From classroom to garden to community

Medicine Making
Hands-on formulation
Plant Identification
Field Trips and Plant Walks
Mountain Retreat
Immersive herbal mountain weekend
Hybrid Format
Online + In-Person

From our graduates

“Going to herbalism school has been a dream of mine for over 10 years. Herbalism Roots was the best choice I could have made. With plant walks where we I.D. various plants, to our weekend glamping trip and medicine-making classes, I knew from the beginning that I was in the right place. Kim and Martin bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to each class.”

Angie

“Attending Herbalism Roots has been a truly transformative experience. The depth of knowledge, care, and intention that the teachers bring to their work is nothing short of inspiring. Each instructor is not only deeply rooted in their craft, but also genuinely invested in the growth and empowerment of their students. The program is thoughtfully structured to guide you through both the science and spirit of herbalism. Thanks to this program, I now feel equipped with the knowledge and confidence to support both my own well-being and that of others. I wholeheartedly recommend this school. It’s a beautiful place to grow, learn, and become part of a supportive herbal community.”

Colleen

What you’ll study and practice

Our curriculum is unique because it offers a variety of herbalism topics that will help you cultivate your own unique herbalism style and practice.

Materia Medica

The formal study of medicinal plants and their therapeutic uses
Pathophysiology

Body and disease systems, connecting plants to the body

Medicine Making
Hands-on formulation: tinctures, salves, teas, extracts
Plant Identification
Field botany, ethical wild harvesting, urban plant walk
Aromatherapy
Essential oils, therapeutic applications
Gardening & Permaculture
Cultivation, seed to harvest, community gardens
Mountain Retreat
Immersive herbal weekend in the Colorado mountains
Practicum
Options you choose from Internships, at-home study, gardening, hands-on clinics

Herbalism Program at a glance

Program500-hour Herbalism Program
FormatHybrid with online classes, in-person clinic and flexible practicum
Duration7 to 18 months
Start Dates2 start dates per year (January and June)
Location1221 Galapago Street, Denver, CO 80204
Phone303-623-3121
AccreditationApproved and regulated by the Colorado Department of Higher Education, Private Occupational School Board

Tuition

Total program tuition is $5,300. You can choose how you pay. Payment in full is discounted, and payment plans are no interest.

Pay in full (check)$4,255
Pay in full (credit card)$4,414
12-month plan (interest-free)$398.75/mo
18-month plan (interest-free)$280.50/mo

Herbalism Roots is not a FAFSA school and does not offer financial aid, scholarships, or grants.

Request program information

Fill out the form below and our admissions team will send you program details and next steps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work full-time while completing the program?

Yes. Many students work full time while completing the program since most of it is self-paced and self-scheduled. Students only need to be here in-person one weekend a month for six months. The rest of the classes are done online via Zoom. This way, students can either attend the live session or watch a recording at their convenience. 

What do I need to enroll?

You must be 18 years or older. No high school diploma or GED is required.

Is there regulation or licensure for herbalism?

There is no license or regulations for herbalism on either a federal or state level. Students who graduate from this program receive a 500-hour herbalism completion certificate. Our program is approved through the Colorado Division of Private and Occupational Schools (DPOS).

What does the program cover?

Our curriculum includes classroom instruction in Pathophysiology, Materia Medica (formal study of plants and their therapeutic uses), Field Botany, Phytochemistry 101, Herbal Pharmacy, Botanical Safety, Herbal Folk Medicine, Aromatherapy, and Gardening/Permaculture. It also includes hands-on, “in the field” learning experiences in Ethical Wild Harvesting, Plant Identification, and Medicine Making during two weekend Field Trips to the Mountains.

Can I get credit for previous experience?

We offer comped hours for varying levels of experience, from acupuncturists to registered nurses. This allows students to move quicker through the program by reducing the number of required hours. If you think this could apply to you, feel free to reach out for information!

What can I do with this certificate when I graduate?

We’ve seen our students take this forward in many, different ways. Some already have their own practices where they can integrate herbalism, such as massage therapists, estheticians, & nutritionists. Others have started their own product lines, creating their own medicine, tinctures, skincare products, etc. We’ve also seen students offer wellness consultations, where they recommend herbs for clients that are seeking support for their conditions, while others go on to work in an apothecary or herbal center.

How does the enrollment process work?

Fill out the form above and our admissions team will send you program details and next steps. When you are ready, you schedule an admissions meeting.