Do You Need a License to Practice Herbalism in Colorado?

You can legally study, practice, and share herbal knowledge in Colorado, but it’s important to understand the boundaries of what herbalists can and cannot do under state law.

No State Licensing Required

Colorado does not license herbalists, and there is no state board or regulatory agency overseeing herbalism practice. Unlike massage therapy or esthetics, herbalism is not considered a regulated profession in the state.

That means:

• You are not required to have a license to study or practice herbalism in Colorado.

You can offer herbal education, grow and sell herbs, make products, and offer personalized wellness support, as long as you stay within legal boundaries.

Legal Considerations of Herbalists

Even though no license is required, herbalists still need to understand what’s legally allowed and what crosses a line.

In Colorado, herbalists may not:

• Diagnose or treat specific medical conditions
• Prescribe treatments or medications
• Use protected terms like “licensed,” “medical practitioner,” or “doctor” unless they hold separate credentials

Herbalists can:

• Educate others on herbs and wellness practices
• Provide guidance and suggestions based on tradition and personal experience
• Make and sell herbal products like teas, tinctures, and balms
• Blend herbal knowledge into other wellness or bodywork services (like massage or esthetics)

Note.
If you plan to sell herbal products, you may need additional business licenses or registration depending on your city, county, and the types of products you offer. You’re also responsible for following FDA guidelines on product labeling and marketing, especially avoiding health claims.

The Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE) Cottage Foods Act of 2012 allows a limited number of food products that are non-potentially hazardous (do not require refrigeration for safety) to be sold directly to consumers without licensing or inspection. Find the Cottage Foods Act information here.

Herbalists are considered educators and wellness supporters, not medical providers. Staying informed and within scope is key to building a safe, ethical practice.

Do Herbalism Schools Provide Certification?

Yes. While there’s no state license, many herbalism schools (like Herbalism Roots) offer a certificate of completion showing you’ve finished a structured program. This adds credibility, shows a significant level of training, and can help you:

• Start your own wellness practice or product line
• Complement an existing massage, esthetics, or health business
• Continue on to more advanced training (like clinical herbalism)

At Herbalism Roots, our 500-hour herbalism program is designed to give you a strong foundation in:

• Herbal identification and materia medica
• Preparation techniques (teas, tinctures, salves, etc.)
• Energetics, constitutional analysis, and holistic philosophy
• Fieldwork, formulation, and case study practice

Herbalism Roots is state-approved program in Colorado providing a structured and well-rounded curriculum for herbalism students.

Is Herbalism a Career or Just a Hobby?

Herbalism can be either, depending on your goals. Some graduates use their training personally (heal thyself) or for their families, while others may:

• Launch product lines (teas, tinctures, skincare)
• Teach or write about herbal wellness
• Blend herbalism with other work like massage, esthetics, or coaching