Study herbalism
More and more people are keen to learn how to work with herbs for medicine. Whether you want to train as a practitioner, or simply want to gain some life skills there are an array of courses and schools for you to learn.
Below is a list of quality schools we have pulled together to help you find the right course.
Herbal and herbalist schools in the UK
This is a list of quality Western herbal medicine schools in the UK.
Betonica School of Herbal Medicine
Betonica’s core mission resides in building and sustaining a vibrant herbal community both locally and globally. Betonica believes herbal medicine is of the people, and this principle deeply informs its teaching methods and approach to clinical practice.
Betonica offers a four-year degree-level professional medical herbalist programme, covering subjects including pathology, anatomy, botany, pharmacology and materia medica. This aims to teach students the medicinal practices and clinical techniques required to empower them to support their communities. This course is fully accredited by NIMH (National Institute of Medical Herbalists) and is working towards accreditation from the EHTPA (European Herbal & Traditional Practitioner’s Association).
Betonica also offers home herbalist courses both online and in person for those who wish to learn how to make simple herbal recipes from home to support friends and family.
Find out more at www.betonica.co.uk
College of Naturopathic Medicine
The College of Naturopathic Medicine has been running for 25 years in multiple locations across the UK and offers a variety of complementary medicine courses including homeopathy, iridology, herbal medicine, nutritional medicine and acupuncture. These are offered as degree level, diploma, postgraduate or short courses providing students with several options for training. Courses are offered through online content and in person training, and on a full or part time basis. Students are able to join a variety of accredited bodies upon completion.
Find out more at www.naturopathy-uk.com
Ecoversity herbalism certification
Ecoversity is committed to providing educational courses for radical global change. The teachings are rooted in the philosophy of nature’s rhythms to inform and educate students on how to live in harmony with nature.
They offer a 100 Hour Herbalism Program covered over 6 months with weekly live classes and self paced online lessons. The course is delivered by world class teachers and herbalists to support the health of your health, your community and the health of the planet. This course celebrates ancient plant wisdom and seeks to foster a deep connection with the herbs through ceremony, plant medicine and ritual. The course covers tips on building your own at home apothecary and first aid kit and covers the secrets to building a successful herbal business from home.
Find out more at www.ecoversity.org/herbalism-certification
Heartwood Education
Following a change in the landscape of the provision of herbal medicine courses in the UK, Heartwood Education was established by the Herbal Medicine Trust (formerly The National Institute of Medical Herbalists’ Education Fund) in 2016 to provide a range of easily accessible herbal medicine courses that meets the needs of those who want to study herbal medicine in the digital age.
Heartwood provides a year-long online Foundation Course in herbal medicine, which can be taken purely for pleasure and self-care or used as a stepping stone to the Professional Course. They also offer an online Advanced Foundation Course and online CPD courses.
The professional course is the culmination of the provision of herbal medicine degrees in higher education, along with the experience of a wide range of herbalists and educators and a love of plants. The course can be taken over four or six years and is a blended learning course, offering both face-to-face clinical training and online education. This option is also available to those living outside of the UK.
For more information, please see our website: www.heartwoodeducation.net
Heartwood Education courses
Advanced Foundation Course ‘Downstairs with Anita and Mary’ – Function, Health and Herbal Support for the Human Genito-Urinary Systems
- Start date: 3rd Feb 2025
- Final unit released: 12th May 2025
- Content available until: 7th July 2025
Lincoln College
Lincoln College is the last remaining degree course in Medical Herbalism in the UK. The three year course takes an integrative approach and combines orthodox disciplines of anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology and nutrition with the therapeutic applications of medicinal plants. This course seeks to integrate modern science and holistic medicine. The course is delivered in person and online, over eight full three-day weekends per year plus an additional 20–30 hours of independent study per week.
Students are required to complete nearly 500 hours of clinical training which takes place at their own complementary medicine clinic on site. The course is accredited by NIMH (National Institute of Medical Herbalists), EHTPA (European Herbal and Traditional Practitioners Association), CPP (College of Practitioners of Phytotherapy) and URHP (Unified Register of Herbal Practitioners).
Find out more at www.lincolncollege.ac.uk
School of Herbal Medicine
The School of Herbal Medicine was founded in 2015 and offers a six year professional Advanced Diploma in medical herbalism. The course is designed to train professional herbalists in the knowledge and application of herbal medicine. The content takes a blended learning style and offers 150 days face to face contact time in Bridgewater over the six years, which equates to roughly two a month for 10 months of the year. Students will also be required to complete self study outside of these hours as well as 500 hours clinical training. The topics covered include anatomy, physiology, clinical skills, immunology, public health & hygiene and materia medica.
They also offer a foundation course for those who need a basic scientific knowledge to complete the course. The course is currently working towards accreditation with professional bodies.
Find out more at www.schoolofherbalmedicine.co.uk
School of Intuitive Herbalism
The School of Intuitive Herbalism is a unique herb school rooted in embodied truth. Ninety percent of all the training is held in-person at a beautiful roundhouse in Stroud on a 140 acre farm, in small groups with a maximum of 12. All sessions are herb-centred and focused on somatic wisdom to cultivate a deep relationship between students and the plants. This way of learning is focused on a deep sense of awareness and direct experience, and fostered over 20 years of teaching it has shown to culminate a deep connection with the plants.
The curriculum is highly student-centred and suits those who enjoy bringing a high level of self-determination and self-directed study. Courses vary from a foundation course to professional course, and from three to seven years depending on the individual student’s journey.
Find out more at www.schoolofintuitiveherbalism.weedsintheheart.org.uk
Scottish School of Herbal Medicine
The Scottish school of herbal medicine was founded in 1992 and is renowned for its leading degree programme in medical herbalism. Due to the changing landscape of herbal education, this course is no longer on offer and the school’s focus now is to inspire students to connect with the land and herbal medicine.
The school pioneered research methodologies in Goethean medicine, and now runs an year long Herbal Correspondence course from the herb farm on the Isle of Arran. This course is rooted in ancient wisdom and combines contemplative science with herbal medicine approaches to offer a well rounded introduction to herbal medicine. There are also a range of popular practical courses run from the herb farm in scotland.
Find out more at www.herbalmedicine.org.uk
New Vitality Tuition
New Vitality Nutrition was founded by Ann Walker with inspiration taken from renowned herbalist Hein Zeylstra in the UK. The Discovering Herbal Medicine course is a self paced correspondence course covering twelve modules each covering a different part of the human body and associated holistic treatment options. It will also cover growing, harvesting and storing herbal products covering over 60 different herbs and how to apply them to a variety of ailments. Upon completion, graduates will receive a certificate of herbal studies accredited by the BHMA and have the opportunity to attend a BHMA award ceremony in London.
Find out more at www.newvitalitytuition.com/collections and Introducing Herbal Medicine (FREE course)
Heritage School of Herbal Medicine
At the Heritage School of Herbal Medicine, the practice of herbalism is rooted in the belief in the remembrance, reclamation and rediscovery of the body and personal autonomy. It is an exploration of how to work with plant medicine to bring power over health back into communities ensuring a sustainable future for students and the planet.
This school offers intensive herbalism courses which aim to facilitate the development of confident, empowered herbalists, attuned to the messages of their bodies and the natural world. The teaching is rooted in fostering the deep wisdom of herbal medicine within each student, their homes and their communities, empowering them to feel uplifted working towards creating a stronger society organically.
Find out more at www.heritageschoolofherbalmedicine.com/intensive-herbalism-course
Herbal medicine schools in Ireland
This is a list of quality Western herbal medicine schools in Ireland.
The Plant Medicine School
The plant medicine school, based in Ireland offers a range of courses from home herbalism up to professional practitioner level. The school is founded by Nikki Darrell and is centred around a passion for plant medicine. Courses cover the skills necessary to become confident in growing herbs, making medicine and using them to treat your community.
The “At home with herbs course” is an online course with in person medicine making days which is designed to be an introduction to the world of herbal medicine. There is also The Apprenticeship which is a practical and experiential two year course, as well as the practitioner training course for those who want to practice medical herbalism professionally. Successful graduates of the professional course can go on to become members of the IRH (Irish Register of Herbalists), AMH (Association of Master Herbalists) and CPP (College of Practitioners of Phytotherapy).
Find out more at https://theplantmedicineschool.squarespace.com
Core College (previously The Irish School of Herbal Medicine)
Core College, formerly known as the Irish School of Herbal Medicine was founded in 2000 to provide a range of high quality herbal medicine courses. Courses range from a one year training in herbal medicine to a four year professional herbal medicine practitioner training.
The school also offers short courses in medicinal herb growing, nutrition, reflexology and iridology. The full time professional course content is delivered entirely online, along with 600 hours of face to face clinical training at the college. Graduates of the programme will receive a licentiate in Master Herbalism and be able to join The Irish Association of Master Medical Herbalists in Ireland and the Association of Master Herbalists in the UK.
Find out more at https://www.corecollege.com/
Brighids Academy of Healing Arts
Brighid’s Academy of Healing Arts is inspired by traditional hedgerow schools of Ireland, combining holistic education and spiritual exploration. Founded in 1992 by Gina, a practising herbalist for over 45 years who trained alongside Rosemary Gladstar and David Hoffman, this school promotes a sense of connection to ancient healing methods.
Set in the heart of Celtic Ireland, the school is dedicated to Brighid and focuses on peace, harmony and philosophical teachings. The school is inspired by traditional Mystery Schools and seeks to inspire a connection with the earth, personal empowerment and transformation.
Find out more at https://brighidsacademy.wordpress.com
Herbalist schools and courses in the USA
This is a list of quality Western herbal medicine schools in the United States.
Planetary herbology with Michael and Lesley Tierra
Michael Tierra offers an online Planetary Herbology course culminating Western and Eastern herbal traditions. The course covers the various body systems from gastrointestinal to psychoneurological offered as individual courses or as a entire series. The course is delivered online through pre recorded webinars and is associated with the Pacific Centre for Lifelong learning. The course is accredited by the National Certification Comission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM).
Bastyr University
Bastyr university in Seattle offer a degree level Bachelor of Science in Western herbal Medicine. The course offers a foundation in scientific methods and global herbal trends as well as covering topics ranging from biochemistry, anatomy and physiology to horticulture and materia media. The program is offered full time over two years and in person on the university campus. The course prepares students to have a fulfilling career in the global herbal industry.
Find out more at https://bastyr.edu/
Maryland University of Integrative Health
Established in 1974, Maryland University of Integrative Health (MUIH) has now developed into a leading academic institution for integrative health in the USA. MUIH offers over twenty programmes from doctorate, postgraduate and undergraduate courses spanning a wide range of subjects within integrative health. MUIH offers a master of science in clinical herbal medicine, the only one of its kind amongst accredited US universities. The courses are delivered both online and in person and range from one year to three years in duration. The university also has their own on campus herb garden which is open to students.
Find out more at https://muih.edu/
Sonoran University of Health Sciences
Sonoran University of Health Sciences is an accredited University offering a range of degree level and doctorate courses in nutrition and naturopathic medicine. The doctor in Naturopathic medicine course spans four or five years and covers a diverse range of topics including acupuncture and TCM, botanical medicine, homeopathy, nutrition and minor surgery. The university offers the option to complete a concurrent degree alongside the primary training. Courses are delivered both online and face to face from the Arizona campus, where thee is also a student training clinic available. The university is accredited by the Council of Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME) and the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), both of which are recognised by the U.S. Department of Education.
Find out more at https://www.sonoran.edu/
Sacred Plant Traditions Online Courses
Sacred Plant Traditions offers a range of short online and in person courses from Charlottesville, Virginia. The college was founded and is run by Kat Maier who is the head of the United Plant Savers and is passionate about sustainability and community healthcare. The college offers a variety of in person classes on weekends and weekdays throughout the year with guest speakers, as well as offering longer four week online training courses in topics including energetic herbalism, herb/ drug interactions, crafting a herbal practice and more. The college is also committed to fighting against injustices of racism, sexism, colonialism and sexual discrimination.
Find out more at https://sacredplanttraditions.com/
College of Ayurveda, California
Mount Madonna was inspired by Baba Hari Dass (Babaji), a silent monk whose dedication to love, yoga and meditation had a profound impact on those around him. Mount Madonna is centred upon the core mission to bring peace to the world whilst supporting the land, community and continued learning. The institute offers a variety of courses, which can be carried out in person at the institute in California or online. The courses offered include a degree level programme in Ayurvedic medicine, introductory courses as well as a range of yoga and meditation courses.
Find out more at https://www.ayurvedacollege.com/
Other herbalism courses
This is a list of quality Western herbal medicine schools and herbalist courses.
International Register of Consultant Herbalists
THE IRCH was established in 1960 and has been offering courses in western herbal medicine ever since. The course is carried out through a blended learning model to allow students to fit the course around other commitments. The school runs an annual conference which facilitates students to meet one another and participate in further learning through lectures and discussions. There is also the option of attending a summer school for an immersion into herbal medicine, as well as the Western herbal medicine course, leading to a practitioner level qualification.
Find out more at https://irch.org/
International Register of Consultant Herbalists
THE IRCH was established in 1960 and has been offering courses in western herbal medicine ever since. The course is carried out through a blended learning model to allow students to fit the course around other commitments. The school runs an annual conference which facilitates students to meet one another and participate in further learning through lectures and discussions. There is also the option of attending a summer school for an immersion into herbal medicine, as well as the Western herbal medicine course, leading to a practitioner level qualification.
Find out more at https://irch.org/
Ayurveda, Ayurvedic course and workshops
Here is a list of Ayurveda courses around the world.
School of Ayurveda
The School of Ayurveda is a UK based school specialising in delivering courses on the Ayurvedic principles of lifestyle, nutrition and herbal medicine. Formed by a team of Ayurvedic practitioners from across the globe, the school offers interactive and immersive courses delivered in person or online for a flexible approach to studying.
The one year Ayurveda lifestyle and nutrition consultant diploma focuses on learning the core concepts of Ayurveda through a process of inner healing. The course is accredited by the Complementary Medical Association and graduates of the programme can apply to become members upon completion. The school also offers courses in Ayurvedic massage and nutrition.
Find out more at https://schoolofayurveda.co.uk
Ayurveda Pura (London, UK)
The Ayurveda Pura Academy is located in London and run by award winning Ayurvedic practitioner Dr Deepa Apte. The academy offers a large selection of Ayurvedic courses, suitable for people of all professional levels and backgrounds. The school offers a range of courses including diploma courses and workshops covering subjects such as Ayurvedic therapy, Ayurvedic diet and lifestyle consultant and yoga teacher training.
The school also offers tailor made programmes to suit individual needs. The diploma courses are accredited by the Federation of Holistic therapists (FHT), Think Tree Hub, Complementary Medical Association (CMA) and Yoga Alliance UK.
Find out more at www.ayurvedapura.com/gbp/academy
The Ayurveda Academy
The Ayurveda Academy was founded by Ayurvedic practitioners Joanna Webber and Kate Siraj who hold over 20 years of clinical experience between them. The academy offers a variety of Ayurvedic courses which aim to inspire, engage and support students in their learning. The content is delivered both online and in person via live webinars, videos, case studies and hands-on practical application. The material is a combination of classical Ayurvedic teachings integrated with modern scientific research.
The academy offers three different tiers of learning from an introductory course to an Ayurvedic lifestyle advisor. The advisor course is accredited by the Ayurvedic Professionals Association in the UK.
Find out more at https://theayurvedaacademy.com
Anne McIntyre – short courses
Anne McIntyre runs a variety of herbal courses and workshops from her herb farm and garden in the Cotswolds. Anne is an experienced medical herbalist and teacher who weaves her unique blend of traditional Western herbal medicine and Ayurvedic knowledge into the training. The selection of courses are open to everyone, and vary between a year long Ayurvedic foundation course to day workshops on tea blending and gut health. Each course is a blended learning style delivered through online content as well as the opportunity to learn whilst being surrounded by the herbs.
Find out more at http://annemcintyre.com
European Academy of Ayurveda
Founded in 1993 by Mark and Kerstin Rosenberg, the Ayurveda Akademie is an independent educational institution based in Birstein with locations now also in Austria and Switzerland. The Birstein campus includes an on site Ayurvedic spa and is centred around a traditional forester’s house surrounded by nature. Students can stay on site during courses in the purpose built accommodation, or courses are also offered online. The level of the courses range from professional postgraduate masters programmes to short introductory and beginner courses. The college is designed with flexibility in mind and offers students multiple options for course completion.
Find out more at http://www.ayurveda-akademie.org/en/home/
Ayurvedic Institute, Albequerque, USA – with Dr Lad
The Ayurvedic Institute is based in Asheville, North Carolina and is taught by Dr Vasant Lad, a leading pioneer within Ayurvedic medicine. The school prides itself on being heart led and authentic and therefore trains students not only in Ayurvedic principles, but also how to run a profitable business with compassion and integrity. The school offers a diverse range of courses and routes to study, including online, in person or a hybrid model. The curriculum honours traditional Ayurvedic practices, as well as integrating modern scientific research into the course contents. The institute has its own clinic where students will gain hands-on experience with patients under the guidance of the tutors.
Find out more at https://ayurveda.com/
European Institute of Vedic Studies
The European Institute of Vedic Studies (EIVS) is based in Switzerland and offers courses taught by Vaidya Atreya Smith who has been practicing for over 30 years. Founded in 1998, the school’s mission is to offer courses around traditional Vedic traditions and Ayurvedic philosophy. The courses are spread over three levels, with Level 1 being a more introductory course whilst Level 3 is more in depth and extensive exploration of Ayurvedic medicine. Courses are delivered online through live Q&A sessions and self directed study.
Find out more at https://www.eivs.org/
Dogwood School of Botanical Medicine
Dogwood School of Botanical Medicine is an Ayurvedic school run by Todd Caldecott who has been in practice for 25 years and employs an integrated approach drawing on Ayurveda, traditional Chinese medicine and Western herbal medicine. The school offers a range of online courses of varying lengths across a range of topics including food as medicine, principles of Ayurveda and herbal treatment of migraines.
Find out more at https://dogwoodbotanical.com/
Traditional Chinese herbal medicine courses
Here is a list of traditional Chinese herbal medicine courses around the world.
Northern College of Acupuncture
The Northern College of Acupuncture (NCA) is an independent college based in York which has been running courses for 34 years. They offer a BSc (Hons) in Acupuncture and postgraduate courses in nutritional science and Chinese herbal medicine. The MSc in Chinese herbal medicine is a two (PGDip) or three (MSc) year online course delivered through live sessions to enable students to fit the course around their other commitments. Eligible students can also apply for a postgraduate loan to cover the three years. The course is accredited by the European Herbal and Traditional Medicine Practitioners (EHTPA).
Find out more at https://nca.ac.uk/chinese-herbal-medicine-course
The College of Chinese Medicine
The College of Chinese Medicine based in West London offers short courses in acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) as well as a two year professional diploma in TCM and acupuncture. The professional diploma runs on a part time basis over 10 three day weekends per year and covers acupuncture, diagnosis and TCM to prepare students to practice professionally. The content is a combination of traditional theory and modern Western medical sciences and taught in small groups to maximise learning. Graduates will have the opportunity to register as members of the Acupuncture society.
Find out more at www.ccmlondon.com/chinese_herbal_medicine
White Crane Academy
The White Crane Academy is a world leading school that prides itself on delivering academic excellence for Chinese Herbal Medicine. The school offers a three year intensive professional diploma as well as a one year online foundation course in Chinese medicine which can be done as a standalone course or as a foundation to progress to the professional diploma.
The courses are a harmony between modern research and traditional wisdom and the school is student focused with small tutor groups to maximise contact time and efficient learning. The course is accredited by the European Herbal & Traditional Medicine Practitioners Association (EHTPA) and the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM).
Find out more at www.whitecrane.academy
The UK Taiwan Academy of Traditional Medicine
The UKTATM brings together teachers and clinicians from the UK and Taiwan in a unique collaboration focused on the effective and safe delivery of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM). The main aims of the academy are to give students a thorough understanding of the theories underpinning CHM coupled with an immersive experience into the clinical treatment of patients.
The flexible blend of online and on-site teaching allows students to work from home while gaining access to the wealth of knowledge and expertise provided by the teaching staff. The intensive clinical placements will allow students to benefit from vital face to face interactions with patients and experience working within herbal dispensaries. China Medical University and Hospital are world-leading institutions in integrative medicine, combining ancient knowledge with clinical experience and evidence-based research.
Find out more at https://www.uktatm.ac/
Integrative medicine
Here is a list of integrative medicine and holistic health courses.
Diploma in Integrative Healthcare
The National Centre of Integrative Healthcare (NCIM) offers a three year postgraduate diploma in integrative healthcare. The course was established 10 years ago and is currently directed by Dr Elizabeth Thompson, a leading doctor in the field of integrative health and CEO of NCIM. This diploma integrates evidence based lifestyle medicine, functional medicine, and complementary and integrative therapies to offer comprehensive patient care.
The course can be undertaken over two years, with the possibility of doing a final research project in the third year to complete an extended diploma. The course takes the form of blended learning with some lectures delivered online as well as three 3-day intensive learning retreats per academic year, two of which are in-person. The diploma is accredited by the Crossfields Institute.
Find out more at https://ncim.org.uk/diploma
Pacific Rim College
Pacific Rim College is an award winning institution specialising in delivering a range of holistic medicine and sustainable practices. The college offers diplomas in western herbal medicine, nutrition and integrative health. The phytotherapy diploma is run over three years and includes over 500 clinical training hours. The program covers traditional European and North American medicine and integrates this with modern scientific research. Courses can be undertaken both on campus or online and students can be flexible with their choice of study route.
Find out more at https://www.pacificrimcollege.com/
Other useful resources
Here is a list of other useful herbal resources.
The Wild Flower Society
Accurate plant identification is a crucial part of herbal medicine. The Wild Flower Society holds regular field meetings guided by expert botanists who will help beginners to identify wild flowers.
Find out more on their website https://thewildflowersociety.org.uk
Digital Herbarium for Chinese Medicines
The Department of Health of Hong Kong, China created the “Digital Herbarium for Chinese Medicines” (DHCM) to provide comprehensive and professional information for Chinese medicines identification and educational purposes. It is available in both Chinese and English. You can search and browse images of relevant source plants, source medicinal materials, and specimens of decoction pieces in order to understand their uses and safety information. As well, you can find chemical and DNA information obtained through scientific analysis.
Find out more at https://www.cmherbarium.gov.hk/#/home?lang=eng
