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A Career In Herbal Medicine

Careers
Last Updated Aug 21, 2020

Have you ever been intrigued by the healing power of plants, and wanted to cultivate this curiosity into a career? A course in herbal medicine allows you to train formally in the field and qualify as a practitioner. 

People have been expressing a renewed interest in herbal medicine owing to its non-invasive, holistic approach to healing. Its principles focus on treating the root cause of a disease as opposed to the symptoms.

What is Herbal Medicine?

Herbal medicine is an ancient, holistic healing practice that every culture has employed at some point in their history. It turns different parts of a plant into infusions and remedies, which are then taken orally or applied topically to treat an illness.

Used as a complementary treatment these days, herbal medicine, combined with Western medicine, effectively treats a range of health conditions. It is more associated with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which centres on treating the patient's whole person.

Studying Herbal Medicine

Taking a comprehensive course in herbal medicine is the first step to establishing a rewarding career in this field. Learn the essential components in plants and how they are used for medicine in a Bachelor of Health Science with a major in Western Herbal Medicine.

In addition to that, you will also learn how herbal treatments are used to treat a variety of disorders that affect the nervous, urinary and respiratory systems. The coursework also covers the following subjects:

  • Classification of herbal medicines
  • Herbal formulations
  • Treatment principles of acute conditions

Applying for Registration

After earning your qualification, obtain membership with the Australian Register of Naturopaths and Herbalists (ARONAH), which sets and maintains the highest standards of education and practice for naturopathy and herbal medicine. As a member, you have to comply with the organisation's Continuing Professional Development (CPD) by enrolling in continuing education courses.

You’ll find on our courses page a broad range of schools and educational programs that support your commitment to lifelong learning for the benefit of your clients. The Health and Harmony Colleges is one of your best options for higher education in herbal medicine.

They offer a Master Herbalist qualification which you can complete online through their distance education program. That gives you more leeway to study at your own pace and finish the course on your target date. 

Working as a Herbalist

The job prospects for graduates of a herbal medicine degree are looking up. After school, you can obtain an apprenticeship with an experienced herbalist or work in tandem with other health practitioners such as naturopaths or traditional Chinese medicine practitioners.

Why, you can even start and manage your private practice to provide consultations and treat as many clients as you want face-to-face or via online consultation.

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Originally published on Jan 12, 2011

FAQs About a Career in Herbal Medicine

What does a herbalist do?

A practitioner of herbal medicine treats a variety of health disorders using medicinal plants and other natural healing methods. They check the medical history of their clients, assess the state of their health and prepare herbal medicines tailored to their specific needs.

Can you make money as a herbalist?

The salary of herbalists varies according to their level of experience and location. They roughly earn between $39K and $79K a year.

What qualifications do I need to be a herbalist?

Besides the natural inclination for helping people improve their health, you have to complete a bachelor's degree or diploma in western herbal medicine. These courses will give you a thorough understanding of the medicinal value of plants and how they are used to treat diseases.

Do you need a license to practice herbal medicine?

The Australian government doesn't require graduates of a herbal medicine course to pass any licensing exams, but you have to complete a course accredited by ARONAH and other professional organisations for naturopaths and herbal medicine practitioners.

Related Topics

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