What is herbal medicine?
Herbal medicine is a holistic healing method that uses plant-based remedies in order to treat clients. The aim of this form of treatment is to improve the client's long-term mental and physical wellbeing. Some of the different types of herbal medicine options available include Western herbal medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Indian Ayurvedic Medicine. Herbalists provide valuable assistance to clients health and wellbeing, especially those who are dealing with:
- Stress
- Arthritis
- Allergies
- Colds and flu
- Chronic fatigue
- Mood disorders
- Digestive issues
- Hay fever and asthma
- Menopausal symptoms
- Headaches and migraines
- Eczema and skin problems
- Insomnia and other sleep problems
A herbal medicine practitioner is able to sign up to be a member with any of these professional associations:
- Australian Register of Naturopaths and Herbalists (ARONAH)
- National Herbalists Association of Australia (NHAA)
- Western Herbal Medicine Accreditation
- Australian Natural Therapists Association (ANTA)
Should you complete a herbal medicine course?
Do you have a passion for natural therapies and want a career path where you can improve the short and long-term health prospects of clients? If you answered yes, herbal medicine is the perfect career path for you. In order to succeed in your career as a herbalist in Sydney, you will need to have the following interpersonal skills:
- The ability to absorb new information is vital considering that the herbal medicine field is constantly changing with new research.
- Strong listening skills to help build trust with the client as well as getting an in-depth understanding of their problems, symptoms and factors that contributed to their current state.
- High attention to detail when preparing and administering tailored herbal remedies.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills where you can communicate in terms that clients can understand the proposed herbal remedy treatment plan and the benefits that it can provide for them.
If this sounds like you, continue reading to learn about your herbal medicine study options in Sydney.
What are the course and study options for herbalists in Sydney?
There are many short-term courses such as a weekend workshop or seminar you can enrol in if you are looking to gain a brief overview and understanding of the field of herbal medicine.
If you are interested in committing to a long-term degree in order to work as an accredited herbal medicine practitioner you must complete an Advanced Diploma or Bachelor of Health Science majoring in Western herbal medicine. Additionally, these course providers will give you many alternative delivery pathways that suit your preferred learning style. This includes both on-campus and online delivery options.
These herbal medicine units are taught by industry professionals who have many years in teaching and working as a herbalist. Some of the units will cover topics surrounding herbal therapeutics, biochemistry, botany and pharmacology. You will also have the opportunity to gain practical work experience through working with a professionally trained herbalist.
If you are ready to commence your journey as a herbalist, on this page you will find a list of Sydney-based herbal medicine course providers. For more information regarding their accreditations, course structure or payment plans you can get in touch with them directly.
What happens after you complete your herbal medicine course in Sydney?
Once you finish your advanced diploma or undergraduate degree in herbal medicine you will be able to register with the Australian Register of Naturopaths and Herbalists (ARONAH). Furthermore, you will be able to work either in a specialist health clinic or a herbal dispensary.
Once you gain some experience, you will be able to start your own private practice where you will be able to work for yourself. This self-employment alternative allows you to decide your own hours and manage your business according to your standards. Through this option, you can either list your in-person herbal medicine consults or online herbal medicine services via the practitioner listing pages.
Finally, if you are looking to deepen your understanding of herbal medicine you have the option to complete a postgraduate Master of PhD course where you can specialise in a particular field of your interest in herbal medicine.
