What is herbal medicine?
Herbal medicine is a holistic healing method that uses plant-based remedy treatments. Herbalists tailor treatments according to their client's medical history, lifestyle and nutrition levels. The purpose of herbal medicine is to cure clients who are dealing with physical or psychological issues. This subsequently improves their long-term mental and physical wellbeing.
Some other branches of herbal medicine include Indian Ayurvedic Medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Herbal medicine practitioners assist people dealing with the following issues:
- Chronic fatigue
- Mood disorders
- Headaches and migraines
- Arthritis
- Colds and flu
- Menopausal symptoms
- Hay fever and asthma
- Stress
- Allergies
- Digestive issues
- Eczema and skin problems
- Insomnia
Herbalists that are based in the Sunshine Coast can join one of the following professional herbal medicine industry associations:
- National Herbalists Association of Australia (NHAA)
- Western Herbal Medicine Accreditation (WHMA)
- Australian Natural Therapists Association (ANTA)
- Australian Register of Naturopaths and Herbalists (ARONAH)
Should you complete a herbal medicine course?
Are you interested in gaining a better understanding of how natural herbal remedies work and improve people's health? If this corresponds with your career aspirations, then you should pursue your studies in herbal medicine. Additionally, below are some of the qualities and traits that will help you succeed in the herbal medicine industry:
- Curious mind who is always looking to expand your knowledge about a variety of topics in herbal medicine like anatomy, biology and natural remedies.
- High attention to detail and strong analytical skills when administering herbal remedies.
- Clear and articulate communication skills so that you can clearly explain the proposed herbal remedy treatment plan to clients.
- High levels of confidentiality when dealing with sensitive personal and medical information.
If you believe that there is a link between your career interests and these interpersonal skills, you should continue reading to learn about how to kickstart and thrive in a career in herbal medicine.
What are the course and study options for herbalists on the Sunshine Coast?
In order to work as a herbalist, you will need to complete an Advanced Diploma or Bachelor of Health Science majoring in Western Herbal Medicine. In the Sunshine Coast, there are many different delivery modes to choose from depending on your preferred learning pace and commitments. This includes both on-campus and online delivery options.
During your theoretical lessons, you will be learning more about the field of herbal medicine from herbalists who have had years of experience working and teaching in this industry. Some of the topics that you will explore include botany, pharmacology and biochemistry and their linkages with the herbal medicine field. In addition, you will need to complete clinical training alongside your studies. This will teach you about how to work in a clinical health setting and communicate with clients.
If you are set on becoming a herbalist, scroll up to the top of the page where you will find a list of herbal medicine courses available on the Sunshine Coast. After shortlisting your preferred schools, you can get in touch with them for any further questions regarding their syllabus, tuition fees or prerequisite requirements.
What happens after you complete your herbal medicine course on the Sunshine Coast?
Upon completion of your initial qualifications, you will be able to work as a herbalist in the Sunshine Coast region. This allows you to work in a variety of workplace settings such as specialist health clinics or herbal dispensaries.
Once you develop and deepen your business skills and technical knowledge in herbal medicine you have the opportunity to start your own private practice. This career alternative has many advantages such as having a greater degree of control over your own schedule, dealing with clients and business management. Natural Therapy Pages can also assist you along the way by helping drive interest and clients to your business by letting you list your in-person herbal medicine services or online herbal medicine consultation.
If you are interested in gaining more knowledge about herbal medicine and staying up-to-date with the latest research, you should complete a postgraduate course in herbal medicine.
