We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Take this course
David Raes

Herbalism for Beginners

Have you ever wanted to experience the joy of making herbal remedies or to take charge of your health in a more natural way? Have you ever wanted the ability to help your friends and family in times of crisis if the need arose? If so, Herbalism for Beginners is for you.

Herbalism for Beginners is a comprehensive introduction to western herbalism. You will learn a broad mix of fun and interesting topics. Complex subjects are broken down in an easy-to-understand way that you will be able to apply to making your own custom herbal remedies.

Read more

Herbalism for Beginners

Have you ever wanted to experience the joy of making herbal remedies or to take charge of your health in a more natural way? Have you ever wanted the ability to help your friends and family in times of crisis if the need arose? If so, Herbalism for Beginners is for you.

Herbalism for Beginners is a comprehensive introduction to western herbalism. You will learn a broad mix of fun and interesting topics. Complex subjects are broken down in an easy-to-understand way that you will be able to apply to making your own custom herbal remedies.

The goal of this course is to empower you with the knowledge of over 65 medicinal herbs in order to create custom herbal remedies for your own health needs. In addition, Herbalism for Beginners covers 50 different health conditions and teaches you which herbs are useful in each case.

Why is it so crucial to return to herbalism now?

We need to return to a more sustainable healthcare model, one that includes herbal medicine. This is especially important now in our globalized economy as international conflicts endanger trade with the world’s largest supplier of pharmaceutical ingredients. With our fragile just-in-time supply-chain, herbalism has never been so vital.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • How to make tinctures and glycerites
  • How to formulate custom herbal medicine
  • The basics of phytochemistry and botany
  • Overview of western herbal history
  • Useful herbs for over 50 different health conditions
  • Detailed information on 65 medicinal herbs and how to use them

Syllabus

History of Western Herbalism
Intro to Herbal History
When did herbalism start?
Herb Selection
Read more

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Provides an overview of Western herbal history, which gives context to modern herbalism and its evolution, which may appeal to learners interested in the history of medicine
Breaks down complex subjects in an easy-to-understand way, which allows learners to apply the knowledge to making custom herbal remedies, which is useful for beginners
Empowers learners with the knowledge of over 65 medicinal herbs to create custom herbal remedies for their own health needs, which promotes self-reliance in healthcare
Covers 50 different health conditions and teaches which herbs are useful in each case, which provides a practical guide for addressing common ailments with herbal remedies
Teaches how to make tinctures and glycerites, which are foundational skills for creating herbal remedies and extracting the medicinal properties of plants
Includes an overview of Western herbal history, which may not be directly applicable to making remedies but provides a broader understanding of the field

Save this course

Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
Save

Reviews summary

Foundational herbalism for beginners

According to learners, this course offers a largely positive introduction to western herbalism, making complex subjects easy to understand. Many highlight the practical skills taught, such as learning how to make tinctures and glycerites and how to formulate remedies, finding these aspects particularly empowering and fun. Students appreciate the broad overview covering history, numerous herbs, and conditions. While it serves as an excellent starting point for beginners, some reviewers noted that certain specialized topics felt glossed over, suggesting it functions more as a comprehensive survey than an advanced deep dive into specific applications.
Covers a wide range of history, herbs, and conditions.
"A solid introduction. Covers a lot of ground from history to practical preparations."
"Fantastic content! The instructor's passion is contagious. I learned so much about different herbs and their uses."
"Okay course. It gives a good overview, but I felt some sections... were glossed over too quickly."
Complex topics are presented in an accessible way.
"Absolutely loved this course! The explanations were crystal clear..."
"...Complex subjects are broken down in an easy-to-understand way..."
"I appreciate how complex topics were broken down."
Perfect starting point for those new to herbalism.
"Highly recommend for anyone starting out!"
"This course is perfect for home herbalists."
"Some parts were a bit basic if you've already read beginner books, but overall a great foundation."
Practical guidance on making herbal remedies is provided.
"...making my first tincture felt so empowering."
"Very practical and well-structured. I enjoyed the hands-on instructions for tinctures."
"Making the glycerite was fun!"
Certain advanced topics may lack sufficient detail.
"...I felt some sections, like the phytochemistry, were glossed over too quickly."
"Disappointed. While it covers many herbs, I didn't feel confident actually using them for conditions after the course."
"Needed more case studies or step-by-step application examples."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Herbalism for Beginners with these activities:
Review "The Herbal Medicine Maker's Handbook"
Reinforce your understanding of herbal medicine preparation by studying a practical guide.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of "The Herbal Medicine-Maker's Handbook".
  • Read the sections on tinctures, glycerites, and other extraction methods.
  • Compare the book's methods with those taught in the course.
  • Note any differences or additional tips for future reference.
Review Basic Botany Concepts
Strengthen your understanding of plant biology to better grasp the medicinal properties of herbs.
Show steps
  • Review introductory botany materials online or in textbooks.
  • Focus on plant anatomy, physiology, and identification.
  • Take a short online quiz to test your knowledge.
Create an Herbal Materia Medica
Solidify your knowledge of medicinal herbs by creating a personal materia medica.
Show steps
  • Choose a format for your materia medica (e.g., notebook, digital document).
  • For each herb covered in the course, record its properties, uses, and contraindications.
  • Include personal notes and observations from your studies.
  • Organize your materia medica for easy reference.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Herb Identification Flashcards
Improve your ability to recognize and recall key herbs by using flashcards.
Show steps
  • Create flashcards with herb names on one side and images/descriptions on the other.
  • Review the flashcards regularly, focusing on herbs you find challenging.
  • Test yourself by identifying herbs from images or descriptions.
Design a Custom Herbal Formula
Apply your knowledge of herbal formulation by designing a custom formula for a specific health condition.
Show steps
  • Choose a health condition to address with your formula.
  • Research herbs that are traditionally used for that condition.
  • Select a combination of herbs that work synergistically.
  • Determine the appropriate dosage and administration method.
  • Document your formula and its rationale.
Volunteer at a Local Herb Garden
Gain hands-on experience with medicinal herbs by volunteering at a local herb garden.
Show steps
  • Find a local herb garden or botanical garden.
  • Contact the garden and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
  • Participate in gardening activities such as planting, weeding, and harvesting.
  • Observe and learn about the different herbs grown in the garden.
Review "Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine"
Deepen your understanding of the scientific basis of herbal medicine by studying a comprehensive textbook.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of "Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine".
  • Read the sections on phytochemistry, pharmacology, and specific herbs.
  • Relate the book's content to the concepts taught in the course.
  • Use the book as a reference for further research and study.

Career center

Learners who complete Herbalism for Beginners will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Herbalist
A career as an herbalist involves a deep understanding of plants and their therapeutic properties, which is precisely what this course provides. Herbalists assess clients' health needs and create customized herbal remedies to address those needs, drawing upon a comprehensive knowledge of herbal medicine. This course introduces over 65 medicinal herbs and their applications for 50 health conditions, which should be very valuable for an herbalist. The course's instruction in making tinctures and glycerites provides hands-on skills vital to the practice of herbalism. This course helps build a foundation for understanding the art and science of herbal medicine.
Apothecary
Apothecaries historically prepared and dispensed medicines, often herbal remedies. Today, an apothecary may focus on providing clients with plant-based or natural alternatives to conventional medicines. This course, with its focus on 65 medicinal herbs and their uses in treating 50 health conditions, aligns closely with the traditional role of an apothecary. The course details how to formulate custom herbal medicines and how to prepare tinctures and glycerites, which are skills essential to an apothecary. Those who want to become an apothecary should pay attention to the course's in-depth training.
Herbal Product Retailer
An herbal product retailer sells herbal remedies and related items. This course provides the knowledge needed to better understand the products they are selling. Students in this course learn about western herbalism, 65 medicinal herbs, and how to make tinctures and glycerites. Those with the goal of an herbal product retailer should find this course to be especially useful. The course provides a wealth of information and practical skills that can be used to inform customers.
Natural Product Formulator
Natural product formulators develop formulations using natural ingredients. This course may greatly help one develop a solid foundation in creating herbal formulas. It provides an in-depth introduction to western herbalism, including the use of 65 medicinal herbs and their application in addressing a variety of health conditions. In particular, this course emphasizes the crucial skill of creating custom herbal remedies, along with how to make tinctures and glycerites. This course may help teach someone the fundamentals of the field.
Health and Wellness Blogger
Health and wellness bloggers create online content focused on health topics. This course provides knowledge useful for creating content on herbal medicine. The course teaches about 65 medicinal herbs and their uses for 50 health conditions. This information can greatly assist a health and wellness blogger who is interested in sharing information on natural remedies. The practical instruction on how to make formulas, tinctures, and glycerites can serve as a basis for a blog and give you specific items to write about. Those who blog about health and wellness should find this course's information useful.
Botanical Product Developer
A botanical product developer is someone who is involved in the creation of new products, typically health and wellness goods, using plants. This course provides a strong introduction to working with medicinal herbs, which is directly pertinent to this role. Included in the course are details on how to formulate custom herbal medicine, a skill that any botanical product developer should have. The courses covers 65 medicinal herbs and their particular benefits, which is knowledge that could readily be applied to product development. A botanical product developer may find this course very useful.
Naturopathic Physician
Naturopathic physicians emphasize natural and holistic approaches to healthcare. This course may be of use to a naturopathic physician because it emphasizes herbal medicine, which is a component of naturopathic practice. The course provides an introduction to western herbalism, including the history of herbal medicine, the use of 65 medicinal herbs, and how to formulate herbal remedies for various health conditions. Naturopathic physicians who take this course may find it helps them develop skills in creating custom herbal remedies and preparing tinctures and glycerites, which can be an adjunct to other natural treatments. Note that a career as a naturopathic physician typically involves an advanced degree.
Holistic Nutritionist
Holistic nutritionists address wellness through food as medicine. This course may be a useful addition to their practice by enriching their knowledge of herbal remedies. This course offers a comprehensive introduction to herbalism and a detailed overview of 65 medicinal herbs and their applications for 50 health conditions. The training in how to make tinctures and glycerites can expand a holistic nutritionist's methods for providing services. A holistic nutritionist with this background may be able to enhance their client's well being with herbal remedies.
Wellness Consultant
Wellness consultants help clients achieve their health goals through various methods, and this course in herbalism may be a useful addition when providing clients with natural health options. This course introduces students to the practice of making custom herbal remedies using over 65 medicinal herbs. It also covers 50 health conditions that the remedies are useful for. Those who work as wellness consultants will appreciate the practical instruction in formulating tinctures and glycerites, which can be a resource for clients seeking alternative methods of healing. This course may help one become a more well rounded wellness consultant.
Complementary Medicine Practitioner
Complementary medicine practitioners use non-conventional therapies along with conventional medicine. This course may be a useful addition to a practitioner's skills in herbal medicine. The course is a comprehensive introduction to western herbalism. The material includes the use of 65 medicinal herbs and the making of custom remedies which can be useful in their practice. Those who work as complementary medicine practitioners will find the course's instruction in making tinctures and glycerites, which can be a resource for clients seeking alternative methods of healing.
Wellness Coach
Wellness coaches help their clients set and achieve health goals. This course may serve as a useful addition to a wellness coach's skills when it comes to discussing natural health with clients. The course includes over 65 medicinal herbs and their applications for 50 different health conditions, as well as practical information about tinctures and glycerites. This course may help a wellness coach offer clients a wider range of options to enhance their well being. The course's instruction on how to formulate custom herbal medicines is directly applicable to this coaching space.
Alternative Medicine Researcher
Alternative medicine researchers examine the safety and efficacy of treatments outside traditional medicine. This course could be a way for a researcher to gain a better understanding of herbal medicine. The course covers the history of western herbalism, the use of 65 medicinal herbs, and the preparation of tinctures and glycerites. A researcher in alternative medicine may find the course's instruction useful to better inform their projects. Note that a career as a researcher typically requires an advanced degree.
Organic Farmer
Organic farmers focus on natural and sustainable farming methods. This course on herbalism may serve as a useful adjunct to their understanding of plants. The course includes a thorough introduction to western herbalism, detailing 65 medicinal herbs, their applications in health, and instruction on creating formulas. Organic farmers may find this course allows them to cultivate plants with a particular purpose in mind. This course may also be a path toward expanding the farm's offerings.
Health Educator
Health educators teach individuals and communities about health topics. If you are a health educator, this course may be helpful to expand your ability to speak on matters related to herbal medicine. The course covers the use of 65 medicinal herbs and their application in treating 50 health conditions. It also provides practical training in how to make tinctures and glycerites, which may be helpful in educating others about the application of custom, herbal remedies. The course may help health educators expand their knowledge of natural remedies and provide further options to clients.
Horticultural Therapist
Horticultural therapists use plants and gardening to improve the well-being of others. This course may complement a horticultural therapist's work by deepening their knowledge of the medicinal properties of plants. The course introduces the practice of herbalism, including the use of 65 different herbs and their uses for 50 health conditions. This course's material may be helpful when designing therapeutic programs. The material on making herbal remedies can expand the options that a horticultural therapist may offer clients.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Herbalism for Beginners.
Provides a practical guide to making herbal remedies at home. It covers various methods of extraction, including tinctures and glycerites, which are central to this course. It valuable resource for students looking to deepen their understanding of herbal medicine preparation and formulation. This book is commonly used by herbalists and students alike.
Provides a comprehensive overview of herbal medicine from a scientific perspective. It delves into the phytochemistry and pharmacology of herbs, offering a deeper understanding of their mechanisms of action. It valuable resource for students who want to explore the scientific basis of herbalism. This book is commonly used as a textbook in herbalism programs.

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:

Similar courses

Similar courses are unavailable at this time. Please try again later.
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser