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Natural Healing

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May 13, 2024 Updated July 20, 2025 11 minute read

Natural healing, also known as alternative or complementary medicine, is a diverse set of healthcare practices that have been in use for thousands of years. It encompasses a wide range of therapies that aim to promote health and well-being by utilizing natural remedies and holistic approaches.

What is Natural Healing?

Natural healing therapies focus on treating the whole person rather than just the symptoms of an illness. They often involve using herbal remedies, nutritional supplements, massage therapy, acupuncture, and other techniques to address imbalances in the body and mind.

Why Study Natural Healing?

There are many reasons why someone might choose to study natural healing. Some people are drawn to it as a way to take a more active role in their health and well-being. Others may be seeking alternative treatments for chronic conditions or illnesses. Additionally, some individuals pursue natural healing to develop their career and professional ambitions in the growing field of holistic healthcare.

Benefits of Studying Natural Healing

Studying natural healing can offer a number of tangible benefits. These benefits include:

  • Improved overall health and well-being
  • Increased knowledge of natural remedies and holistic therapies
  • Professional development opportunities in the field of holistic healthcare
  • Greater self-reliance in managing health and illness
  • Personal fulfillment and satisfaction

Online Courses in Natural Healing

Path to Natural Healing

Take the first step.
We've curated seven courses to help you on your path to Natural Healing. Use these to develop your skills, build background knowledge, and put what you learn to practice.
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Reading list

We've selected 33 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 Natural Healing.
This definitive and comprehensive textbook on Chinese herbal medicine, providing detailed information on over 500 herbs. It is an essential resource for students and practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine and offers a deep understanding of this complex system of natural healing. must-read for those serious about studying Chinese herbalism.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of naturopathic medicine, a system of alternative medicine that emphasizes natural remedies and holistic approaches. It covers topics such as nutrition, herbal medicine, homeopathy, and physical therapy.
This text offers a clinically focused approach to botanical medicine, providing evidence-based information on the therapeutic uses of herbs. It valuable resource for healthcare professionals and advanced students seeking to integrate herbal medicine into practice. is excellent for deepening understanding from a clinical perspective.
Provides a strong foundation in the phytochemistry of medicinal plants, explaining the chemical compounds responsible for their therapeutic effects. It is essential for those seeking a deeper, more scientific understanding of how herbal medicine works. This book is particularly useful for graduate students and professionals.
This comprehensive guide covers a wide range of natural healing practices, from herbal medicine to massage therapy and mind-body medicine. Written by a renowned expert in the field, it provides a thorough overview of the topic and is suitable for beginners and experienced practitioners alike.
This comprehensive reference guide provides detailed information on over 400 Chinese herbs, including their medicinal properties, indications, and contraindications. It is an essential resource for practitioners of Chinese herbal medicine.
Bridges the gap between traditional Chinese medicine and modern nutrition, offering a comprehensive guide to healing with whole foods. It provides a holistic perspective on diet and its role in natural healing. This foundational text for understanding the importance of food as medicine and is highly recommended for a deep understanding.
Considered a seminal work in the field of phytotherapy, this classic text provides a comprehensive overview of the clinical application of herbal medicine based on decades of experience. While an older publication, its detailed clinical observations and approach remain highly valuable for advanced students and practitioners. classic must-read for a deep understanding of clinical herbalism.
Integrates Western herbalism with Traditional Chinese Medicine, offering a unique and comprehensive approach to herbal healing. It is valuable for those seeking a deeper understanding of how different herbal traditions can be combined. This more advanced text that adds breadth to one's understanding.
Serves as an excellent introductory reference for gaining a broad understanding of natural healing through nutrition and supplements. It provides an accessible A-to-Z format for quick lookups of various health conditions and natural remedies. While not a textbook, it valuable resource for anyone seeking practical information on using natural approaches for common ailments.
A classic in the field of Western herbalism, this book offers a comprehensive introduction to medicinal herbs and their uses. It combines traditional knowledge with practical applications. is excellent for gaining a broad understanding and historical context of herbal medicine.
A practical guide to making and using herbal remedies, this book complements Hoffmann's 'Medical Herbalism' by providing a more accessible and illustrated approach. It's suitable for beginners and those looking for practical applications of herbal knowledge. is helpful for gaining practical skills and a broader understanding of herbal preparations.
Focuses on adaptogens, a class of herbs that help the body adapt to stress. It delves into the science and traditional use of these important plants. This valuable resource for understanding a specific and increasingly popular area within contemporary natural healing.
Authored by a renowned figure in modern herbalism, this guide is perfect for beginners interested in growing, harvesting, and using medicinal herbs. It focuses on 33 common healing plants and provides practical advice for making herbal remedies. is excellent for gaining foundational knowledge and practical skills in a key area of natural healing.
The second volume by Matthew Wood focuses on medicinal plants native to the New World. Similar to the first volume, it provides detailed information on traditional uses and energetic properties. complements the first volume and adds significant breadth to one's knowledge of medicinal plants.
Explores the role of electromagnetism in living organisms and its implications for health and healing. It provides a scientific basis for many alternative healing practices.
Offers a visually appealing and practical introduction to 100 medicinal herbs, focusing on how to use them for natural remedies. Written by a licensed acupuncturist and naturopathic physician, it provides a good starting point for those new to herbalism and looking for hands-on applications. It valuable resource for gaining a broad understanding and practical skills.
Focuses on inflammation, a key factor in many chronic diseases, and how dietary and lifestyle changes, central to natural healing, can help manage it. It offers a contemporary perspective on using food as medicine. This book is relevant to current health concerns and provides practical, contemporary applications of natural healing principles.
Explores a wide range of contemporary health optimization strategies, many of which fall under the umbrella of natural healing, including nutrition, supplements, and lifestyle interventions. It offers a cutting-edge perspective on maximizing human potential through natural methods. This resource is valuable for those interested in contemporary and advanced applications of natural healing.
Explores the medicinal properties of mushrooms and lichens, an often-overlooked area of natural healing. It provides detailed information on identification, traditional uses, and modern research. This resource is excellent for those looking to broaden their understanding of natural healing beyond common herbs.
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