If you’ve been following my journey, you know I’m all about getting back to the basics and reclaiming our roots. Today I want to go over the types of herbalists out there and what they actually do.
Now, before we get into it, let’s clear something up: herbalism isn’t like becoming a doctor or a lawyer. There’s no official certification or governing body that says, “Congrats, you’re an herbalist!” Nope. Instead, you can become registered or certified
through various schools and organizations, but it’s not legally required. That means herbalism is a wide-open field, full of different approaches and traditions.
So, let’s break it down:
1. The Traditional Herbalist: Keeping It Old School
Traditional herbalists are the OGs of the plant world. They study and practice herbalism based on ancient systems of healing, like Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), or Indigenous practices. These herbalists often use herbs in combination with other holistic practices, like acupuncture, energy work, or dietary changes. They might create custom herbal formulas, teach about the energetics of plants (like warming vs. cooling herbs), or use herbs to balance the body’s systems. They are deeply rooted in cultural traditions and history.
2. The Clinical Herbalist: The Science Meets Spirituality
Clinical herbalists are like the bridge between traditional herbalism and modern medicine. They usually work in clinical settings, with other healthcare providers, to support clients with specific health concerns. They’re all about evidence-based practices and may use both traditional knowledge and scientific research to guide their work. They create personalized wellness plans, conduct consultations, or even work in integrative health clinics. They’re professional and research-driven, but still deeply connected to the magic of plants.
3. The Community Herbalist: Healing the People
Community herbalists (The one I resonate with the most) are the heart and soul of herbalism. They focus on making plant medicine accessible to everyone, often working within their local communities to teach, share, and provide herbal remedies. They’re the ones hosting herb walks, teaching workshops, and making sure their neighbors know how to use plantain for bug bites. They might run community gardens, create affordable herbal products, or teach free classes on herbal first aid. Think grassroots, inclusive, and all about empowerment.
4. The Kitchen Herbalist: Homegrown Healing
This is where a lot of us start, right in our own kitchens. Kitchen herbalists are the everyday folks who use herbs to support their families’ health and wellness. They might not have formal training, but they know how to make a mean elderberry syrup or a calming chamomile tea. They grow herbs, make remedies at home, and experiment with herbal recipes. The kitchen herbalist is usually practical, hands-on, and full of love.
5. The Entrepreneurial Herbalist: Turning Passion Into Profit
Entrepreneurial herbalists are the ones turning their love of plants into a business. They might create and sell herbal products, write books, or offer online courses. These herbalists are all about sharing their knowledge and making herbalism accessible on a larger scale. They run herbal product lines, teach online classes, or write blogs (hey, that’s me!). They are usually creative, business-savvy, and inspiring.
6. The Spiritual Herbalist: Connecting Plants and Spirit
For some herbalists, it’s not just about the physical benefits of plants—it’s about the spiritual connection. Spiritual herbalists use herbs in rituals, ceremonies, and energy work. They might work with plant spirits, create herbal talismans, or use herbs to support meditation and mindfulness. They might lead moon circles, create ritual oils, or teach about the spiritual properties of plants. Their vibrant is usually mystical, intuitive, and deeply connected to the unseen world.
So How Do You “Become” an Herbalist?
Here’s the tea: there’s no one-size-fits-all path to becoming an herbalist. Unlike doctors or nurses, herbalists don’t need a license to practice (in most places). Instead, you can study through schools, apprenticeships, or even self-study. Some herbalists choose to get registered or certified through organizations like the American Herbalists Guild (AHG), but it’s not mandatory.
Herbalism is about connection to the earth, to your ancestors, and to yourself. There’s no right or wrong way to do it, as long as you’re coming from a place of respect and love for the plants.
Let me know in the comments: what kind of herbalist are you, or which path are you most curious about?
Stay Happy and healthy,
Deja
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