A herbalist refers to anyone who uses plants for healing, whether this is physical, emotional, or spiritual healing.
This may sound simple, but there is a little bit more to it. There are a few different types of herbalists, and understanding these differences will help you to develop a full understanding of herbalism.
Lots of herbalists will fit into multiple categories.
All herbalists do have one thing in common and that is that no herbalists can create a diagnosis or claim to treat or cure any type of disease.
We’ve compiled an ultimate guide to the different types of herbalists, helping to develop your understanding of the topic. Let’s dive in!
What Is A Herbalist?
Medical herbalists make use of plants that have traditional uses. They are backed up by scientific research and clinical trials, so their uses are proven.
Herbalists take a holistic approach towards illnesses, meaning rather than just treating the symptoms of the illness, they also treat the underlying cause of the disease.
Herbalists can prescribe herbal remedies that can be used alongside other medications. In certain cases, the GP may refer you to a herbalist for further treatment.
What Is Herbal Medicine?
Herbal medicine refers to medicine that is made from parts of a plant, or a whole plant. For example, it may be made from the leaves, flowers, roots, or bark of a tree.
There are many different herbal traditions all over the world, and they are all trained in different ways.
Herbal medicine can be traced to lots of different cultures, including American, European, Arabic, and Roman. While there are lots of traditions when it comes to herbal medicine, there are also some modern aspects to it.
For example, there is a large amount of scientific research involved in medicine, and herbalists require some clinical examination skills.
Types Of Herbalists
Let’s take a look at some of the different types of herbalists.
Home Herbalist
A home herbalist is someone who engages in herbalism in the home. This is usually just for themselves or their families.
Some home herbalists may not have had any formal training, whereas others will have. However, usually, they will work herbal (see also: What Is Herbalism, And How Does It Work?)treatments into their daily lives.
This herbalism is likely to have spread through families as it is passed down from family elders. It can also be spread through friends and family.
Community Herbalists
Community herbalists will need to have formal training in herbalism. They have to work alongside the public. Sometimes, they will incorporate folk herbalism into their practice.
These herbalists are often found within the community, operating herb shops and some community herbal programs.
Clinical Herbalist
Clinical herbalists will need to have detailed formal training in herbalism. This will include clinical training, including a heavy focus on the science that is evidence-based.
This clinical training will also include traditional, folk, and other aspects of herbalism. These herbalists will also often work in a one-on-one setting with patients.
Clinical herbalists can’t diagnose or treat patients, but they can give advice that is personalised.
In the US, there is no herbalist licensing, so this is not standardised. Instead, there are herbal certifications, but all of the different herb schools are different.
You should ensure to shop around before you select your herbalist to ensure that they practise in a way that you are comfortable with. If you are looking to train, you should shop around for a herb school. Ensure that you are secure with the way they teach.
Herbal Educator
A herbal educator is usually the most liberal when it comes to what herbs do and how they explore them. Herbal educators often fit into a few of the categories above as well as being herbal educators.
Sometimes, these herbalists will only focus on education. This means that they will not be making any claims that are tied back to products or services.
Herbal Supplier
A herbal supplier is someone who you go to to purchase your herbs and herbal products. These are usually from places like an online shop, a retail shop, or a stand at a farmer’s market.
In lots of cases, a herbal supplier is also another type of herbalist as well as supplying the products.
Herbal Maker
A herbal maker is someone who makes herbal remedies. This can be in the form of tea blends, balms, extracts, and other types of herbal preparation. This can be for external or internal use.
Usually, they fit into lots of other herbal categories, and they also make the products.
Herb Farmer
A herb farmer is someone who grows lots of different herbs to use in herbalism. They will often grow to make their products. They may also sell these products, either directly to customers or to other herbalists.
Again, a herb farmer is usually another type of herbalist, too.
How Does A Herbal Practitioner Work?
Herbal medicine takes an approach that focuses on the patient and the initial cause of their illness. This is focused on, rather than the symptoms that they have.
The herbs that a practitioner prescribers will be based on lots of information that is given during a consultation. This information is usually very detailed, allowing a personalised prescription to be created.
There are ethical standards set out when it comes to herbal practitioners and these ensure that everything is handled with care.
Where To Source Your Herbal Products?
It is important to ensure that the herbal medicines that you are using are made with good-quality ingredients, and are created by reputable manufacturers.
They need to be made to a very high standard, and it is beneficial if the plant materials are grown sustainably.
There are lots of different places where you can source these herbal products, and you should check that the source is reliable.
In some cases, animal-derived products are used to make creams and ointments. For instance, beeswax may be used. You can always access vegan alternatives.
Non Conventional Herbalists
Some members of the herbal industry will not work alongside clients at all. These include the farmers explored above, and educators and writers.
Other Herbs
There are lots of different ways to use herbs in practice that go beyond herbalism. Those who practise these modalities may incorporate herbs into their practices. For instance, acupuncturists may also use herbs in their medical practice.
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it! There are lots of different types of herbalists, and we have explored all of them in this article. After reading this article, you should have a detailed understanding of the different types of herbalists out there.
While there are lots of different types of herbalists, not everyone will fit into one category, with some fitting into lots of different categories.
Herbalists are very interesting to look into, and understanding the different types will help you to understand the whole thing more.
I'm Clare, the owner and operator of Off The Couch, where I serve as a qualified Nutrition & Health Coach.
Based in Dublin, Ireland, I offer coaching services both locally and globally, providing personalized strategies in nutrition, stress management, sleep quality, and fitness.
My journey into this field began as I navigated my own chronic illnesses, including early menopause, Interstitial Cystitis, Lyme Disease, and hydrocephalus.
