About Herbalists

Training

To qualify as a Medical Herbalist it is now necessary to have successfully completed an approved BSc (Hons) university degree course (or equivalent) in Herbal Medicine.

As well as studying uses of herbs, a Medical Herbalist also receives training comparable to that of a medical doctor in diagnostic skills, physical examination techniques, interpretation of blood and urine tests and diet and nutrition.

Medical Herbalists are trained to recognise when it is necessary or beneficial to refer a patient to their GP, or another healthcare practitioner.

Professional membership

Following successful completion of an approved training course, it is possible to apply to become a member of a professional organisation such as The National Institute of Medical Herbalists (NIMH), the UK’s leading professional body representing herbal practitioners, established in 1864, or The College of Practitioners of Phytotherapy (CPP). Both NIMH and CPP members must adhere to a strict code of ethics and practice.