Ask the Herbalist - What is an Herbalist

Ask the Herbalist is the place where people can connect with herbalists

What is an Herbalist?

Herbalists are holistic practitioners that specialize in mastering the art of medicinal plants. They know which herbs to use given a particular situation, utilizing several factors that helps them determine which herbs may be best and which form to use.

Herbalists help educate others and suggest which herbs or natural substances work best for a situation.

Herbalists may grow or supply herbs.

They are assets to their family, friends, neighbors. On a professional level, they can consult with clients or create product lines.

Herbalists understand the Energetics of Herbs & How the basic tastes affect the body, as well as the actions & traditional uses of herbs.

Herbalists understand and utilize the nutritional & the medicinal value of herbs and how they can help build a particular body system.

Herbalists understand the best Herbal forms and best way to take herbs. They know how to Choose herbs, and the best ways to take them- teas, cooking, tinctures/extracts, types of herbal supplements.

Herbs function 3 ways in the body: 1. Build Tissue or Support a Body System 2. Reduce or Decrease a symptom or encourage relief 3. Maintain Balance in the Body by giving it the building blocks to function.

Herbalist’s knowledge is crucial to the nature health industry and for holistic medicine. Because they understand the best herbal approach, they can best determine the many factors of why you should or should not take any herb, and the potential counter-interactions with medications or body type.

AI can help gather information posted on the internet, but it cannot discern the information like a human can.

Herbalists know how to use herbs- long term vs short term uses duration & doses. They understand and Practice Moderation.

Herbalists may specialize in a particular group of herbs or from a region. Native America, Africa, Europe, India, Asia Traditional Herbs Or Herbal Modality- Ayurveda, TCM, Western, etc.

Herbalists may specialize in manufacturing (making their own products) or recommending specific supplements and brands.

Herbalists may may prefer teas, tinctures/extracts, powder supplements, consuming fresh & dried herbs (more nutritional approach) or a combination, which works better than the mono approach.

What Herbalists Do:

This often defines what an herbalist is by what they do.

The path of an herbalist can be very winding and can veer off in many directions offering several career paths.

Herbalists may write, educate, consult with clients or other practitioners.

Some herbalists may manufacture products, supplements and other types of topical or ingestible remedies or grow medicinal & culinary herbs. Most herbalists are a combination of all of these things, and over the years they may highlight one facet over another covering a range of topics and interests as their knowledge & experience directs them.

Herbalists have the unique opportunity to focus on the things they love to do.

Herbalist Have Limitations…..

That is why there are many “certificate programs” out there.

Many herbalists may also have other forms of higher education or credentials that are complimentary.

Herbalists do not diagnosis health conditions- that is what a doctor, nurse practitioner does- we suggest the use of herbs, educate or create products and remedies.

Herbalists usually have a disclaimer – only FDA proven results can be stated as facts.

An example you may see:

“The following information has is for educational purposes and not intended to diagnose or treat and an illness.”

Names for Herbalists - have evolved from the original shamans, medicine women, witch, alchemist, apothecary, etc. names vary by region, profession.

There are many titles, names and references that refer to those that rely on being an Herbal Specialist:

oCertified Herbalist or Herbalist Certificate CH

oMaster Herbalist - MH

oFunctional Medicine Practitioner

oHealth or Life Coach

oNutritional Herbal Practitioner, plus many more…

Herbalists Educational level and knowledge base greatly varies.

We all have to start somewhere- many are self-taught, do online research, follow influencers- TikTok, YouTube, etc. Understanding your limitations is crucial- a little knowledge can be dangerous.

Just because you read a book doesn’t mean you should start recommending herbs to others. And solely relying upon AI doesn’t really help you retain knowledge or substitute studying and using herbs can provide. Always check the reference and check multiple sources before accepting a “fact”.

If you are looking to expand your herbal knowledge, take some classes, read books, articles & watch videos. Create a journal to help you on your herbal journey

Follow Herbalists like myself and continue to help support the herbal community.

There is a long road to learning, each of our paths are different.

Take each step and build so you can advance to the next level. Beginner, Novice, Advanced, Professional- we never stop learning or adding to our knowledge bank. Education & Mentorship programs are vital for development. There are many programs to choose from. Try my Herbal Certificate Program through

Pierce College. Or online www.herbalelementsacademy.com

Thank you for Supporting Ask the Herbalist!

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www.herbalelementsacademy.com

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