What Is a Master Herbalist?

Master herbalists have studied the use of herbal remedies to relieve health problems and passed the requirements to attain herbal expertise. According to the Rocky Mountain Health Institute, they use the roots, leaves and flowers of herbs to make many types of herbal remedies, like teas and salves.

Education

• Lavender can help with headaches and burns.

  Master herbalists must study hundreds of hours worth of material, including information on harvesting, the systems of the body, herbs that work with each system, gardening, formulation, botany and working with clients. They must pass a final exam. There are many herbal schools to choose from, such as the Clayton College of Natural Health and the East West School of Herbology.

Health

• Herbs contain many compounds that can help the body.

  Herbalists help people become healthier through the use of herbs and whole foods. They teach their clients about nutrition and other natural ways to support the proper function of the body.

Career

• Some foods can be herbal in nature.

  Master herbalists can make and sell their own herbal remedies, write articles and books about herbal health, run health food stores and teach others about herbs. Some may become consultants to pharmacists, physicians and health food stores on the proper use of herbal remedies.

What Herbalists Don't Do

• Teas and tisanes can be a gentle way to relieve an issue.

  Master herbalists do not practice medicine. They do not diagnose illnesses or prescribe medications. They do not perform invasive procedures on their clients.

Challenges

• Herbal remedies are considered alternative treatment.

  In some areas, herbalists may be accused of practicing medicine without a license. This may even lead to prosecution. Herbalists must refrain from using terminology that may be construed as medical, such as "prescribe remedies," and "cure illness."