Clinical Herbalist Certification

Clinical Herbalist Certification Course

Become a Fully Trained, Credential-Ready Clinical Herbalist — Online, Self-Paced, at Your Own Table

Heart of Herbs Herbal School has been training clinical herbalists since 1998. More than 135,000 students worldwide have earned their herbal certification with us. This is the program that takes you all the way.

The Clinical Herbalist Certification is our most advanced standalone program. This complete, clinically grounded herbal education prepares you to work with clients, build a practice or business, teach, formulate, and practice at the highest level of Western herbalism. It exceeds the study hours required for the American Herbalists Guild (AHG) Registered Herbalist (RH) status.

Self-paced. Entirely online. No prerequisites. No hidden fees. Lifetime certification.

    And that’s just the beginning—our complete syllabus goes into even more detail.

    clinical herbalist at work
    herbalist certification

    $2749.00

     

    12 payments of $242.00

    Over 135,000 Students Worldwide

    Since 1998

    AHG Recognized Programs

    Is the Clinical Herbalist Certification Right for You?

    This program is designed for the student who is ready to go beyond the basics — who wants not just personal herb knowledge, but the clinical depth, the credentials, and the confidence to use that knowledge professionally.

    You are in the right place if you want to:

    • Open a clinical herbal practice and work directly with clients
    • Start or grow an herbal product business or apothecary
    • Teach workshops, classes, and community herbalism programs
    • Integrate herbalism into an existing healthcare role — nursing, midwifery, massage therapy, health coaching
    • Write about, publish, or create content about herbal medicine
    • Build the most complete possible foundation for lifelong herbal practice because we believe in you.

    No background in science or medicine is required. We especially make connection key to our student support. Every concept is taught from the ground up, with the clinical rigor you need and the warmth that has kept 135,000 students engaged and graduating since 1998.

    Clinical herbalist at work
    Clinical Herbalist
    Organizing and Preserving Your Apothecary

    A Complete Clinical Herbal Education: What the Curriculum Covers

    This program covers the full scope of Western clinical herbalism — from foundational plant science to advanced therapeutic application. Twenty-five in-depth modules. More than 128 lessons. Everything you need to practice with genuine competence and confidence.

    Foundations of Herbalism: The history, philosophy, and cultural roots of Western herbal medicine. How herbalism has evolved, where it is going, and how to practice it in a way that is grounded, respectful, and evidence-informed.

    Materia Medica — In-Depth Plant Profiles

    Detailed study of 60+ herbs covering: Latin nomenclature, plant family, parts used, active constituents and their mechanisms, primary and secondary herbal actions, clinical indications, energetics, preparations and dosage, safety considerations, contraindications, and herb-drug interactions. You will know not just that an herb works — but why, how, and for whom.

    Herbal Actions & Clinical Reasoning: How to think like a clinical herbalist. Understanding herbal actions as a framework for matching plants to patient patterns. In addition, moving beyond single-herb thinking into the systemic, whole-person approach that defines excellent clinical practice.

    Medicine-Making & Formulation Step-by-step training in the preparation of teas, decoctions, tinctures, glycerites, infused oils, salves, creams, syrups, oxymels, and more. Advanced formulation principles for creating effective, individualized formulas for clients and products for sale.

    Anatomy & Physiology for Herbalists: How the body actually works — organ systems, physiological processes, and pathological patterns — taught specifically in the context of herbal therapeutic application. In addition, you will understand what is happening in the body and know which herbs address it.

    Herbal Therapeutics by Body System

    System-by-system clinical application covering the nervous, digestive, respiratory, reproductive (including women’s health across the lifespan), cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, immune, urinary, skin and integument, and endocrine systems. For each system: the most relevant herbs, the most common clinical presentations, and the formulation strategies that work.

    Aromatherapy for Clinical Practice: Safe, effective integration of essential oils into herbal clinical work. As you progress, you will learn about herbal properties, applications, safety considerations, and synergistic use alongside botanical preparations.

    Botany & Plant Identification Practical botanical science for the working herbalist — plant families, morphology, nomenclature, and identification skills that make you literate in the language of plants.

    Ethical Wildcrafting & Sustainability: How to harvest wild plants responsibly, legally, and sustainably. Which species require particular care. How to source herbs ethically and support the wild plant populations your practice depends on.

    Client Intake & Case-Taking: How to assess a client, gather a complete health history, identify patterns, and develop a herbal care plan. The clinical skills that separate a trained herbalist from someone who simply knows herbs.

    Safety, Contraindications & Herb-Drug Interactions Comprehensive safety education covering contraindications across populations, major herb-drug interactions, quality and sourcing considerations, and the legal and ethical boundaries of herbal practice. Furthermore, safety is non-negotiable in our curriculum.

    Herbal Business Foundations: An introduction to the business of herbalism — practice models, product development, legal considerations, and how to begin building something sustainable from your certification.

    [Download the complete syllabus →]

    What Is Included in Your Enrollment

    When you enroll in the Clinical Herbalist Certification, you receive lifetime access to a complete learning environment — not a fixed course that disappears when a timer runs out.

    • 25 modules and 128+ lessons — comprehensive, structured, and sequenced for progressive mastery
    • 100+ video lectures, demonstrations, and presentations — see and hear every technique, not just read about it
    • Guest lectures from practicing herbalists, clinicians, and specialists — real voices from the field
    • 200+ herbal recipes — teas, tinctures, salves, syrups, formulas, and more, ready to use and adapt
    • Downloadable reference charts, checklists, and graphics — print them, post them, keep them at your workbench for life
    • Supplementary ebooks and reading materials — deepen your knowledge beyond the core curriculum
    • Private student community and resource library — connect with fellow students worldwide, share results, ask questions, and celebrate wins
    • Direct access to Demetria Clark — email, call, message, and engage with your instructor throughout your studies. To our knowledge, we are the only online herbal school that offers this. In addition, we have a vibrant student center for you to access resources and bonus information.
    • Lifetime certification — your credential does not expire and carries no renewal fees

    Heart of Herbs Herbal School Director Demetria Clark

    Your Teacher: Demetria Clark

    Demetria Clark is the founder and director of Heart of Herbs Herbal School — one of the longest-operating online herbal schools in the world. She has been teaching clinical herbalism since 1998 and has personally guided more than 135,000 students through their herbal education.

    She began studying herbs at twenty-two, with her eldest son on her lap and a notebook full of questions. She built Heart of Herbs because she believed — and still believes — that plant medicine belongs to everyone. Clinical herbal education should be thorough, affordable, accessible, and taught with genuine warmth.

    Demetria is a published author, a practicing clinical herbalist, an AHG professional member, and the creator of every curriculum at Heart of Herbs. She remains directly accessible to students throughout their studies — answering questions, going live in the student community, and staying engaged with each person’s journey.

    “I built the school I wished I had found. No judgments, no gatekeeping. The one that takes plants seriously, takes students seriously, and doesn’t make you choose between depth and accessibility.”

    $2749.00

    Questions before you enroll? We are here. Call ot text 📞 866-303-4372                                            Email ✉ demetria@demetria.com We answer every question. Every time.

    12 payments of $242.00

    What our students have to say, student testimonials.

    I learned so much!

    I’m grateful for discovering knowledge I never expected, especially about herbs, dosages, skin, and the human body. This has become my passion. I plan to keep using your guidance and tools to advance my holistic journey in healing Mother Earth, Gaia, and our Nation. Mrs. Clark, I will always be thankful! I apply what I learned from this course every day. I truly loved my Clinical Herbalist Certification Course.

    I’m Thankful! Hugs! I am so grateful!

    Carol D. 2020

    Amazing and Informative

    This course is nothing short of amazing and very informative. Determination determines your outcome. I loved how detailed the instructions and reading passages are. The assignments helped push me further into professionalism.
    If you’re looking to be certified without the extra costs and additives of things you don’t need, then I’d suggest this program for you. I love how I was able to work at my own pace, and also the quizzes keep you sharp. I loved my Clinical Herbalist training.

     More student Reviews

    Dorothy 2020

    Phenomenal Experience

    I had a phenomenal experience learning about herbs. I have grown sufficiently this year and if more confidence in building my herbal business. 

    Very pleased with this course and I am so thankful that I found this course. I searched for nearly 5 years for the perfect course for me and my schedule. I love that it was self-paced and that I can go back and reference different videos, slides and/or etc.

    So grateful for my Clinical Herbalist Certification Course.

    K. Hicksonbottom 2020

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Do I need a background in science or medicine to enroll? No. The Clinical Herbalist Certification is designed for students at every level. Every concept is built from the foundation up. No prerequisites.

    How long does the program take to complete? The program is entirely self-paced. Most students complete it in nine to eighteen months, depending on how much time they dedicate each week. Moreover, we are here to support you through the process.

    Is this certification recognized professionally? Yes. Heart of Herbs is an American Herbalists Guild (AHG) approved school. The Clinical Herbalist Certification exceeds the study hours required for AHG Registered Herbalist (RH) status. We are also a NAHA-approved school.

    Will I be able to work with clients after completing this program? Yes. The Clinical Herbalist Certification specifically prepares you for client-facing herbal practice, including client intake, case-taking, pattern recognition, and the formulation of individualized protocols.

    I have more questions. Can I talk to someone? Absolutely. Call us at 866-303-4372 or email demetria@demetria.com. We answer personally.

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    The Plants Are Calling. We Have Been Answering Since 1998.

    Heart of Herbs Herbal School is one of the oldest and most trusted online herbal schools in the world. Our Clinical Herbalist Certification has trained thousands of practicing herbalists, business owners, authors, and teachers. It can do the same for you.

    Self-paced. Online. Lifetime certification. AHG-approved. No prerequisites. No hidden fees.

    $2749.00

    Questions before you enroll? We are here. Call ot text 📞 866-303-4372                                            Email ✉ demetria@demetria.com We answer every question. Every time.

    12 payments of $242.00

    Some of our bonus expert contributors!

    Click to expand and meet our experts.

    We’re honored to have contributions and guest lectures from these talented herbalists. Better yet, we continue to add more contributions regularly to enrich the program further!

    Kelli Hughart (PhD-c, FMCHC, RMT, CPC, CH)

    Kelli is a multiple Heart of Herbs Herbal School program graduate and mind-body-medicine expert. She owns Sweetwater Wellness Center and helps clients find support through clinical hypnosis.

    http://www.mawmawkelli.com/

    Sue Sierralupe

    Sue is a Certified Master Herbalist, Master Gardener, and Sustainable Landscape Specialist. She was the clinical manager and lead herbalist at Occupy Medicine. https://thepracticalherbalist.com

    Bevin Cohen

    Bevin is a Heart of Herbs Herbal School graduate. Bevin Cohen is an author, herbalist, gardener, seed saver, educator, and owner of Small House Farm in Michigan. Cohen offers workshops and lectures across the country on the benefits of living closer to the land through seeds, herbs, and locally grown food, and he has published numerous works on these topics, including the bestselling Saving Our Seeds and his highly anticipated new book, The Artisan Herbalist (New Society’ 21). He serves on the board of the International Herb Association and the advisory council for the Community Seed Network. Learn more about Cohen’s work on his website www.smallhousefarm.com

    Maria Christodoulou, Clinical Herbalist

    Maria Christodoulou is a clinical herbalist who explores the practice of ancient Greek herbal medicine.  She earned a Master’s in Library Science from Drexel University and a Bachelor’s in Classics from Bucknell University.

    Bevin Clare (M.S., R.H., CNS)


    Bevin is the President of the American Herbalists Guild and a United Plant Savers board member. She is also a Program Director at the Maryland University of Integrative Health and the author of Spice Apothecary.

    Lisa Ganora

    Lisa directed the Colorado School of Clinical Herbalism from 2012 – 2020. She is also the author of Herbal Constituents, 2nd Ed., a popular textbook on herbal phytochemistry for natural health practitioners that schools and universities use worldwide.

    Jane Gee

    Jane Gee owns Jane Gee and a Heart of Herbs Herbal School Graduate. Jane is a certified Master Holistic Esthetician, aromatherapist, flower essence practitioner, and Heart of Herbs Herbal School Graduate. She founded JaneGee, a line of all-natural skincare products based in Australia.

     

    What our students have to say, student testimonials.

    So Many Things!

    I loved the down-to-earth, non-judgmental, Mom to Mom feeling of this program! I really enjoyed all the lectures and videos. I am a visual learner.

    I loved the 9 books, they are beautiful. I also felt all the assignments on making herbal products were fantastic and guaranteed hands-on learning.

    Amanda M.

    Support! I had it.

    Support, with this program I had it. I couldn’t believe the amazing things other students were doing with their education. It was so inspiring.

    The courses have so much information and content. I couldn’t believe how much I learned. I can formulate professional herbal remedies for clients and support them.

    Candice

    Inspired!

    This experience was truly such an inspiration. The things I loved most about the course were the wide range of references and visuals that were used as a collective curriculum. It is important as an educator to be able to have different types of references such as articles, audio clips, visual aids, cheat sheets, etc. to ensure that your information is being received effectively. I am so grateful for this opportunity.

    A. West-Robinson

    herbalist clinical

    $2749.00

    Join Us!

    At Heart of Herbs Herbal School, we support you on your herbal journey. We update resources, respond to emails, and schedule phone calls with students when needed. We want you to feel supported while you pursue your herbal studies from the comfort of your own home.

    Moreover, we have a supportive and diverse student body with students from all over the world. We encourage you to connect with our student group and learn and grow with each other.

    We believe in support, mentorship, and connection. Check out our FAQs.

     

    We’re so excited to “see” you in class.

    It’s time to steep a cup of tea, sharpen your pencil, and prepare for the herbal journey of a lifetime! 

    12 payments of $242.00

    FAQs
    How long does the course take?

    Most students take about at least year to complete the program. Clinical Herbalist Certification Course is an intensive education program of the highest caliber.

    Is this course recognized by the American Herbalist Guild?

    Yes. The AHG recognizes us. Our program exceeds AHG educational guidelines. This is a 3500-hour program.

    Are there prerequisites?

    No. Anyone who wants to become a Clinical Herbalist can take this program. We just ask that you are ready to learn. laughing Some students have taken the Herbal Certification program first, but it is not required.

    Can I make a living?
    Depending on what type of herbalism or aromatherapy you decide to practice, you can do any of the following. Making money as an herbalist or aromatherapist is entirely up to you; you need to have a good work ethic, develop business skills, and believe in yourself. No program will make you successful or not; that is inside of you.

    Some of the jobs our students have taken after finishing.

    • Herbal toiletries – soaps, oils, bath salts, shampoos
    • Clinical Herbalist/ Practicing Herbalist
    • Run an Apothecary
    • Lead Botanical Adventures
    • Cook for Herbal Associations
    • Botanical Medicine Maker
    • Own an Herb Farm
    • Facilitate herbal trips, adventures, getaways
    • A salesperson in an herbal operation
    • Health and Beauty at a health food store or food cooperative
    • Run an Herbal Business
    • Work in ways to assist herbalists with technological issues, websites, etc..
    • Farm
    • Wildflower grower

    These are just a few avenues you can venture down, but with a little imagination, I am sure you can come up with dozens more. Many of my students incorporate their practice into their present life, bakers, Innkeepers, Coffee House Owner, Farmers, etc..

     

    Salary Questions? Clinical Herbalist Salary.

    Clinical Herbalist Salary.

    According to Salary.com: The base salary for an Herbalist ranges from $47,656 to $71,210 with the average base salary of $57,696. 

    According to the American Herbalist Guild:

    The American Herbalist Guild cites a broader spectrum of salaries, potentially due to part-time work. It says most herbalists make between $20,000 and $120,000 a year. This, of course, will depend on the herbalist’s business acumen, type of herbalism practices, where they are located, etc.. Most Clinical Herbalist charge between $60-120 an hour for consultations. Herbal product formulators, as can herbal growers, can potentially have the largest salaries.

    Any hidden fees?

    We do not charge grading, mentoring, or certification fees. We do not supply students with herbs, containers, or additional books.

    Fees are marked out. The course price is all-inclusive except for the transcript and certificate fee. Students can, for free get a digital copy of the certificate. Most of our students wanted a digital certificate to include in resumes, etc. This is the same for transcripts. A free copy can be sent digitally. Demetria does not offer personal health advice or consult with students.

    What is lifetime access?

    Students have access to their course/s for the lifetime of that course. Students can upon enrollment download and save course materials to have for themselves for as long as they desire.

    “Lifetime Course Access” means ongoing and complete access to your course for the life of the program, not for your life or the life of Demetria Clark. This is ongoing access at no additional charge until the course is no longer offered, at which time all members will be given at least 6 months’ notice before the program is closed. We will do our best to contact students by putting a notice in the classroom. 

    Do you offer a certificate?

    Yes, we do, only upon full completion of the course. Please know that if you do not pass you do not get certified, if you do not complete the work, you are not certified. Do not ask for special recognition of other work, these are specific programs and we require completion of all of our work. In the United States, herbal and aromatherapy education and certification are school-specific. No national standard or accreditation exists. Our programs have been taught to corporations, colleges and universities, and hospitals. You can pursue AHG recognition upon completion.

    What about support?

    We’ve got it.

    Students can email, join our student support group, call or make an appointment to chat.

    Do you have a supply list?

    Yes, and no. You will find suggestions for supplies, herbs, and containers you may need in your classroom.
    Here is the no part; your supplies are based on the projects and hands-on work you decide to do as part of your education.
    We teach you how to formulate to decide what to make for your assignments. So if you are making a heal all salve we will teach you how to select the herbs and create the salve, each student has the freedom to use our recipes or create their own.