Medical herbalist

Career path and progression

With experience you could move into teaching or research.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

• knowledge of biology
• sensitivity and understanding
• knowledge of psychology
• counselling skills including active listening and a non-judgemental approach
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• thinking and reasoning skills
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to understand people’s reactions
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

• have insurance
• pass enhanced background checks

Related subjects

Most relevant

• Biology - Medical herbalists need a deep understanding of human anatomy, physiology, and how the body responds to illness and treatment. They also study plant biology – how herbs grow, their chemical compounds, and how these interact with the body's systems to produce therapeutic effects.
• Chemistry - Medical herbalists prepare remedies such as extracts, tinctures, ointments, and infusions, which involves understanding how plant compounds dissolve, combine, and react. Knowledge of organic chemistry helps them understand the active ingredients in herbs and how these substances are absorbed and metabolised by the body.
• Psychology - Medical herbalists take detailed histories of their clients' symptoms, lifestyle, and emotional wellbeing, using counselling skills and active listening. Understanding how mental health, stress, and behaviour affect physical health helps them develop holistic treatment plans tailored to each individual.

Also relevant

• Food Preparation and Nutrition - Medical herbalists often advise clients on diet and nutrition as part of a wider approach to improving health. Understanding how nutrients, vitamins, and minerals affect the body – and how food and herbs can work together – is a practical part of the role.
• Environmental Science - Medical herbalists may grow their own herbs and need to understand how environmental conditions like soil, climate, and seasons affect plant quality and potency. Awareness of sustainability and biodiversity is also important when sourcing plant materials responsibly.
• English Language - Medical herbalists need excellent communication skills to explain diagnoses and treatment plans clearly to clients, and to keep accurate written records. They also need to interpret research literature and may write educational materials or case studies.
• Business - Medical herbalists often work as self-employed practitioners, running their own clinics. This means managing appointments, finances, marketing, insurance, and client relationships – all of which require solid business skills.
• Sociology - Medical herbalists work with clients from diverse backgrounds and need to understand how social factors – such as culture, lifestyle, and economic circumstances – influence health and attitudes towards treatment. This helps them provide sensitive, person-centred care.