Medical herbalist

Medical herbalists use plant remedies to treat a wide range of medical conditions. Herbalists aim to treat both the symptoms and, more importantly, the underlying cause of the illness or disease.

Also known as

• Phytotherapist

Work activities

Medical herbalism is also known as phytotherapy. It is a holistic medicine that uses remedies made from plants, for example, their leaves, roots or berries. When the herbalist first sees a patient, they talk to them to find out about the problem and their medical history. Because the therapy is holistic, herbalists also ask questions about the person as a whole, for example, diet, exercise and lifestyle. The therapy is based on treating the underlying cause of the problem, and not just the specific symptoms. The first consultation will usually take at least an hour. The medical herbalist has to keep careful, accurate notes on all the information they collect while talking to the patient. Following this, the herbalist usually carries out a physical examination. This can include all the things a doctor would look at, for example, eyes, ears, throat, temperature and blood pressure. Next, the medical herbalist prescribes a remedy and might give the patient more general advice on their health and lifestyle, for example, dealing with stress.

Herbal remedies come in many forms, including liquids, tablets or lotions that the herbalist may prepare or buy in. There are often follow-up appointments, for example, after two weeks and then once a month for a period, depending on the illness and the patient’s response to treatment. Medical herbalists see patients with a wide variety of problems, including skin conditions (such as acne and eczema), irritable bowel syndrome, high blood pressure, arthritis, insomnia and migraine. They take into account any medication that the patient is taking and know when to refer the patient to their GP or another medical professional.

Personal qualities and skills

To be a medical herbalist, you’ll need:

• An interest in science, for example, pathology, anatomy and physiology.
• A desire to treat people’s health problems.
• A careful, thorough approach to your work, with good analytical skills to diagnose problems.
• A friendly, supportive personality.
• Communication skills to ask questions, explain treatments and give clear advice.
• Accurate note-taking and record-keeping skills.

Many herbalists are self-employed, so they need the skills to run their own businesses.

Pay and opportunities

Since medical herbalists are usually self-employed, pay varies. It can be particularly tough starting out.

Self-employed practitioners might choose their hours of work to suit their clients. Evening and weekend work is common and some medical herbalists make home visits.

Demand for medical herbalism has been increasing over the last 10 years, as complementary and alternative therapies have become more popular generally.

Most medical herbalists are self-employed. There are opportunities for medical herbalists to join an established practice. Some work in teaching, research and herbal medicine manufacture.

Most medical herbalists are self-employed. Some work from home, hire a room at a complementary therapy centre or establish their own treatment premises.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Because most medical herbalists are self-employed, there are very few advertised vacancies. Established practices might advertise through local newspapers, job boards, and on the Government’s Find a Job service.

Entry routes and training

The European Herbal and Traditional Medicine Practitioners’ Association (EHTPA) accredits degree courses. People who successfully complete these can become members of both the EHTPA and the National Institute of Medical Herbalists (NIMH). Some accredited part-time courses are available.

Progression could be into owning your own practice. You could also move into a research or teaching role. Some herbalists learn to practise related therapies, such as naturopathy.

Qualifications

For entry to a degree course in medical herbalism/phytotherapy, the usual minimum requirement is:

• Two to three A-levels. Biology is often essential. Some universities also specify chemistry.
• GCSEs at grades 9-4 in your A-level subjects.
• A further two to three GCSEs (9-4), including English and, often, maths.

Alternatives to separate biology and chemistry GCSEs are:

• Science and additional science.
• Science and additional applied science.
• Edexcel (BTEC) level 3 Nationals
• International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma.

However, course requirements vary, so please check prospectuses carefully.

Adult opportunities

Age limits: It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

If you don’t have the qualifications you need to enter an accredited degree course, you might be able to start one after completing a college or university Access course, for example, Access to Science. You don’t usually need any qualifications to start an Access course, although you should check this with the course provider.

A range of colleges and universities offer courses and degrees in complementary medicine or complementary therapies, including herbalism including at postgraduate level. Always check a specialist source, for example Ucas.com for up-to-date information about courses and entry requirements. You can check directly with an institution to ensure that the course content suits your interests and requirements.  Please see the European Herbal and Traditional Medicine Practitioners’ Association (EHTPA) website for a list of courses.

You can apply for loans and bursaries from the relevant professional associations.

Related careers

• Acupuncturist
• Aromatherapist
• Botanist
• Chiropractor
• Homeopath
• Naturopath