One of the most important things you can do to protect yourself is to be sure to understand what you can do legally as an herbalist. As herbalists we cannot see patients or practice as this would be construed as practicing medicine without a license, however we can see clients and educate them on how to use healthful food, lifestyle practices, and herbs to support wellness and correct imbalance so the body can heal itself, but we cannot treat, cure, or prescribe as medical doctors can. Because clinical practice is governed by an herbalist's right to free speech, the most important things are to gain the education and hands-on experience that will prepare you to see clients, and to become well versed in using the appropriate language when interacting with them.  

As a professional, herbalists need to know their personal practice limits and have the ability to tell clients when they are not qualified or comfortable enough to handle particular health concerns. This is an important part of maintaining a safe, supportive, and confidential environment for clients. Ethically as well as legally herbalists need to refer clients when necessary to medical practitioners, particularly for diagnosis as well as for serious and life-threatening conditions.

Getting a lawyer is not common practice for clinical herbalists. If it makes you feel safer to have one, however, it is always an option. You may, however, want to consider getting insurance. Many herbalists prefer not to partake in insurance, however it is a reality and safeguard for many, and may include professional malpractice/liability insurance, basic building insurance (including business “slip and fall”), and/or product or farm liability insurance. The American Herbalists Guild offers access to Professional Liability Insurance to its members. You can find out more about member benefits here: https://www.americanherbalistsguild.com/american-herbalists-guild 

The Legal and Regulatory FAQ provided by the American Herbalists Guild may also be useful to review: https://www.americanherbalistsguild.com/legal-and-regulatory-faqs  

The following discussion may also be useful to review. It is an in-depth look at the right to practice herbology, and not meant to scare you but to present you with more information to help guide your future practice consultation business with clients: http://www.rmhiherbal.org/aa/f-ahr3-rights.html

You can give clients suggestions and then also offer an on-site herbal dispensary from which they can procure herbal preparations. Many herbalists make their own herbal preparations (or buy tinctures and herbs in bulk) and create formulas on an individual basis for clients. However, it is important to make it clear to your client that your herbal suggestions are simply suggestions and not prescriptions and that they are not required to purchase their herbs/preparations from you.

AHG(RH) certification does not have any legal meaning; instead, it is a peer-reviewed certification that shows that an herbalist has achieved a certain level of proficiency, as evaluated by their herbal peers. It is meant to provide a standard that represents an herbalists training, level of expertise, and skill. To apply for the Registered Herbalist designation from the American Herbalists Guild you will need an advanced background in herbalism, with at least 800 study hours and 400 clinical hours. Some herbalists choose not to become registered herbalists, even if they do meet the requirements and others feel that it is important because it gives clients a level of comfort as to your abilities. It is not necessary to be an RH to see clients. It really is a personal decision whether you feel you want to show that you meet the AHG(RH) requirements. Achieving the requirements for RH would also be a way to guide your career development.