The content throughout the Business Herbal Course is applicable to students who want to start an herbal product, consulting, or educational business, regardless of location. The lessons covering requirements for labeling herbal products and following Good Manufacturing Practices are specific to U.S. Food and Drug Administration guidelines. These lessons are full of helpful information, but the specific requirements in other countries will be different. 

 

This applies to information on clinical practice as well. The unit in the course on clinical practice has lots of information on establishing and running a clinical practice that's helpful for anyone, and we review the requirements for clinical practice and legal recognition in the U.S., Canada, New Zealand, Australia, U.K., and Ireland. However, those practicing outside the U.S. will need to do additional research on the laws in their area.

In Australia, NHAA may be a good place to start: https://nhaa.org.au/

 

Please find further information about the Business Herbal Course below: 

 

The Business Herbal Course will be geared toward students with a solid foundation in herbalism who want to start or maintain an herb-focused business. We suggest that students enter this course with an intermediate level of herbal knowledge. You can get this knowledge in the Introductory and Intermediate Herbal Courses, self-directed study, or previous study at another school. 

 

Units 1 & 2: The Business Herbal Course begins by setting the stage with inspirational stories from successful herbal entrepreneurs and discovering some of the many ways that herbal entrepreneurs can express their gifts, work with the plants, and give back to their communities through education and clinical work—and make a living, too! Since there are many ways to be an herbalist, you will explore how to define your path as an herbalist, and how to continue to grow your skillset throughout your career. 

 

Unit 3: The course moves on to focus on plant identification and taxonomy and a thorough investigation of plant chemistry You will also learn about sourcing herbs sustainably, wildcrafting principles and techniques, growing herbs for production, and how to dry herbs.

 

Unit 4: Unit 4 covers formulation and product development for herbal product makers. You’ll find inspiration on formulating for the general public, some specific tips and tricks for tea blending, how to incorporate essential oils into your products safely, and everything you need to know about product development and shelf life. 

 

Unit 5: In Unit 5, you’ll find detailed guidance on complying with good manufacturing practices and the legal requirements for labeling. This unit also includes information and tutorials on making herbal preparations and provides information on choosing packaging and setting prices for your products.

 

Unit 6: This unit explores the ways that herbalists can work directly with clients by offering consultations or other individualized services. You’ll look at some different ways herbalists can fill this role, from acting as a community wellness educator to opening a formal clinical practice. The unit reviews requirements and recommendations for training and options for mentorship, and offers detailed ideas on how to start and manage a clinical practice.

 

Unit 7: Offers helpful business advice on creating a brand from the Herbal Academy based on our experience launching an herbal business, and from an herbalist who has created a vibrant and successful herbal products business. You'll get started creating a business plan and learn the nuts and bolts of running an herbal business and building an online presence. We include a video on the legal aspects of what herbalists can and cannot do and say, both for business owners, educators, and clinical herbalists, and videos from several herbal entrepreneurs offering their experience and advice.

 

You can review a detailed outline for this course here!

 

This is a work-at-your-own pace online course, wherein you take a quiz at the end of each unit to progress to the next unit. The workload is based on how much time and effort the individuals puts into our suggested projects and studying for the quiz.

 

Students in our courses also have access a vibrant Herbal Academy community page on Facebook so you can interact with peers and teachers. Upon completion of any of our foundational courses, you'll receive a certificate of completion that states you've completed the course under the direction of the Herbal Academy.