Foundational Herbalism

The Foundational Herbalism Certification is a hands-on, 8-month, 300-hour live program designed to help beginners build a strong foundation in herbal medicine while developing the critical thinking skills needed to apply herbal knowledge in real-world situations. You will build a solid foundation in the fundamentals of herbalism, including medicine making, nutrition, and herbal usage, while also learning to support common acute health conditions. This is a fully live, paced program. We also offer our Foundational Herbalism Curriculum in a self paced format for folks who need more time or can't make the live classes

The program introduces the core frameworks you'll need to understand how health works (and how it goes off track) and you will get to know plants at a personal level.
Classes are offered in-person in St. Louis, Missouri or live, online on Monday evenings from 5:30-7:30 Central Standard Time.

 The curriculum is anchored in the Five Realms Model. This model helps students understand the complex landscape of health and develop the tools to support themselves and their loved ones with nuance and respect. You’ll learn how to use herbs, food, and lifestyle practices to build resilience, address common health complaints, and connect with your own capacity for healing.

This program does not prepare students for clinical practice. It’s a comprehensive foundation for those seeking to support themselves and their families or taken as a foundation to pursue more advanced training in herbalism, including our community and clinical programs.

Learning Objectives Of The Foundational Herbalism Program:

By the end of the program, students will:

- Engage with the history, philosophy, and roots of herbal medicine.

- Build a person-centered, holistic approach to health.

- Use the Five Realms framework to assess and support health with herbs, nutrition, and lifestyle tools.

- Develop foundational skills in acute care herbalism.

- Learn how to create herbal preparations; from simple teas to more advanced extracts.

- Understand herbal safety, sustainability, sourcing, and dosage.

- Strengthen critical thinking and research skills to evaluate herbal information effectively.

- Be prepared to join our community and/or clinical programs if desired.

Foundational Herbalism Program

Through live class instruction, in-depth readings, quizzes, monograph writing papers, and hands-on assignments, you'll build a strong foundation in the art and science of herbal medicine. We also offer a supportive private learning community forum, live monthly Q&As and weekly study halls, to connect more with teachers and fellow students. Whether you're called to support your own health, care for your family and friends, or lay the groundwork for a career in community or clinical herbalism, this program will provide you with the knowledge, skills, and inspiration to follow your path with confidence and integrity.

Enroll now and join us on an exploration to rethink health, disease, and the role of herbal medicine in healthcare!

What will I be able to do with my Foundational Herbalism Certification?

Upon completing the Live Foundational Herbalism Certificate Program, you will have developed a comprehensive understanding of the Five Realms model and how it can be applied to navigate the complexities of health and disease. You will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to:

- Use the Five Realms model to assess and support your own health and that of your friends and family.

- Make informed decisions about common acute health issues and know when referral to a healthcare provider is appropriate.

- Create herbal preparations with confidence and skill

- Understand and apply core herbal qualities, actions and effects, including the Six Tissue State model.

- Critically evaluate herbal literature and emerging information with discernment.

- Communicate clearly about herbal support and holistic health frameworks.

Course curriculum

  • 1

    Welcome and Logistics

    • Live Foundational Program Welcome and Logistics Document

    • Live Foundational Program Syllabus

    • Live Class Dates and Program Links (Live Classes, Herb Kit Ordering, etc.)

    • Course Hours Tracking Log

    • Live Program Orientation Video
  • 2

    Assignment: Reflection Journal

    • Introduction to Reflective Journaling Audio

    • Guide to Reflective Journaling

    • Google Drive Tutorials
  • 3

    Scope of Practice For Herbalists

    • Audio: A Legal and Ethical Look at Mainstream Scope of Practice

    • A Legal and Ethical Look at Mainstream Scope of Practice Transcript

    • Assignment: Researching the Legalities of Herbal Practice in Your State or Country

    • Audio: Defining Scope of Practice for Herbalists

    • Defining Scope of Practice for Herbalists Transcript

    • Assignment: Finding Your Edges

    • Scope of Practice: Red Flags and Referrals Part 1 Video

    • Assignment: Red Flags Quiz Part 1

    • Scope of Practice: Red Flags and Referrals Part 2 Video

    • Red Flags Quiz Part 2 Quiz

    • Live Class Recording: Scope of Practice
  • 4

    Tea Tastings

    • Live Tea Tastings-START HERE

    • Tea Tasting #1: Yarrow Board

    • Tea Tasting #1: Yarrow Write Up

    • Tea Tasting #2 Holy Basil Board

    • Tea Tasting #2: Holy Basil Write Up

    • Tea Tasting #3: Ginger Board

    • Tea Tasting #3: Ginger Write Up

    • Tea Tasting Board #4 Motherwort

    • Tea Tasting #4 Motherwort Write up

    • Tea Tasting #5 Linden Board

    • Tea Tasting #5 Linden Write Up

    • Tea Tasting #6 Hibiscus Board

    • Tea Tasting #6 Hibiscus Write Up
  • 5

    Introduction to Materia Medica

    • START HERE

    • Materia Medica Part 1

    • Audio: Materia Medica Part 1

    • Materia Medica Part 2

    • Audio: Materia Medica Part 2

    • Materia Medica Part 3

    • Audio: Materia Medica Part 3

    • Materia Medica Part 4

    • Audio: Materia Medica Part 4, first segment

    • Audio: Materia Medica Part 4, second segment

    • Materia Medica Glossary

    • Audio: Materia Medica Glossary

    • Exploration of the Qualities, Actions and Effects Assignment

    • Live Class Recording: Foundational Materia Medica

    • A Guide to Monograph Writing: Foundational Program

    • Example Monograph

    • Hawthorn Tea Tasting Example

    • Goldenrod Tea Tasting Example

    • Foundational Herbcraft by jim mcdonald

    • Monograph Q&A and Info Session with Mel

    • Monograph Assignment #1: Yarrow, Achillea millefolium

    • Monograph Assignment #2: Echinacea, Echinacea angustifolia

    • Monograph Assignment #3: Marshmallow, Althaea officinalis. Althaea spp.

    • Monograph Assignment #4: Juniper, Juniperus spp.

    • Monograph Assignment #5: Lobelia, Lobelia spp.

    • Monograph Assignment #6: Barberry, Berberis vulgaris

    • Monograph Assignment #7: Oak, Quercus alba, Q. spp.

    • Monograph Assignment #8: Dandelion, Taraxacum officinale

    • Monograph Assignment #9: Plantain, Plantago major, P. lanceolata

    • Monograph Assignment #10: Chamomile, Matricaria chamomilla
  • 6

    A Practical Philosophy of Herbal Medicine

    • START HERE

    • Welcome To The Five Realms

    • The Five Realms Part 1 Class Powerpoint

    • Part 1: Intro and Origins of the Five Realms

    • Part 1: Intro and Origins of the Five Realms

    • Part 2: The Realm of Health

    • Part 2: The Realm of Health

    • The Realm of Health: Key Concepts

    • Realm of Health Journal Prompts (Due November 17th)

    • Part 3: The Realm of Maladaptations

    • Part 3: The Realm of Maladaptations

    • The Realm of Maladaptations: Key Concepts

    • Realm of Maladaptation Journal Prompt (Due November 17th)

    • Part 4: The Realm of Disease

    • Part 4: The Realm of Disease

    • The Realm of Disease: Key Concepts

    • Realm of Disease Journal Prompt (Due November 17th

    • Live Class Recording: The 5 Realms Part 1

    • Part 5: The Realm of Experience

    • Part 5: The Realm of Experience

    • The Realm of Experience: Key Concepts

    • Realm of Experience Journal Prompts (Due December 2nd)

    • Part 6: The Realm of Eco-Sociocultural Political Context

    • Part 6: The Realm of Eco-Sociocultural Political Context

    • Realm of Eco-Sociocultural Political Context Journal Prompt (Due December 2nd)

    • Part 7: Herbal Medicine and The Dance Of The Realms

    • Part 7: Herbal Medicine and The Dance Of The Realms

    • Dance of the Realms Journal Prompt

    • Part 8: Conclusion

    • Part 8: Conclusion

    • Live Class Handouts Realms of Experience and Context
  • 7

    Building Health Part 1: Diet and Nutrition

    • Building Health Part 1-START HERE

    • Welcome to Building Health + Learning Physiology Resources

    • Audio: Building Health: An Exploration of Diet and Nutrition

    • Building Health: An Exploration of Diet and Nutrition

    • SUMMARY: Nutrition Module Key Takeaways

    • SUMMARY: 20 Page Nutrition Overview

    • Audio: Chapter 1: How We Know What We Know in Nutritional Science: Evidence, Gaps, Controversies and The Need for Epistemic Humility

    • Chapter 1: How We Know What We Know in Nutritional Science: Evidence, Gaps, Controversies and The Need for Epistemic Humility

    • Quiz: How We Know What We Know

    • Audio: Chapter 2: Body Systems Review: A Nutritional Perspective

    • Chapter 2: Body Systems Review: A Nutritional Perspective

    • Quiz: Review of Body Systems

    • Audio: Chapter 3: Introduction to Energy Production

    • Chapter 3: Introduction to Energy Production

    • Quiz: Energy Production

    • Audio: Chapter 4: Carbohydrates and Vitamins for Energy Production

    • Chapter 4: Carbohydrates and Vitamins for Energy Production

    • Quiz: Carbs and Vitamins for Energy Production

    • Audio: Chapter 5: Proteins and Blood-Building Nutrients

    • Chapter 5: Proteins and Blood-Building Nutrients

    • Quiz: Proteins and Blood Building Nutrients

    • Audio: Chapter 6: Fats and Fat-Soluble Vitamins

    • Chapter 6: Fats and Fat-Soluble Vitamins

    • Quiz: Fats and Fat-Soluble Vitamins

    • Audio: Chapter 7: Bone-Building Nutrients

    • Chapter 7: Bone-Building Nutrients

    • Quiz: Bone-Building Nutrients

    • Audio: Chapter 8: Water and Electrolytes

    • Chapter 8: Water and Electrolytes

    • Quiz: Water and Electrolytes

    • Audio: Chapter 9: Trace Minerals and Their Functions

    • Chapter 9: Trace Minerals and Their Functions

    • Quiz: Trace Minerals and Their Functions

    • Audio: Chapter 10: Antioxidants and Phytonutrients

    • Chapter 10: Antioxidants and Phytonutrients

    • Quiz: Antioxidants and Phytonutrients

    • Audio: Chapter 11: Nutrient Interactions and Common Dietary Restrictions

    • Chapter 11: Nutrient Interactions and Common Dietary Restrictions

    • Quiz: Nutrient Interactions and Common Dietary Restrictions

    • Nutrient Density Awareness Assignment

    • Guide: Adding foods to your Cronometer diary

    • Guide: Create a custom recipe in Cronometer

    • Guide: How to access nutritional information on Cronometer
  • 8

    Building Health Part 2: Movement and Rest and Restoration

    • Building Health Part 2-START HERE

    • Audio: Movement Intro and Chapter 1: Movement as Nutrition

    • Movement Intro and Chapter 1: Movement as Nutrition

    • Quiz: Movement As Nutrition

    • Audio: Movement Chapter 2: Movement is More Than Exercise

    • Movement Chapter 2: Movement is More Than Exercise

    • Quiz: Movement is More Than Exercise: Embracing a Holistic Approach to Physical Activity

    • Audio: Movement Chapter 3: Movement as a Birthright

    • Movement Chapter 3: Movement as a Birthright

    • Quiz: Movement as a Birthright: Embracing Diversity and Inclusion in Human Movement

    • Audio: Movement Chapter 4: Recovery-Driven Movement

    • Movement Chapter 4: Recovery-Driven Movement

    • Quiz: Recovery-Driven Movement: Optimizing Health and Performance Through Balanced Adaptation

    • Audio: Movement Chapter 5: Embodied Movement

    • Movement Chapter 5: Embodied Movement

    • Quiz: Embodied Movement: Cultivating Presence, Awareness, and Integration in Physical Practice

    • Audio: Movement Chapter 6: Movement is Fascial

    • Movement Chapter 6: Movement is Fascial

    • Quiz: Movement is Fascial: The Living Web of Human Movement

    • Audio: Movement Chapter 7: Movement is Neural and Movement Conclusion

    • Movement Chapter 7: Movement is Neural and Movement Conclusion

    • Quiz: Movement is Neural: The Dance of Mind and Body

    • Live Class Recording: Building Health, Part 2 - Movement

    • Audio: Building Health: Rest and Restoration Part 1

    • Audio: Building Health: Rest and Restoration Part 2

    • Rest and Restoration Handout

    • 7-Day Rest and Restoration Practice Assignment

    • Quiz: Rest and Restoration
  • 9

    Building Health Part 3: Building Health Part 3: Connection, Coherence and Pleasure

    • Building Health Part 3-START HERE

    • Live Class Recording: Building Health, Part 3 - Coherence

    • Audio: Building Health: Connection

    • Building Health: Connection

    • Audio: Interpersonal Connections

    • Interpersonal Connections

    • Audio: Fostering Healthy Connections

    • Fostering Healthy Connections

    • Audio: Sense of Coherence: A Framework for Understanding Intangible Health Factors

    • Sense of Coherence: A Framework for Understanding Intangible Health Factors

    • Building Health: A 4 Week Personal Development Assignment
  • 10

    An Introduction To Plant Medicine Making-Asynchronous Unit

    • Medicine Making Logistics-START HERE

    • Medicine Making Resource Documents

    • Medicine Making Supplies and Equipment List

    • Solvents

    • Weight to Volume Ratios

    • Infusions and Decoctions

    • Topicals - Poultices, Compresses and Fomentations

    • Macerations, and Making Stronger Extracts with Time, Heat and Agitation

    • Glycerites - The Sealed Simmer Method

    • Pressing and Straining Macerations

    • Solubility Using Different Preparation Methods

    • Medicinal Oils

    • Salves and Balms

    • The Application of Topical Herbs

    • How to Make Herbal Syrups

    • How to Make Herbal Vinegars

    • Making and Using Herbal Wines
  • 11

    Herbal Acute Care Part 1: Introduction, Stress and Pain

    • Herbal Acute Care Part 1-START HERE

    • Introduction to Acute Care

    • Live Class Recording: Pain, Tension, and Structural Distress with special guest Forrest Chalmers

    • Live Class Recording: Materia Medica and Formulation for Pain and Distress

    • Materia Medica - Beyond the Qualities

    • The Stress Response

    • Pain Part 1: Nociception

    • Pain Part 2: The Interpretation of Nociception

    • Live Class Recording: Acute Disease Processes and Care Part 1

    • Pain and Distress

    • Tension, Pain and Distress

    • Materia Medica for Pain, Distress and Inflammation

    • Pain and Distress Assignment
  • 12

    Herbal Acute Care Part 2: First Aid March 4th-17th

    • Live Class Recording: Closed Wounds and Soft Tissue Trauma

    • Closed Wounds Part 1: The Pathophysiology of Soft Tissue Injury

    • Live Class Recording: Open Wounds

    • Live Class Recording: Bites, Stings and Allergies

    • Bites, Stings and Allergies Class Notes

    • Bites, Stings and Allergic Reactions Materia Medica and Formulary for Allergies
  • 13

    Herbal Acute Care Part 3: Acute Gastrointestinal Conditions

    • Herbal Acute Care Part 4-START HERE

    • Acute Gastrointestinal Conditions Class Notes

    • The Digestive System A&P Class Notes

    • Acute Digestive Conditions Cheat Sheet

    • Digestion Materia Medica

    • Live Class Recording: Digestive System

    • Digestive Assessment Mini Cases

    • Acute GI Class Powerpoint

    • Building Digestive Vitality PowerPoint

    • Building Digestive Vitality Live Class
  • 14

    Herbal Acute Care Part 4: Immunity, Infection and Fevers

    • Live Class Recording: Introduction to Immunity and Infection

    • Acute Immunity and Fevers Class Notes

    • Immunity and Fevers Mini Cases

    • Live Class Recording: Acute Immunity, Infections and Fevers
  • 15

    Herbal Acute Care Part 5: Respiratory System and Allergies

    • Acute Respiratory Care

    • Live Class Recording: Acute Respiratory Conditions
  • 16

    Part 6: Genitourinary Tract (Generative Systems) ASYNCHRONOUS UNIT

    • Live Class Recording: Urinary Tract Infections

    • The Physiology of the Urinary Tract

    • Urinary Tract Infection Materia Medica and Therapeutics

    • Live Class Recording: PMS and Primary Dysmenorrhea with Mel

    • The Physiology of the Menstrual Cycle Class Notes

    • PMS and Primary Dysmenorrhea Materia Medica and Therapeutics Class Notes

    • Acute Urinary System Care Powerpoint

    • PMS and Primary Dysmenorrhea Acute Care Powerpoint

    • Live Class Recording: Genitourinary Acute Care
  • 17

    Capstone Project

    • Capstone Project Instructions and Rubric

Live Class Schedule

The program includes 34 live core curriculum classes, as well as 8 live tea tastings and the option of weekly study hall sessions and live monthly Q&As. Recordings will be available for all classes 48 hours after each class. 

Live Core Curriculum Classes

These sessions are where the course material is taught and attendance is required. We understand that things come up and are happy to accommodate occasional absences if communicated in advance.

Classes will be held on Mondays from 5:30-7:30 Central Standard time from September 21st, 2026 through May 24th, 2027. We will have one week off each for Winter Break and Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

Tea Tastings

These are sensory-based group experiences designed to help you build a deeper relationship with individual herbs. Together we will taste one tea each session and discuss it’s smell, taste, and how it feels in the body. We will be tasting blind. Students are required to attend 5 of the 8 sessions, either in person or online. Herb packets will be available for purchase for all online students.

Tea tastings will be held from 6:30-7:30 pm Central Standard Time on the following Wednesday evenings

Dates: October 21st, November 18th, December 16th, January 20th, February 17th, March 17th, April 21st, May 19th.

Q&A Sessions with Mel and Thomas

Optional, online only. Held on every third Wednesday from 4-5 Central Standard Time. A space to ask questions, clarify course material, and get instructor feedback.

Weekly Study Halls

Optional, online only. Held every Thursday from 5–6 pm Central Standard Time, these sessions offer a quiet, supportive space to work on class assignments and ask curriculum-related questions.

FAQ

  • How much time will this program take to complete?

    This is an 8-month, live program

  • Is there a prerequisite for this course?

    No, anyone is welcome to enroll!

  • Does this course prepare me for active clinical practice?

    No, but if you're interested in training that will prepare you for active clinical practice, check out our full clinical program! This program is the first piece of our Clinical Practitioner program.

  • How much does this course cost?

    $2297.00 if paid in full, or 12 payments of $200. This is our first live cohort with the updated curriculum.

  • What are the requirements for receiving my Foundational Herbalism Program certification?

    - Complete all coursework

    - Pass all quizzes

    - Turn in and revise as needed all assignments

    - Complete 10 monograph papers

    - Complete your capstone project

  • Who do I contact if I have questions about enrolling in the Foundational Herbalism Program?

    Send an email to [email protected].

Join Us!

If you're looking for a program geared towards beginners, with a strong clinical focus, this is the course for you!

Get started now

Addressing Cost and Accessibility in Herbal Education:

 In the spirit of accessibility, we offer a limited number of need-based equity and community service partial scholarships for this program. We are also committed to finding new ways to offer more scholarships in the future. Please email Mel at: [email protected] for more information or to apply.