Foundational Herbalism

The Foundational Herbalism Certification is a hybrid program designed to give beginners a strong start in herbal medicine, with a clear emphasis on critical thinking and real-world application. You'll build a solid foundation in the fundamentals of herbalism—including medicine making, clinical nutrition, and herbal actions—while also learning to support common acute conditions. 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. You can attend classes in-person in St. Louis, Missouri or online, as well as work on course materials in your own 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. Rather, 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.

See our blog series for more info on the Five Realms Model:
Read About the 5 Realms Model

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 dynamic video and audio lessons, in-depth readings, quizzes, live classes, hands-on assignments, and a supportive private learning community, you'll build a strong foundation in the art and science of herbal medicine. 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!

After Program Completion

What you will be able to do when you complete certification:

Upon completing the Foundational Herbalism 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—for home use or to share with others.

- Understand and apply core herbal actions and energetics, 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 Class Quick Links

    • Foundational Program Logistics
  • 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

    • Red Flags and Referrals Part 1 Transcript

    • Assignment: Red Flags Quiz Part 1

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

    • Red Flags and Referrals Part 2 Transcript

    • Red Flags Quiz Part 2 Quiz

    • Live Class Recording: Scope of Practice
  • 4

    Introduction to Materia Medica

    • 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

    • Live Class Recording: Foundational Materia Medica

    • A Guide to Monograph Writing: Foundational Program

    • Hawthorn Tea Tasting Example

    • Goldenrod Tea Tasting Example

    • 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
  • 5

    A Practical Philosophy Of Herbal Medicine

    • Welcome To The Five Realms

    • 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

    • Part 3: The Realm of Maladaptations

    • Part 3: The Realm of Maladaptations

    • The Realm of Maladaptations: Key Concepts

    • Realm of Maladaptation Journal Prompt

    • Part 4: The Realm of Disease

    • Part 4: The Realm of Disease

    • The Realm of Disease: Key Concepts

    • Realm of Disease Journal Prompt

    • Part 5: The Realm of Experience

    • Part 5: The Realm of Experience

    • The Realm of Experience: Key Concepts

    • Realm of Experience Journal Prompts

    • 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

    • 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

    • Assignment: 5 Realms Recap Journal Prompt

    • Assessing Health in the Realm of Health

    • Behavioral Change in The Realm of Health

    • Live Class Recording: The 5 Realms Part 1

    • Live Class Recording: The 5 Realms Part 2

    • Live Class Recording: The 5 Realms Part 3
  • 6

    Building Health

    • Welcome to Building Health + Learning Physiology Resources

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

    • Building Health: An Exploration of Diet and Nutrition

    • 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

    • 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

    • Audio: An Introduction to Mental Health and Resiliency – It’s Complicated

    • An Introduction to Mental Health and Resiliency – It’s Complicated

    • Audio: Building Health: Rest and Restoration Part 1

    • Audio: Building Health: Rest and Restoration Part 2

    • Building Health: Rest and Restoration

    • 7-Day Rest and Restoration Practice Assignment

    • Quiz: Rest and Restoration

    • Audio: Building Health: Connection

    • Building Health: Connection

    • Audio: Interpersonal Connections

    • Interpersonal Connections

    • Audio: Fostering Healthy Connections

    • Fostering Healthy Connections

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

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

    • Live Class Recording: Building Health, Part 1 - Nutrition

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

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

    • Building Health: A 4 Week Personal Development Assignment
  • 7

    An Introduction To Plant Medicine Making

    • 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

    • The Art and Science of Plant Medicine Making Resources
  • 8

    Acute Disease Processes and Care

    • Introduction to Acute Care

    • 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

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

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

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

    • Live Class Recording: Closed Wounds and Soft Tissue Trauma

    • 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

    • Live Class Recording: Introduction to Immunity and Infection

    • 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

    • The Digestive System Part 1

    • Acute Digestive Conditions Cheat Sheet

    • Live Class Recording: Digestive System
  • 9

    Capstone Project

    • Assignment: Foundational Capstone Project
  • 10

    Where To Go From Here

    • Resources for Self Study

    • Becoming A Community Herbalist

Live Class Schedule

The program includes a mix of required and optional live sessions that support your learning through group discussion, sensory exploration, and direct access to instructors. All required sessions can be attended in-person or online, unless otherwise noted. Recordings will be available for most classes, but active attendance is encouraged where required.

Bimonthly Live Discussion Sessions

These sessions are the core of the program. Discussion of course material and assignments, as well as short lectures to focus on key concepts in your coursework. Classes will be held from 7:30-9:30 eastern time.

  • October 21
  • November 4 and 18
  • December 2 and 16
  • Winter Break: December 22 – January 4 (No live classes)
  • January 6 and 20
  • February 3 and 17
  • March 3, 17, and 31


Tea Tastings

These are sensory-based group experiences designed to help you build a deeper relationship with individual herbs. Students are required to attend at least 3 of the 6 sessions, either in person or online. Tea tastings will be held from 7:30-9:30 pm eastern time

Dates: November 21st, December 12th, January 9th, February 6th, March 6th, and April 3rd

Q&A Sessions with Mel and Thomas

Optional, online only. Held on every third Wednesday from 5-6 eastern time. A space to ask questions, clarify course material, and get instructor feedback.

Dates: November 19th, December 17th, January 21st, February 18th, March 18th, April 15th

Weekly Study Halls

Optional, online only. Held every Wednesday from 6–8 pm eastern time, these sessions offer a quiet, supportive space to work on class assignments and ask curriculum-related questions.

FLEXIBILITY

This program is designed with flexibility in mind. Students can choose to attend weekly classes:

  • In person at Forest and Meadow Herbal Shop and Clinic
  • Online via Zoom


Whether you live nearby or across the country, you’ll have full access to the same content, recordings, discussions, and instructor support. All students—regardless of how they attend—participate in the same core curriculum, assignments, and learning community.


FAQ

  • How much time will this program take to complete?

    You can attend classes in-person in St. Louis, Missouri or online, as well as work on course materials in your own time.

  • 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?

    $2000.00 if paid in full, or 6 payments of $340. This is our first live-paced cohort with the updated curriculum. Future program costs will increase.

  • 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.