Do You Need a Certification to Be an Herbalist?
In today’s information age, you don’t need a formal certification to call yourself an herbalist. I say that as someone who does hold multiple certifications — but having one doesn’t automatically make someone a good herbalist. In fact, it’s entirely possible to read books, study on your own, and earn that title through dedication and personal practice.
The truth is, herbalism isn’t officially recognized as a licensed occupation by the U.S. government. Herbalists are not legally allowed to diagnose or treat disease, regardless of their level of training or years of experience. There’s no governing body that grants you permission to be an herbalist — and you don’t need one.
Some organizations, like the American Herbalists Guild (AHG), offer membership and training programs that can be helpful for networking or continuing education. They often promote the idea that if the U.S. ever does establish a national credential for herbalists (similar to what exists for chiropractors or acupuncturists), their members might be grandfathered in. But this is purely speculative. There are strong forces — including pharmaceutical and corporate interests — that have lobbied hard against widespread use of herbal medicine, largely because plants can’t be patented and are often inexpensive.
I used to believe certification was necessary. But over time, my perspective has shifted. Now, I think the best herbalists are the ones who have walked the path themselves — people who have used herbs to heal their own health issues, not just memorize what’s in the books.
