Master Herbalist: Salary and Career Facts
Explore how herbalists consult with individuals about their health concerns and suggest plant-based treatments instead of traditional medications. Keep reading to learn more about formal training programs and courses of study, as well as potential earnings.
What is a Master Herbalist?
While the term 'master herbalist' seems to be less common than in the past, herbalists still consult with individuals about their health concerns and suggest plant-based treatments instead of traditional medications. There are many different job names out their for herbalist, but in general you will study therapeutic uses for plants and apply them to help clients improve they natural healing abilities. You will also work with clients to help them maintain health using herbs and healthy life styles. Read the following chart to answer some initial questions you may have about a career in herbalism.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Degree Required</b></td><td>Unaccredited programs available, also Bachelor's or masters in herbal sciences and doctorate in oriental medicine and acupuncture</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Education Field of Study</b></td><td>Herbalism, herbal sciences, oriental medicine and acupuncture</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Training Required</b></td><td>Coursework and study in regional herbs</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Key Skills</b></td><td>Advanced knowledge of plants and their unique and combined chemical properties</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Average Salary (2019)</b></td><td>$36,000 (<i>for all herbalist</i>)*</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *PayScale.com</i>
</p><h3 id="section---WhatDoesAMasterHerbalistDo">What Does a Master Herbalist Do?</h3><p>The term 'master herbalist' seems to be less common than in the past and is being replaced with simply 'herbalist'. As an herbalist, you would work to help people to improve their overall health and prevent disease using herbs. Different practitioners may use a different set of herbs, such as local, Chinese, Tibetan or Indian. Your goal to help clients achieve good health through a holistic approach would be the same no matter which kinds of herbs you work with.
</p><p>In addition to using medicinal plants, you would also use current scientific knowledge about plants and their chemical properties. You would know how to use just one part of a plant (e.g., root, leaves, flowers, berries, bark) or a combination of more than one part. This would give you a range of naturally occurring chemicals, which is thought to be a more balanced approach.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatTypesOfEducationProgramsAreAvailable">What Types of Education Programs Are Available?</h3><p>Master herbalist degree programs are available, but they're not usually accredited. However, some master herbalist diploma programs are accredited and available through the U.S. Although rare, you may also find a bachelor's degree in herbal sciences, a master's degree in herbal medicine and a doctorate in acupuncture and oriental medicine.
</p><p>Most herbal programs are part of another alternative medicine program such as acupuncture. There may even be a full track in Chinese herbal studies or Chinese herbal medicine. Some master's degree programs in oriental medicine, acupuncture and oriental medicine offer coursework in herbs.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatWillIStudy">What Will I Study?</h3><p>The type of certificate or degree you choose to pursue will determine which courses you will take. Some programs have a number of courses to introduce you to a variety of alternative medicine approaches such as massage and reflexology, acupuncture, naturopathy, Ayurvedic medicine and chiropractic. Almost all programs require a course in anatomy and physiology as well as one or many courses in organic chemistry, biochemistry or phytochemistry. Common courses specific to herbs include introductions to herbal medicine or Chinese herbal medicine, pharmacognosy, herbal preparations and drug/herb interactions.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatCanIExpectToEarn">What Can I Expect to Earn?</h3><p>There are few statistics relative to salaries for herbalists, but <i>PayScale.com</i> reported an average salary of $36,000 in 2019. The AHG also states that most herbalists supplement their income with a variety of topical professional activities including teaching, writing, and consulting in their field.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatAreSomeRelatedAlternativeCareers">What Are Some Related Alternative Careers?</h3><p>A couple careers that are related to herbalists' include naturopathic medicine and nutrition. Naturopathic physicians uses a combination of traditional medicine and alternative medicine to diagnose and treat patients. This often include the use of herbs. To become a naturopathic physician you need a doctorate degree in the field. Nutritionist study the effects of diets on health and sometimes study the effects of various foods on diseases and natural healing. These professionals typically have a bachelor's degree in dietetics, foods and nutrition or another related field.</p>