The Herbalist’s Scope of Practice

The herbalist’s scope of practice centers on education, support, and empowerment. Herbalists guide individuals in choosing herbs that nourish, balance, and strengthen the body’s natural systems, using traditional knowledge and modern research. Our work is rooted in observation, deep listening, and the belief that health is a dynamic, whole-person process. While we cannot diagnose or prescribe pharmaceuticals, we can support your wellness journey in the following ways:

1. Education and Guidance

• Herbalists can offer wellness consultations focused on supporting overall health.

• Herbalists are teachers, particulary when it comes to herbs, nutrition, and self-care.

• Herbalists can hold classes, workshops, retreats, and herb walks to promote personal herbal literacy and educate the next generation of practitioners.

2. Recommend Herbs

• Herbalists may suuggest herbs for general wellness or to support specific systems (e.g. digestion, immunity, sleep).

• Herbalists recommend herbal teas, tinctures, salves, capsules, and other preparations to promote a healthy lifestyle and help bring your body into balance

3. Practice Non-Clinical Herbalism

• Herbalist’s often supplement their work with clients by contributing to the greater herbal community as an herbal educator, writer, researcher, wildcrafter, or product maker.

• Collaborate with health professionals (e.g., physicians, nurses, acupuncturists, chiropractors, etc.) within their legal scope.

• Promote community health and wellness by providing herbal education, supporting pop-up clinics that offer herbal support at no or reduced cost, and campaigning for community green spaces and habitat preservation.

The herbalist’s scope of practice is one of deep care, thoughtful observation, and natural support. Rather than treating disease, herbalists focus on strengthening the body’s inherent resilience through the use of herbs, nutrition, and lifestyle guidance. They serve as educators and allies, helping individuals make informed choices about their wellness journey. Within legal and ethical boundaries, herbalists provide a bridge between traditional plant wisdom and modern-day health needs—offering holistic support that honors the whole person.