Herbalist

A herbalist uses plant-based remedies to treat a range of ailments and to improve well-being. Herbalists see patients with a wide range of conditions, including skin problems, high blood pressure, allergies, autoimmune conditions, asthma, arthritis, insomnia, emotional and stress-related problems or chronic pain. The 'holistic' approach takes into account all factors related to the patient's lifestyle, including physical, psychological and emotional well-being.

Herbal medicine combines the traditional use of medicinal plants with the latest scientific knowledge about the chemical makeup of plants. Conventional medicines may use only one chemical element of a plant. Herbal remedies use the whole plant or part of a plant. They are offered in different forms such as tablet, powder, syrup, ointment, pessaries or decoction.

Other traditions of herbal medicine practised in the UK include Chinese, Tibetan and Indian (ayurveda).

Most herbalists work flexible hours: part time during the day but with appointments also likely in the evenings and weekends for their clients' convenience. Most herbalists are self-employed. They may work from their homes or in a clinic. They may travel to visit patients at home.

Income may range from around £6,000 to £50,000 a year.

A herbalist needs to have:

• the ability to listen closely to patients' problems and analyse them
• good communication skills, for explaining treatments
• a good memory to retain detailed knowledge of herbal remedies
• a meticulous approach to detail and measurement
• a sympathetic, approachable manner.

At present, herbalists are not regulated. Training courses are currently accredited by various professional associations: the two main ones being the National Institute of Medical Herbalists (NIMH) and the European Herbal and Traditional Medicine Practitioners Association (EHTPA). The EHTPA is an umbrella group of which the NIMH is a member. To be eligible for membership, a student must graduate from a course accredited by the relevant body. There are courses available at a number of universities and other training establishments.

To qualify for professional association membership, students must also complete 500 hours' supervised clinical practice within approved training clinics. Some associations have additional requirements for membership.

For self-employed herbalists, career progression comes through building up their practice and gaining a reputation. They might also open a shop selling herbal products, work as an adviser for a herbal product manufacturer or move into the field of research and development. There may be opportunities to teach.

Further details