Medical herbalist

Medical herbalists use plants and herbal remedies to help improve their clients' health and wellbeing.


Working Hours

37–39

hours per week

Career Area

Complementary health associate professionals

View related courses

Day-to-day tasks

As a medical herbalist, you may:

  • take a detailed history of your client's symptoms and lifestyle
  •  carry out a physical assessment and tests
  •  prescribe an appropriate course of herbal treatment
  •  grow herbs and prepare them, including capsules, extracts, ointments or infusions
  •  keep accurate client records
  •  refer clients to their GP where necessary

Skills needed

  • knowledge of biology
  • sensitivity and understanding
  • knowledge of psychology
  • counselling skills including active listening and a non-judgemental approach
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • thinking and reasoning skills
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • the ability to understand people’s reactions
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

How to get into this role

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course

Career progression

With experience you could move into teaching or research.