Herbal Medicine treats the whole person, strengthening the body’s ability to heal itself with herbs, nutrition, and positive lifestyle changes.
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Course materials in detail
Course Title: Master Herbalist
Course Duration: 500 hours (You have 12 months to complete this program)
Pre-Requisites: Applicants who do not hold a High School Diploma or Equivalent will be required to pass a basic entrance exam that will demonstrate their knowledge of English and basic math. If you do not hold a High School Diploma or Equivalent you can still enroll online today. Once you've completed the online enrollment form, you will be taken to the online entrance exam page. Please don't let this entrance exam make you nervous as you will have an opportunity to see your score before submitting the results to admissions and you can retake the exam as needed. You will be required to obtain a 60% passing grade. If you are enrolling by mail or fax, you can still complete the entrance exam online or request a hard copy by calling 1-800-605-6520. To see a sample of the entrance exam, please click here. (Please do not fill this form out if you do not wish to enroll.)
Further Studies: 80% of the tuition paid for this course can be applied towards the Holistic Health Practitioner Program.
ENROLL ONLINE NOW
Tuition fee including study materials: $1,880.00
Discount: -$500.00
Course with discount: $1,380.00
Enrollment fee: $75.00
S&H: $20.00
(International Students click here)
Total Price: $1,475.00
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ENROLL BY MAIL or call 1-800-605-6520
1st. Payment: 40% + $20 S&H = $647.00
2nd. Payment: 30% = $449.00 (incl. $35 admin fee) Due one month after enrollment.
3rd. Payment: 30% = $449.00 (incl. $35 admin fee) Due two months after enrollment.
Total Price: $1,545.00
To take advantage of our payment plan option you can either print and mail or fax us the enrollment form by clicking on the "enroll by mail" button or enroll over the phone by calling 1-800-605-6520 Monday through Friday 9a.m.-5p.m. Pacific Time |
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The home-study Master Herbalist Program is divided into 12 comprehensive lessons covering every aspect of herbal medicine.
What will I learn? What is this course about?
This in-depth program covers the history of herbal medicine, hands-on herbal preparation, health conditions and corresponding herbal therapies, extensive Materia Medica, herb research, terminology, case studies, holistic nutrition, and much, much more.
Rather than focusing on only one aspect of herbal medicine (for example Traditional Chinese Medicine) students will learn in great detail about the three main traditions of healing: Chinese, Western, and Ayurvedic, including treatments for over 100 medical conditions based on these healing modalities. Growing and cultivating medicinal plants and making herbal remedies at home will also be covered.
Drug-herb interactions will be covered in order to avoid potentially harmful combinations. Setting up a private practice takes a lot of work and know-how. We help by offering specific practical guidelines and explaining the legal implications of being an Herbalist.
The Master Herbalist course can be used on its own or applied towards the Holistic Health Practitioner Program.
Career possibilities for Graduates:
At this point in time, most Herbalists are self-employed. Some combine their expertise with other healing modalities, such as nutrition counseling, acupuncture, reflexology, iridology, etc. Others may be involved in:
- Manufacturing or formulating herbal supplements.
- Growing herbs for sale to manufacturers.
- Writing articles or books on herbal medicine.
- Operating or working at a health food store.
- Educating others about the benefits of herbs.
Master Herbalist Program
Curriculum
Module 1:
Master Herbalist Program
MH11 Anatomy & Physiology: Detailed study of the human body and how organ systems correlate with one another.
MH12 Toxicity and Detoxification: An in-depth study of autointoxification, food and environmental pollutants, Candida albicans and parasites. The importance of detoxification is emphasized and the most popular cleansing herbs are discussed for each organ system.
MH13 Terminology: Hundreds of medical, herbal and botanical terms are explained to the student to help them better comprehend future lessons and to gain a greater understanding of the client’s medical conditions and treatments.
MH14 History of Herbal Medicine: The history of herbal medicine is woven into the histories of people and civilizations. This lesson is an introduction to Herbology and gives a detailed description of the use of herbal medicine throughout the ages.
Module 2:
Master Herbalist Program
MH21 Eastern Medicine: The study of Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. Traditional Chinese Medicine is the second-largest medical system in the world after Western Medicine. Ayurvedic Medicine, the traditional medical system of India, is the third largest medical system in the world. The study of these ancient methods of healing will help incorporate ancient knowledge to modern herbal medicine.
MH22 Western Herbal Medicine: Traditional Western Herbal Medicine evolved from the Greeks, who were strongly influenced by the Egyptians and Middle Eastern civilizations. Herbal medicine in North America today is also influenced by European and Native American traditions. Students will learn how to incorporate the different healing systems and how to determine the best therapy for individual cases.
MH23 Materia Medica Therapeutic Herbalism: The study of hundreds of healing herbs, their uses, ratings, safety issues, dosage, and research behind the plant. Ground breaking herbal treatments will be discussed for over 100 medical conditions including: cancer, migraines, chronic fatigue syndrome, diabetes, and arthritis.
MH24 Botany and Plant Identification/Harvesting: A detailed study of botany in relation to herbal medicine. Plant anatomy. Over 1,000 herbs will be covered with over 1,500 colored photographs for quick reference to assist the student in identifying, cultivating and using herbs.
Module 3:
Master Herbalist Program
MH31 Making Herbal Remedies: Students will learn how to make their own herbal remedies, including healing balms, lotions, teas, syrups, oils, tinctures, and more. We’ll also discuss the entire process of preparing herbal medicines at home, from methods of growing, gathering, and drying herbs, to different ways of extracting their vital essences. Students will be expected to send in a sample of a homemade remedy during their final grading.
MH32 Drug-Herb-Vitamin Interactions: Students will learn how to avoid making mistakes when using natural supplements and common medications together. The A-Z guide will teach students which drugs can deplete the body’s essential nutrients, which help prescriptions work better, or reduce drug side effects, and which herbs and drugs should never be taken together.
MH33 Dietary Guidelines: Using herbal remedies is not always enough to improve one’s health. We must also learn how to nourish our bodies through proper nutrition. Holistic nutrition plays a big part in preserving health and eliminating illness. Students will learn about optimum nutrition and how certain diets can help specific health conditions. The importance of water will also be discussed, as well as the best type of water to consume.
MH34 Business Procedures Jurisprudence: Students will learn how to set up their own practice and how to avoid legal complications. Standard disclaimer forms will be presented, which should be used while practicing any aspect of herbal medicine.
Case Studies: To practice on five friends or relatives. This must be sent in for grading along with the final exam and herbal remedy you made.
Your study material includes the expertise of well-known leaders in herbal medicine, such as Dr. Linda Page, James Green, and Alan Keith Tillotson. Learning through such well-respected experts will help ensure that you are receiving the most up-to-date and comprehensive information available today.
The study materials you receive once enrolled in the Master Herbalist Program include the following:
Published in 3 textbooks by the Global College of Natural Medicine*:
Module I
Basic Human Anatomy
Toxicity and Detoxification
Terminology
History of Herbal Medicine
Module II
Eastern Medicine
Western Herbal Medicine
Materia Medica / Therapeutic Herbalism
Botany and Plant Identification
Module III
Making Herbal Remedies
Herb-Drug-Vitamin Interactions
Dietary Guidelines
Business Procedures / Jurisprudence
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* Please call 1-800-804-5512 (1-831-454-0700)
to order these downloadable lessons
in pdf format for $15.00
No refunds for program downloads/CDs. |
The following are complementary materials for the MH curriculum
(included in the price of tuition):
The Herbal Medicine Maker's Handbook: A Home Manual, by James Green: This guide to the kitchen pharmacy discusses the entire process of preparing herbal medicines at home. From methods of growing, gathering, and drying herbs, to different ways of extracting their vital essences and making healing balms, lotions, and more.
The A-Z Guide to Drug-Herb and Vitamin Interactions, by Schuyler W. Lininger Jr. Steve Austin, Alan R. Gaby, Donald J. Brown, and Forrest Batz: This book helps you learn which drugs can deplete your body's essential nutrients, which supplements can help your prescriptions work better, or reduce drug side effects, and which herbs and drugs should never be taken together.
The One Earth Herbal Sourcebook: Everything You Need to Know About Chinese, Western, and Ayurvedic Herbal Treatments, by Alan Keith Tillotson: Drawing upon traditional teaching, scientific reports, personal experience, patient feedback, peer reports, and intuition, the author presents over 96 herbs from Chinese, Western, and Ayurvedic Materia Medicas, analyzing each singly and presenting their characteristics, actions, dosage, general usage, and research highlights.
Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine, by David Hoffmann, FNIMH, AHG: This text blends science with a very holistic approach to herbal healing. In addition to suggested herbs and dietary changes for various conditions, helpful rationale is given for why they work. This book is an herbal reference masterpiece that will aid the practitioner in choosing herbs that are both effective and safe.
World of Healthy Healing, DVD, by Dr. Linda Page: Dr. Linda Page explains clearly and concisely about herbal healing in this instructional video. She helps unlock the healing secrets of herbs in this exciting program: An overview of herbal healing in different cultures throughout history - China, Ayurvedic, Western History; how herbs work in the body; why herbal healing is becoming more popular today; the latest scientific research about a few of Dr. Page's favorite herbs; the difference in herbal delivery systems: capsules, teas, extracts and gels; easy ways to tell if whole herbs are fresh and potent; how to use herbs safely; why medicinal herbal tea is a good way to use the healing power of herbs for everyone including children, elderly people, even pets; and the correct way to prepare and take medicinal herbal teas for maximum healing power.
Legal Guidelines for Unlicensed Practitioners, by Lawrence Wilson, M.D.: How to practice holistic therapies or any unlicensed profession without legal problems. Includes disclaimer forms, disclosure and consent forms, discussion of how our legal system works, history of occupational licensing laws, problems with occupational licensing the ninth amendment and much more.
Human Anatomy Coloring Book By Margaret Matt: This practical exercise will help you to better understand human anatomy.
Additional Materials:
- Laminated Herbology Chart
- Study Guide
- Case Studies
- Final Examination
What is a Master Herbalist?
A Master Herbalist (MH) is an expert trained in every aspect of herbal medicine, including herb identification, harvesting, preparing herbal remedies, dispensing and combining herbal formulations. An MH will involve the client in developing an integrated herbal program addressing specific health conditions and concerns. Master Herbalists should possess a holistic philosophy, work on treating the whole person rather than the disease and consider the nutritional needs as well as emotional state of the client being treated.
How long does it take to complete the program?
The amount of time varies from student to student. Some finish in 3-6 months, others take up to a year to complete their studies. You are required to complete this program within 12 months from the date of your enrollment.
What are the legal implications of practicing Herbal Medicine?
There is no national or state system of licensure or certification for herbalists at the present time. Within the Jurisprudence section of the program you will learn how to practice as a Master Herbalist within the legal scope of the law. On September 24th, 2002 California Governor, Gray Davis, signed into law the most important Health Freedom bill in world history - California SB 577. The bill makes health care "wide open." Naturopaths, Homeopaths, Herbalists, Nutritionists, etc., are now free to offer services, without harassment. To read the whole bill visit:
Full text California SB577
California, the fifth largest stand alone economy in the world, has for some time led the nation in percentage (estimated at 75%) of health care dollars spent on "Alternative Medicine." Now that percentage is expected to increase.
Once I have completed the Master Herbalist Program can I keep learning more?
Absolutely! Your Master Herbalist Certificate can be used on its own, or it can be used as a stepping-stone towards a Holistic Health Practitioner Certificate. The tuition you’ve paid can be applied towards the Holistic Health Practitioner Program if you wish to continue your studies with us.
"My husband and I retired to Costa Rica late in 2003. Soon after we arrived, I realized that there were no herbal tinctures in this country, only pills. I then found a wonderful organic herb farm among the coffee plantations in the mountains near where we live. I bought a kilo of Echinacea purpurea and a big bottle of 190 proof alcohol from a friend of a friend who had a still. That was almost three years ago. Today, my company, Natural Herbal Tinctures (www.naturalherbaltinctures.com) is developing into a full time business. The changes since I made my initial batch of Echinacea tincture in Santa Fe, NM to my business now in Costa Rica are nothing short of amazing. It is an understatement, to say that the growth of my business would not have been possible had I not enrolled with the Global College of Natural Medicine. 
"As a child, growing up in the San Bernardino Mountains , I can still remember the smell of breakfast cooking in our small kitchen. My mother is still the best cook I have ever enjoyed, and the things that made her dishes so tasteful were the herbs and spices that she used when putting together a meal. 
“My name is Cherie Hanks and I proudly endorse the Global College of Natural Medicine programs. I was diagnosed with complex seizure disorder. For the past 24 years I have had seizures for two weeks out of every month. The medical profession gave me three options. 1. I could take synthetic anti-seizure medication. I went this route and become more ill then I was before the medication. The seizures were constant. Found out after the fact that I was allergic to anything synthetic. Next option: I could have brain surgery. My chances on surgery were quite grim. I might be better, no guarantee that I would ever be seizure free, but I had a better chance of becoming much worse. So surgery was out. My third option was just to continue living the way I was. These three options were not acceptable to me. Such began my quest for better health. 
"I am currently enrolled in GCNM’s Master Herbalist program. Prior to the enrollment I was amused by the way many people approach their health problems. It seemed so obvious to me that a typical endless intake of medications usually does not improve one’s health and so often it does just the opposite! I was convinced that there was an alternative way to be healthy. I had a strong belief in herbal treatments but a lack of knowledge. Being a health conscious person, I decided to devote my time to studying the healing power of nature. 
"My name is Roger and I am a new student of the Nutritional Consultant course. I don’t have any experience in this area. I was turned on to this topic because my wife bought the book by Kevin Trudeau about Natural Cures. I plan on reading it at some point but my wife has told me about the information she has read. While we may not agree with everything, it did open our eyes to information about natural healing and nutrition. My wife has enrolled in the Master Herbalist program. Between the two of us, we have more than enough information to help us on the path to better well-being and nutrition. Our goal is to complete our respective programs and move on to the holistic health practitioner program. Our ultimate goal is to open our own business based on our combined knowledge."