To prepare for work as a medical herbalist, you can complete a degree level course in herbal medicine approved by the National Institute of Medical Herbalists.

Courses last 3 years full time or 4 to 6 years part time and include at least 500 hours of supervised clinical practice with patients.

If you're a trained medical practitioner like a doctor or nurse, you could take a postgraduate degree in herbal medicine.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including biology for a degree
• a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

You'll find it useful to arrange some work shadowing with a practising medical herbalist before you begin your studies.

You'll need:

• 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

You'll need to:

• have insurance
• pass enhanced background checks

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

You could work in a therapy clinic or at a client's home.