It has been my experience that generally people that come to been seen by an herbalist fall into categories: Those that have tried every doctor and every therapy without resolution to their primary issue, and those that will not see an allopathic practitioner at all. Of course, not everyone falls into these, but most do.

So, if you are relying on non-traditional means for health care, how do you go about choosing one? For chiropractic care, acupuncturists, and massage therapists, the state licenses these professions, so you can check on your state’s professional board website. But herbalists are a bit different. No states license or register herbalists, and there is no educational requirement indicated by law. I practice in the United States, specifically Colorado, so what I know is Colorado’s state statutes.

In Colorado, herbalists are legally bound by Senate bill 13-215, or the Colorado Natural Health Consumer Protection Act. You can find it online if you want to read it, but for herbalists, there are quite a few things we cannot do: surgery, anesthesia, radiation, colonics, suggesting controlled substances (identified by Federal Law – one reason why I don’t have anything to do with marijuana or kratom), midwifery, psychotherapy, or stepping into the roles of licensed professions. For me, the biggest ones are that I cannot formulate a protocol for pregnant women or for cancer patients.

There is a professional organization (the American Herbalist Guild) that tests and awards registration. It is a lengthy process and requires that you have already established a client base. However, seeing a registered herbalist does ensure that they have received appropriate education and have supervised experience in seeing patients. In all transparency, I am not registered as my client base is fairly low and it is not possible for me to meet that requirement while I continue to work full-time as a nurse.

Before I chose an herbalist to work with, I would ask a few questions:

• Are you registered?
• Are you a member of the American Herbalist Guild? This would at least show you they are interested in professional development, and continuing education. I am a member, even without being registered.
• Where did you receive your herbal education? While I realize there are some amazing online programs out there, I think hands-on is best. I went to the Colorado School of Clinical Herbalism, but there are quite a few herb schools out there that are amazing.
• What category of herbalism do you specialize in? Western, Ayurvedic, or TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine)?
• Do you recommend other interventions in addition to herbs, like nutrition and lifestyle modifications? I also am a certified nutritionist, and I think including these is key. A good herbalist does not just try to substitute an herb for a medication. To do herbs only without other therapeutics is like breaking your leg and only taking pain medication. It will stop the pain but won’t help long term. You would need stabilization and physical therapy to return to optimal health.
• Do you encourage clients to have a relationship with a physician? To me, I believe this is a must. Not all my clients agree, but I do at least encourage them to. As an herbalist, there are some things that I cannot treat (like a heart attack or stroke). Are they open to working with your allopathic provider?
• Where do you source your herbal products? I don’t know that I have an opinion about this, but it is good information to know. For the most part I formulate and produce individualized products from herbs I grow or buy. Not everyone has that opportunity, but they should have the knowledge to be able to do it.
• What do you charge? In my opinion, an herbalist should base their fees on what local professionals like massage therapists or acupuncture therapists charge. We are professionals as well, even if not board certified, and (to a certain extent) you get what you pay for. I currently charge $60/hr. for the time when I meet with clients. That doesn’t include time spent in formulation, research, and production of product.

I hope this was helpful. Keep in mind that ‘herbalist’ can mean anything from ‘I’m one step away from being registered and have over 1000 hours of education and supervised practice’ to ‘I watched a YouTube and have a pot plant growing in my kitchen.’ Choose wisely.