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Hey there, fellow Herbal enthusiasts! As someone who has delved into the captivating world of herbalism for years, I’ve had the pleasure of exploring various educational avenues to deepen my knowledge. From traditional classrooms to online courses and countless hours of self-study, my quest for herbal wisdom has been a journey of discovery and growth.
Today, I’m excited to share my experience with one of the first online schools I attended, The Herbal Academy. Join me as I reflect on my experiences and provide an in-depth analysis of the Herbal Academy’s offerings, shedding light on the value it brings to both budding and seasoned herbalists alike. Whether you’re considering a career in herbalism or simply want to deepen your knowledge of plant medicine, this review will help you determine if the Herbal Academy is the right fit for you.
About the Herbal Academy
Here is a brief overview of the history, mission, and values of the Herbal Academy.
History
The Herbal Academy was founded in 2011 by Marlene Adelmann who wanted to provide accessible and affordable herbal education to people all over the world. Since then, they have grown to become one of the most respected online herbalism schools, offering a range of courses on topics such as herbalism, plants, herbs, botany, foraging, materia medica, herbal traditions, botanical drawing for herbalists, and holistic cancer care, just to name a few.
Mission
The Herbal Academy’s mission is to empower people with the art and science of herbalism through accessible, affordable herbal education that represents many points of view and honors our intrinsic connection to nature, something that I believe in wholeheartedly. They believe that everyone has the right to access this information, regardless of their background or financial situation. That’s why they offer a range of courses at different price points, so that anyone who wants to learn about herbalism can do so.
Values
The Herbal Academy is committed to upholding certain values that guide everything they do. These include:
Accessibility: They believe that herbal education should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or financial situation.
Sustainability: They are committed to promoting sustainable practices in all aspects of herbalism, from growing and harvesting herbs to using them in remedies.
Community: They believe that herbalism is not just about individual health, but also about building strong and supportive communities.
Stewardship: They aim to encourage students to seek deeper connection with the natural world. They believe that through herbal studies, we develop a deep understanding of the beauty and intrinsic value of the natural world, and the importance of tending to and stewarding the surrounding ecosystems.
Empowerment: They believe that everyone has the power to take charge of their own health and wellness, and they aim to provide the knowledge and tools to make this possible.
Courses Offered
The Herbal Academy Online Herbalism School offers a variety of courses for beginners and advanced herbalists alike. The online platform is convenient for those with busy schedules who want to learn at their own pace. The courses cover a range of topics from plant identification and wildcrafting to making herbal preparations and formulating herbal remedies. As someone who has taken courses at the Herbal Academy, I can attest to the quality of education they provide.
Here are some of the courses they offer:
Introductory Herbal Course
The Introductory Herbal Course is perfect for those who are new to herbalism. This course provides a solid foundation in herbal education and covers topics such as botany, plant identification, medicine making, and more. The course is self-paced and includes a variety of learning styles, including visual aids, audio, and written material. The teachers are knowledgeable and responsive, and the course includes PDFs, documents, printouts, and recipe cards that make it easy to follow along.
Intermediate Herbal Course
The Intermediate Herbal Course is designed for those who have some experience with herbalism and want to take their knowledge to the next level. This course covers more advanced topics such as herbal energetics, formulation, and clinical skills. The course is also self-paced and includes a variety of learning styles to accommodate different types of learners. The teachers are experienced and provide helpful feedback and support throughout the course. The course also includes herbal charts and other materials that make it easy to understand and apply the information.
Business Herbal Course
This program is designed specifically to prepare students to run a small herbal products business in this unique and sometimes challenging field of herbalism. This course aims to help herbalists as they navigate the unique and sometimes challenging regulations, requirements, and considerations that come along with starting a herbal business. This 37-lesson program is complete with beautiful videos, charts, recipes, downloads, and more, to equip you with the tools to turn your heartfelt ideas into a satisfying and successful business.
Advanced Herbal Course
The Advanced Herbal Course is crafted to cater to aspiring professional herbalists, healthcare practitioners, and students seeking growth in their holistic health careers. Moreover, it serves as a valuable resource for individuals who wish to expand their knowledge beyond the Intermediate Herbal Course, establish herbal product businesses, or offer herbalism education. With a strong emphasis on academic rigor, this program cultivates a robust knowledge base for budding professional herbalists while fostering critical thinking skills, crucial for the hands-on clinical training essential in the journey towards becoming a clinical herbalist. This comprehensive 14-Unit program is available to students who have completed the Intermediate Herbal Course or have gained practical experience through workshops and self-study, ensuring a solid intermediate-level herbal foundation.
Herbalist Path Packages
The Herbal Academy also offers different herbalist path packages that are designed to provide a comprehensive learning experience. Each package consists of multiple courses thoughtfully grouped together to guide you along a specific path in herbalism.
One of their popular packages is the Family Herbalist Path. This path is perfect for those interested in utilizing herbs for their own families’ well-being. With this package, you’ll gain a solid foundation in herbalism and learn practical skills for incorporating herbs into your family’s daily life.
If you’re aspiring to become a professional herbalist, you might want to explore either the Professional or Clinical Herbalist Path. These paths are designed for individuals who want to deepen their knowledge and pursue a career in herbalism. By following these paths, you’ll acquire the skills and expertise necessary for working with clients and providing personalized herbal protocols.
The Herbal Academy’s herbalist path packages provide a structured and comprehensive approach to learning herbalism. By grouping together complementary courses, they ensure that you receive a well-rounded education and can tailor your learning journey according to your interests and goals. Whether you’re focused on family herbalism, clinical practice, or the integration of herbalism and business, these packages offer a cohesive and enriching experience.
Short Courses
Overall, the Herbal Academy offers a variety of online herbalism courses that cater to different levels of experience and interests. The courses are self-paced and include a variety of learning styles to accommodate different types of learners. The teachers are knowledgeable and provide helpful feedback and support throughout the courses. The courses also include a variety of materials such as PDFs, documents, printouts, recipe cards, and herbal charts that make it easy to understand and apply the information.
Course Content & Teaching Methods
Each course presented by the Herbal Academy is divided into units, which act as building blocks for your herbal education. These units are thoughtfully organized, covering specific topics and skills to ensure a systematic progression of learning. The course content is designed to be both informative and practical, empowering students with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in the world of herbalism.
Within each unit, you’ll find a wealth of valuable resources. By utilizing a combination of written lessons, video tutorials, interactive quizzes, practical assignments, supplemental materials, and an online community, the Herbal Academy employs a comprehensive set of teaching methods and tools to create an engaging and immersive learning experience. These approaches cater to different learning styles, enhance comprehension, and empower students to apply their knowledge in practical ways.
Overall, I found the teaching methods to be effective and engaging, and the resources well-designed and easy to use.
Let’s explore the different approaches they use to present their courses:
Written Lessons: The courses feature well-crafted written lessons that serve as the foundation of the learning material. These lessons provide comprehensive information, including herbal profiles, therapeutic uses, formulation techniques, and more. They are designed to be clear, concise, and accessible, making complex concepts easier to understand.
Video Tutorials: One of the standout features of the Herbal Academy’s courses is the inclusion of video tutorials. These videos bring the learning material to life by providing visual demonstrations of herbal preparations, hands-on techniques, and practical applications. Students can watch and learn as instructors guide them through the process, enhancing comprehension and providing a valuable visual component.
Interactive Quizzes: Throughout the courses, interactive quizzes are incorporated to reinforce learning and assess understanding. These quizzes allow students to test their knowledge, identify areas that may need further review, and solidify the information learned. They serve as a valuable tool for self-assessment and tracking progress.
Practical Assignments: The Herbal Academy understands the importance of practical application in herbal education. Therefore, they often include practical assignments that encourage students to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios. These assignments can range from creating herbal preparations to formulating personalized herbal protocols, allowing students to develop their skills and gain hands-on experience.
Supplemental Materials: In addition to the core course content, the Herbal Academy provides a range of supplemental materials to enhance the learning experience. These may include printable handouts, reference materials, recommended reading lists, and access to additional resources. These supplemental materials provide students with further insights, references, and tools to deepen their understanding of the subject matter.
Online Community: As a student of the Herbal Academy, I was impressed with the sense of community that the school fosters. They really aim to foster a supportive online community for students to connect and engage with fellow herbal enthusiasts. This community offered through a Facebook group is a platform for discussion, collaboration, and sharing experiences. It allows students to seek guidance, ask questions, and learn from others who share a passion for herbalism. I found this group to be very helpful, especially when I was working on assignments and needed some extra support or inspiration. The group is moderated by the Herbal Academy staff, who are always available to answer questions and provide guidance.
Accessible Online Platform: The courses are presented through an intuitive and user-friendly online platform. This platform provides easy navigation, allowing students to progress through the course materials seamlessly. It also enables students to track their progress, review completed lessons, and access course materials at their convenience.
Student Support: One of the best things about the Herbal Academy’s student community is the level of support that is available. The teachers are always available to answer questions and provide guidance, and there is also a student support team that can help with any technical issues or other concerns. I found this to be incredibly helpful, especially when I was just starting out and had a lot of questions.
Pros and Cons of Online Herbal Education
Pros:
- Flexibility: Online herbal education allows for self-paced learning, giving students the freedom to study at their own convenience.
- Accessible Resources: Online platforms provide a wealth of resources, including comprehensive course materials, video lectures, and interactive discussions.
- Community Engagement: Many online herbal education schools foster a sense of community through forums, online groups, and live webinars, allowing students to connect with like-minded individuals and experienced herbalists.
- Expert Instruction: Online herbal education programs often feature instructors who are experienced herbalists, providing valuable insights and guidance.
- Affordability: Online programs can be more affordable compared to traditional in-person herbal education, as they eliminate expenses associated with travel and physical classroom facilities.
Cons:
- Limited Hands-on Experience: Online herbal education may lack the hands-on experience and direct mentorship that some students desire, as it can be challenging to replicate physical herb identification and preparation exercises remotely.
- Self-discipline and Motivation: Online learning requires self-motivation and discipline to stay on track with coursework, as there are no in-person classes or fixed schedules to adhere to.
- Limited Networking Opportunities: While online platforms often offer community engagement features, the networking opportunities may not be as extensive as those found in physical herbal schools or workshops.
- Technical Challenges: Accessing online course materials and participating in virtual discussions may require reliable internet connectivity and basic technological skills, which can pose challenges for some individuals.
- Credential Recognition: Depending on your career goals, it’s important to consider if the online herbal education program you choose is recognized or accredited by relevant organizations or institutions in the field.
It’s always recommended to research and review specific programs, including reading testimonials, reviews, and comparing different options, to determine which online herbal education school aligns with your needs and goals.
My One Real Criticism – Lack of Acknowledgement
The Herbal Academy is a respected institution when it comes to herbalism. They’ve got so much knowledge and resources to offer to people like us who are curious about plants and their healing powers. I must say, though, one thing that bothers me is that they don’t always give enough credit to the indigenous and African origins of a lot of the herbal knowledge they teach. It would be great if they could publicly recognize and honor those roots more often.
It is important to acknowledge that herbalism is deeply rooted in traditional practices and wisdom passed down through generations of indigenous cultures worldwide. Many indigenous communities and African cultures have long-standing traditions and extensive knowledge of herbal medicine. These traditions are regularly not given proper credit or recognition within the broader herbal community.
Unfortunately, the Herbal Academy’s courses and materials sometimes lack explicit acknowledgement of the origins and contributions of indigenous and African herbal knowledge. This omission can perpetuate the erasure of traditional knowledge and cultures, leading to a lack of cultural appreciation and recognition.
Recognizing the origins of herbal knowledge is crucial for fostering cultural respect and understanding. It is essential to honor and acknowledge the indigenous and African roots of herbal practices, as they have contributed immensely to the field and have a wealth of knowledge that deserves recognition and appreciation.
As students and practitioners of herbalism, it is our responsibility to seek out diverse sources of knowledge, including those that highlight and celebrate the contributions of indigenous cultures and African traditions. By doing so, we can promote cultural appreciation, ethical practices, and a more comprehensive understanding of herbal medicine.
While the Herbal Academy may fall short in publicly recognizing the indigenous and African origins of herbal knowledge, it is important to continue the conversation and advocate for more inclusive and diverse perspectives within the field. By embracing and honoring the diverse traditions and cultures that contribute to herbalism, we can work towards a more inclusive and respectful approach to plant medicine.
Let's Talk About Cost
When it comes to the cost of online education courses in herbalism, the Herbal Academy definitely stands out as a great option in terms of value. I’ve explored various herb schools over the years, and I’ve found that the Herbal Academy strikes a fantastic balance between affordability and the quality of education provided.
Let’s be real, pursuing education in herbalism can sometimes come with a hefty price tag. However, the Herbal Academy manages to offer their courses at a more accessible price point compared to some other herb schools out there. And here’s the thing, the value you get for that cost is truly impressive. You receive top-notch education, quality course materials, access to an engaged community, and the flexibility to learn at your own pace—all at a price that won’t break the bank.
Of course, the value of any educational experience is subjective, and it ultimately depends on your personal goals and preferences. However, in my experience, the Herbal Academy’s online education courses provide an exceptional balance of cost and value. They offer accessible and comprehensive learning opportunities that empower you to deepen your knowledge of herbalism without draining your bank account.
So, if you’re looking for a high-value online herbal education that won’t break the bank, the Herbal Academy is definitely worth considering. They offer a wealth of knowledge, a supportive community, and a price tag that makes it accessible for aspiring herbalists at any stage of their journey.
Conclusion
As I come to the end of my review of the Herbal Academy Online Herbalism School, I must say that I am thoroughly impressed with the quality of education and resources provided by this institution. Throughout my time as a student, I have experienced a sense of joy and fulfillment that comes from learning about health and wellness through the lens of herbalism.
One of the things that I appreciate most about the Herbal Academy is the way that they prioritize research studies and the expertise of well-known herbalists. This ensures that the information being taught is both traditional and modern, and that it is backed up by science and practical experience.
In addition to the excellent curriculum, I have also benefited greatly from the herbal recipes and herbal actions that I have learned through the Herbal Academy. These have helped me to manage stress, improve my sleep, and support my nervous system and body care.
Another aspect of the Herbal Academy that I found particularly appealing was their commitment to sustainability. They offer a payment plan to make their courses more accessible, and they are based in the USA, which allows for easy access to their resources and support.
Overall, I would highly recommend the Herbal Academy Online Herbalism School to anyone who is interested in learning more about herbalism and improving their health and wellness. Whether you are a homesteader like me, a doctor, or simply someone who wants to explore the world of herbalism, the Herbal Academy has something to offer.
