BECOMING A HERBALIST
If you wish to become a Herbalist, your first
step is to begin educating yourself. This can be done by attending a reputable
Herbal College in the US, Canada, or the UK, or by taking Correspondence courses.
Some courses teach a specific system of Herbal Medicine and others integrate the
main systems of herbal medicine which are based on the traditional practice of
Western, Chinese and Ayurvedic (East Indian) herbal medicine.
Herbal medicine
is not only a profession, but it is a spiritual path. If you feel that you are
one of those who feel an inner calling as you read read this article, visit the
links below. A wise person once said that whatever energy is expended towards
education is never lost.
As you investigate the herbal schools, determine
if the basic course covers the relevent areas of knowledge including:
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specific remedies for different conditions;
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herbal therapeutics;
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the use of food and herbs in health and healing;
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the
foundations of Herbal theory; and,
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providing the essential principles
of herbs, including diet and energy
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teaching the principles of
disease and diagnosis within the frameworks of Western, Ayurvedic or Chinese medical
systems.
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teaching herbal preparation, therapeutics and formulary.
The second course you must take is intended for the herbal professional and
for those seeking to go deeper into the theory and practice of advanced Herbology.
It should include additional studies in diagnosis and treatment of disease.
The
course should consists of:
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An extensive and comprehensive materia
medica, including most herbs and medicines from around the world.
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A
section emphasizing the clinical diagnosis of specific diseases and the maintenance
of health.
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A section which brings together all of the knowledge
of the previous lessons to enable the student be a competent herbal consultant.
Below are various links to sites that will help you find information about
various schools, herbal systems and supplies.