The
Science & Art
of
Herbalism
The
Science & Art
of
Herbalism
Have you longed to feel confident practicing herbal home care—for yourself, your family, your community?
The heart of this course is the development of a deep personal relationship with the plant world. Many of our students have written telling us that this course has been transformational and one of the most self- empowering studies they have undertaken.
Now, more than ever, we need the gifts of self-care and ceremony. We need herbalists in our homes and communities.
It will take you into your kitchen, gardens, weedy lots, herb stores and apothecaries ~ and if you’re lucky enough, the woodlands, fields, mountain tops and seashores to look for plant medicine.
There will be lots to entertain and engage you in the world of plants. Each individual finds certain areas in these lessons that deeply attracts them and may find they have a certain ‘knack’ for one thing and not another.
Not to worry; that’s exactly what this course is designed to do ~ introduce you to a world of information about herbs and plant medicine ~ and allow you to find those things that your heart most embraces. But don’t hesitate to try the unfamiliar…it’s in the landscape of the unknown that often the greatest treasures lie!
The Science & Art of Herbalism Course Curriculum
The Lessons are designed to provide practical, hands-on experience with each assignment designed to enrich your personal experience with the plant world.
View the Full Course Outline
Module 1 | Lesson One |
Unit 1 | A Letter From Rosemary Gladstar |
Unit 2 | Lesson One Table of Contents |
Unit 3 | Introduction to Rosemary Gladstar's Science & Art of Herbalism Online Course |
Unit 4 | A Little About Your Teacher : Rosemary Gladstar |
Unit 5 | Begin in the Garden: Interview with Rosemary Gladstar |
Unit 6 | How The Lessons Are Arranged |
Unit 7 | Recommended Books & Resources |
Unit 8 | Build Your Own Apothecary |
Unit 9 | Where to get Good-Quality Herbal Products |
Unit 10 | How To Determine Good-Quality Herbs |
Unit 11 | How to Store Your Good-Quality Herbs for Maximum Shelf Life |
Unit 12 | An Introduction to Herbalism Chapter One |
Unit 13 | Herbs or Allopathic Medicine |
Unit 14 | Herbal Preparation |
Unit 15 | Herbal Therapeutics for the Nervous System |
Unit 16 | The Nervous System: An Introduction |
Unit 17 | Herbs for the Nervous System |
Unit 18 | Herbal Nervines |
Unit 19 | Nerve Tonics |
Unit 20 | Nerve Sedatives |
Unit 21 | Nervine Demulcents |
Unit 22 | Nervine Stimulants |
Unit 23 | Important Herbal Nervines: Skullcap |
Unit 24 | Important Herbal Nervines: Valerian |
Unit 25 | Important Herbal Nervines: Hops |
Unit 26 | Important Herbal Nervines: Oats |
Unit 27 | Important Herbal Nervines: California Poppy |
Unit 28 | Important Herbal Nervines: Lemon Balm |
Unit 29 | Important Herbal Nervines: Chamomile |
Unit 30 | Important Herbal Nervines: Feverfew |
Unit 31 | Important Herbal Nervines: Ginseng |
Unit 32 | Important Herbal Nervines: Gota Kola |
Unit 33 | Important Herbal Nervines: Gingko |
Unit 34 | Some Favorite Herbal Nervine Formulas |
Unit 35 | General Suggestions for a Healthy Nervous System |
Unit 36 | Specific Health Problems Related to the Nervous System |
Unit 37 | Headaches: An Overview |
Unit 38 | Vascular Headaches |
Unit 39 | Tension Headaches |
Unit 40 | Migraine Headaches |
Unit 41 | Insomnia |
Unit 42 | Neuralgia or Pain |
Unit 43 | Herpes |
Unit 44 | Depression |
Unit 45 | Nervous System: Conclusion |
Unit 46 | Materia Medica For the Nervous System |
Unit 47 | Sample Materia Medica |
Unit 48 | Wild Plant Identification: "St John's Wort" |
Unit 49 | More on St John's Wort |
Unit 50 | United Plants Savers ~ Saving our Precious Plant Resources |
Unit 51 | Lesson One Projects & Assignments |
Module 2 | Lesson Two |
Unit 1 | Lesson Two Table of Contents |
Unit 2 | Beverage Blends: The Art of Making a Great Cup of Tea |
Unit 3 | Sweet Surrender Tea Blend |
Unit 4 | How to Create Beverage Blends |
Unit 5 | Kava Chai |
Unit 6 | The Man Who Planted Hope |
Unit 7 | Terminology Used to Describe the Medical Action of Herbs |
Unit 8 | How to Determine Measurements for This Course |
Unit 9 | Herbal Preparation: Herbal Oils |
Unit 10 | Herbal Preparation: Salves, Ointments & Balms |
Unit 11 | Solvents |
Unit 12 | Herbal First Aid: Skin Problems & What to do about Them |
Unit 13 | Herbal Therapeutics for the Liver |
Unit 14 | Everyone's Favorite Root Beer |
Unit 15 | Hayfever & Allergies |
Unit 16 | Metabolism, The Liver & Herbs |
Unit 17 | Spring Cleaning for the Body: Cleansing Through Herbs, Diet and Fasting |
Unit 18 | Wild Plant Identification: Mullein |
Unit 19 | The Art of Harvesting Herbs |
Unit 20 | Lesson Two Projects & Assignments |
Module 3 | Lesson Three |
Unit 1 | Lesson Three Table Of Contents |
Unit 2 | Science Versus Art: A Dilemma Unfolding |
Unit 3 | The Sustainable Herbalist; The Sustainable Life |
Unit 4 | Herbal Preparation: Tinctures, Liniments, Capsules & Pills |
Unit 5 | Dr. Kloss’s Famous Disinfecting Liniment |
Unit 6 | Herbal Therapeutics : The Respiratory System |
Unit 7 | Addendum: The Respiratory System |
Unit 8 | Materia Medica for the Respiratory System |
Unit 9 | When to Treat the Respiratory System |
Unit 10 | Suggested Programs to Follow During Respiratory Infections |
Unit 11 | The Fine Art of Drying, Harvesting and Storing Herbs |
Unit 12 | Herbal Identification: Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) |
Unit 13 | Creating Effective Herb Formulas for Health & Healing |
Unit 14 | Lesson Three Projects & Assignments |
Module 4 | Lesson Four |
Unit 1 | Lesson Four Table of Contents |
Unit 2 | The Science & Art of Herbalism: Lesson Four |
Unit 3 | "The Successful Herbalist" by Juliette de Bairacli Levy |
Unit 4 | The Greatness of Being an Herbalist |
Unit 5 | Herbs for Children |
Unit 6 | Which Herbs are Safe for Children |
Unit 7 | Materia Medica for Children |
Unit 8 | How to Determine Dosage for Children |
Unit 9 | How to Administer Herbs to Children |
Unit 10 | General Formulas for Strengthening and Building Healthy Systems in Our Children |
Unit 11 | Herbal Remedies For Children's Health Problems |
Unit 12 | Recipes For Children's Products |
Unit 13 | The Major Chemical Constituents of Plants |
Unit 14 | Herbal Therapuetics: The Urinary System |
Unit 15 | Herbs for the Urinary System |
Unit 16 | Materia Medica for the Urinary System |
Unit 17 | Healthy Kidneys |
Unit 18 | Common Imbalances of the Kidneys |
Unit 19 | Basic Aromatherapy |
Unit 20 | Essential Oils |
Unit 21 | Aromatherapy Charts |
Unit 22 | Herbal Dreams |
Unit 23 | Wild Herb Identification: Dandelion (taraxacum Officinal) |
Unit 24 | Herb Directory |
Unit 25 | Foundations of Health |
Unit 26 | Deep Sleep TIncture |
Unit 27 | Lesson Four Projects & Assignments |
Module 5 | Lesson Five |
Unit 1 | Table of Contents |
Unit 2 | Herbal Pet Care |
Unit 3 | Materia Medica for Pet Care |
Unit 4 | Herbal Preparation: Charmoon's 6th Chakra Sauce |
Unit 5 | Common Health Problems of Animals |
Unit 6 | The Sciences of Herbs |
Unit 7 | Compresses & Poultices |
Unit 8 | Herbal Stimulants |
Unit 9 | Herbal Stimulants: Materia Medica |
Unit 10 | Stevia And Guarana |
Unit 11 | The Integumentary System |
Unit 12 | Natural Cosmetics |
Unit 13 | Traveler's First Aid Kit |
Unit 14 | Making Your Herbal First-Aid Kit |
Unit 15 | Lavender Antiseptic & Calming Spritzer |
Unit 16 | Herbal Remedies for Radiation |
Unit 17 | Rosemary’s Famous Face Cream |
Unit 18 | Magical Cleansing Miracle Grains |
Unit 19 | Peppermint Tooth Powder & Herbal Dental Care |
Unit 20 | Addendum: The Integumentary System |
Unit 21 | Addendum: Traveler's Herbal First Aid Kit |
Unit 22 | Wild Plant Identification: Chickweed (Stellaria Media) |
Unit 23 | Lesson Five Projects & Assignments |
Module 6 | Lesson Six |
Unit 1 | Table of Contents |
Unit 2 | The Women’s Reproductive System |
Unit 3 | Herbs For Women's Health |
Unit 4 | Books on Women's Health |
Unit 5 | Women's Ceremony and Ritual |
Unit 6 | Herbs for the Female Reproductive System |
Unit 7 | General Guidelines for a Healthy Female System |
Unit 8 | Specific Treatments for Common Health Problems |
Unit 9 | Pregnancy and Childbirth |
Unit 10 | Menopause and Croneship |
Unit 11 | Addendum: The Women’s Reproductive System |
Unit 12 | Lesson Six Projects & Assignments |
Module 7 | Lesson Seven |
Unit 1 | Table of Contents |
Unit 2 | Creating Medicinal Formulas |
Unit 3 | Creating a Medicinal Herbal Formula |
Unit 4 | Examples of Formulation and Exercises to Do |
Unit 5 | Herbs for Winter Health |
Unit 6 | Favorite Winter Time Recipes |
Unit 7 | Herbal Pills: Throat Balls |
Unit 8 | Honey Onion Syrup |
Unit 9 | Herbal Remedies for Winter Health Problems |
Unit 10 | Gypsy Cold Tea Care |
Unit 11 | Traditional Fire Cider Recipe & Benefits Guide with Rosemary Gladstar (Audio) |
Unit 12 | Fire Cider |
Unit 13 | Herbal Therapeutics for the Male Reproductive System |
Unit 14 | General Guidelines for Male Health Care |
Unit 15 | Materia Medica For The Male Reproductive System |
Unit 16 | Herbal Tonics For The Male System |
Unit 17 | Specific Health Problems Related to the Male System |
Unit 18 | The Endocrine System |
Unit 19 | Herbs & Health Care For Males by James Green, Herbalist |
Unit 20 | Wild Plant Identification Yellow Dock (rumex crispus) |
Unit 21 | Addendum: The Endocrine System |
Unit 22 | Lesson Seven Projects & Assignments |
Module 8 | Lesson Eight |
Unit 1 | Table of Contents |
Unit 2 | Herb Gardening |
Unit 3 | The Basics of Gardening |
Unit 4 | Recommended Books On Herb Gardening |
Unit 5 | Designing The Herb Garden |
Unit 6 | The Culinary Garden |
Unit 7 | Recipes For Your Culinary Garden |
Unit 8 | The Medicinal Garden |
Unit 9 | The Medicine Wheel Garden For The Various Body Systems |
Unit 10 | How I Built My Herb Garden by Dorothy Brightbill |
Unit 11 | Zigzag to Success |
Unit 12 | Gardening Products, Herb Seeds And Plants |
Unit 13 | Making Your Own Herbarium |
Unit 14 | Making a Plant Press |
Unit 15 | Herbal First Aide: Infestations |
Unit 16 | Herbal Preparation: Vitamin and Mineral Formulas |
Unit 17 | Herbal Therapeutics: The Digestive System |
Unit 18 | The Digestive System |
Unit 19 | Notes on the Digestive System |
Unit 20 | Materia Medica for Lesson Eight |
Unit 21 | Imbalance of the Digestive System and Corresponding Herbal Treatments |
Unit 22 | Herbal Pills: Ginger Balls |
Unit 23 | Lesson Eight Projects & Assignments |
Module 9 | Lesson Nine |
Unit 1 | Table of Contents |
Unit 2 | Preventive Health: Developing a Personal Health Program |
Unit 3 | Designing a Personalized Health Program |
Unit 4 | Your Personal Health Profile |
Unit 5 | How To Build An Effective Protocol |
Unit 6 | Clinical Mock Up Cases |
Unit 7 | Herbs For The Cardiovascular System |
Unit 8 | Sprinkles For the Heart |
Unit 9 | The Cardiovascular System |
Unit 10 | Chaga Chai Latte |
Unit 11 | Spring Cleaning for the Body, Mind and Spirit |
Unit 12 | Legal Herbalism |
Unit 13 | How to Handle an FDA or State Inspection |
Unit 14 | Legal Aspect of Herbal Prescribing |
Unit 15 | The Question of "Safe" and "Unsafe" Herbs |
Unit 16 | Herbs Are Often More Toxic Than Magical |
Unit 17 | Are Herbs Really Safe to Use; Could our Ancestors have been Wrong? |
Unit 18 | Food for Thought |
Unit 19 | Lesson Nine Projects & Assignments |
Module 10 | Lesson Ten |
Unit 1 | Table of Contents |
Unit 2 | Sageing Graciously: Herbs for Longivity and Well Being |
Unit 3 | Wild Herb Identification |
Unit 4 | Wild Food Cooking |
Unit 5 | The Recipes |
Unit 6 | Flower Essences |
Unit 7 | Directions for Making the Flower Essences |
Unit 8 | Rescue Remedy |
Unit 9 | Bach Flower Essences |
Unit 10 | Foods For Immune Health |
Unit 11 | Immune System = Is = it Just Is |
Unit 12 | The Immune System |
Unit 13 | Fu Zheng: The Art & Science of Herbal Tonification |
Unit 14 | Materia Medica for the Immune System |
Unit 15 | Resources for Continuing Your Herbal Studies |
Unit 16 | The Oath Hippocrates |
Unit 17 | Parting Words |
Unit 18 | Major Chinese Herbs and the Immune System |
Unit 19 | The Way of Herbs |
Unit 20 | Chia Seed Pudding |
Unit 21 | Medicinal Basil Pesto |
Unit 22 | Addendum: Foods For A Healthy Immune Health |
Unit 23 | Lesson Ten Projects & Assignments |
But perhaps you are longing for more and you need a community to inspire and motivate you. We understand. This is a key reason we offer The Science & Art of Herbalism in an online format.
Our online course includes a thriving, vibrant community of thousands of fellow herbalists, plant lovers, and teachers from all around the world. Our forums are actively moderated by our Director of Education, Helen Ward, and fellow teacher, Lora Krall – both long-time practicing herbalists. This inclusive, supportive community provides a space for you to ask questions, share ideas, and collaborate with other herbalists.
Our Online Course also includes 3 years access to…

Rosemary’s Remedies
In this exclusive series of 22 videos, Rosemary shares some of her favorite herbal remedies with us!

Foundations of Herbalism
Join Rosemary for an introduction to medicinal herbalism. Sells for $39.99 – included for you for free!

250+ Recipes
Hundreds of Rosemary’s herbal recipes and formulas, beautifully formatted for printing.

Updated Protocols and Content
A key benefit of our online course – we’re able to provide updated content more frequently!

Exclusive Online-Only Content
Guest herbalists and teachers, plant walks with Rosemary, updated Plant Profiles, and more.

Discounts for Herbal Supplies
Who doesn’t love discounts?
All students actively enrolled in our course are eligible!

Rosemary’s Remedies
In this exclusive series of 22 videos, Rosemary shares some of her favorite herbal remedies with us!

Foundations of Herbalism
Join Rosemary for an introduction to medicinal herbalism. Sells for $39.99 – included for you for free!

250+ Recipes
Hundreds of Rosemary’s herbal recipes and formulas, beautifully formatted for printing.

Updated Protocols and Content
A key benefit of our online course – we’re able to provide updated content more frequently!

Exclusive Online-Only Content
Guest herbalists and teachers, plant walks with Rosemary,updated Plant Profiles, and more.

Discounts for Herbal Supplies
Who doesn’t love discounts?
All students actively enrolled in our course are eligible!
All Course Options Include 3 Years of Homework Review
We want you to feel confident in your knowledge of herbal medicine. We’ve built a team of practicing herbalists and teachers to review and provide feedback on your homework assignments. Your final homework assignment is reviewed personally by Rosemary!
Meet Your Course Teachers

Rosemary Gladstar
Founder and Herbalist

Helen Ward
Education Director and Student Empowerment

April Alexander

Barclay Hastings

Debbie McSweeney

Evelyn Mueller

Gale LaScala

Gracie Phillips

Jane Souza

Janet Blevins

Kelly Marie Hoffman

Lesley Wooler

Lora Krall

Michelle Wallace

Penelope Beaudrow

Sue Sanders

Upon completion of all homework, you will receive a beautiful Certificate of Completion signed by Rosemary Gladstar
But, even more importantly, you will have gained the practical knowledge and experience of working with plants and their generous gift of plant medicine.
You will experience a deeper understanding of self-care and be able to share that with your friends, your family, and your community.
You can experience the best of both worlds with our Combo Course!
For a limited time only, you can register for BOTH the print course and our online program for just
$450
– a savings of $300!

This opportunity expires on February 15 at midnight ET so don’t delay!
Join thousands of other students who have transformed their lives through the beauty and joy of right relationship with the wonderful plants that we share our world with.
Prefer our Print or Online-only options?
We’ve got you covered!
Join our Online-Only Program (no printed material) for just
$295
– a savings of $80!
This opportunity expires on February 15 at midnight ET so don’t delay!
Purchase our Print-Only Course for just
$295
– a savings of $80!
This opportunity expires on February 15 at midnight ET so don’t delay!
Read what other students have shared…
Rosemary’s honesty and kindness came through with her videos and her writing. Her relaxed methods are logical! She shares her style, always acknowledging that there are other ways that work as well. She laughs at herself! It is clear Rosemary enjoys life. She is authentic! I love that.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will it take me to complete the Course?
The length of time it takes to complete the course varies from student to student. It usually takes students between 5 and 15 hours per lesson, but because it is self-study it is really up to you how much time you give to each lesson.
We have found that dedicated students typically complete the course in about a year – although some finish it more quickly. However, it is common that life events come up, or it is easy to get a little sidetracked, so Rosemary offers a three-year timeframe to complete the course.
This allows a little flexibility if things come up, but having a deadline can be good motivation to get the course finished. If a student does need more time or would like to continue to have access to the online campus, there is a small fee to extend the course.
What if I don't complete the Course in three years?
Am I an herbalist and can I get a job after I finish the course?
Dear Friend,
We have a number of people who ask us if it's possible to get a job as an herbalist after they finish my home study course. Well, there are so many levels of answers to that question…
First and foremost, this course is designed for beginner/intermediate students and for people interested in using herbs for personal health care for their families and friends. If you are planning to become an herbalist and an herbal practitioner, this course provides the foundation and the basic knowledge needed, but it won’t prepare you to go into professional herbal practice.
However, many of our students apply themselves fully to their studies, do exceptional work, and bring a deep and abiding love of plants to their studies. These students often create or find jobs working with plants in a number of capacities; working as adjunct counselors, working in herb shops, making products, farming with medicinal plants, and even going into practice if they’ve had previous experience. Also, many of our students have studied herbalism previously and after they graduate from this course, they go on to study further if they wish to become professional herbalists. These students have great likelihood of finding jobs because of their previous in-depth knowledge and experience.
So, yes, there are jobs and opportunities out their for herbalists, many of them self created. But no one course, especially a home study course, will prepare you for professional practice. As in any other profession, especially those involving health care, it requires years of study and a heartful life long dedication. With herbalism as with many other health care professionals, an apprenticeship is helpful and/or the opportunity to work in an herbal health clinic under guidance to gain experience.
I hope this is helpful, I realize it’s a simple question; will I be prepared to work as an herbalist? But the answer is not so simple. As a reminder, even students who study and graduate from four-year universities are often not prepared for ‘professional practice’, nor are they guaranteed jobs. It’s a matter of how they apply themselves, the type of work they wish to go into, etc. With herbalism, there are so many different ways we can ‘practice’ our healing art: as gardeners, growers, herbal product makers, home health care (taking care of our personal needs and those of family and friends), cosmetics, plant spirit practitioners, adjunct practitioners, herbal educators, etc. etc. Some of these fields require more skills and experience than others do.
Wishing you all the very best as you pursue your love of plants and your quest for knowledge.
Green Blessings,
Rosemary Gladstar
What are the primary differences between the "Classic" Printed & Online versions of the course?
The online and printed versions present the same core information. The printed version has the benefit of having the printed binder while the online version includes interactive student forums, Rosemary’s personal plant notes, mini lessons from guest herbalists, and other supplemental materials.
As a print student, do I have access to the student forum, "Rosemary's Remedies" videos and "The Foundations of Herbalism" video series?
Access to the student forum and all of our videos is only available to our online students. We are happy, however, to offer the Foundations of Herbalism video series for individual purchase here.
What additional materials will I need to complete the course?
This is a 'hands on' course and is filled with projects and activities that require making salves, tinctures, and other recipes. None of the herbs or materials needed to make these products are included in the course.
We do supply students with a list of sources where you can purchase the herbs and ingredients needed. We give suggestions for supplemental reference books that our students should consider purchasing, however, so long as they are good herbals, you can use whichever books already have.
How much with it cost to purchase the herbs, ingredients and reference books needed to complete the course?
Well, it truly depends on how much of each item you purchase, how many herb books you decide to buy, etc. The minimal amount for the 10 lessons would be around $100 extra for the necessary herbs and materials to complete the projects in each lesson (making tinctures, salves, creams, oils, syrups). If someone is thrifty and knows how to save, and/or grows their own herbs, uses recycled containers, etc., the cost could be less. But if someone was extravagant, the price would be much higher!
Will the course make me a Registered/Master Herbalist?
The Science and Art of Herbalism is a wonderful and well-respected course. Students who satisfactorily complete all ten homework assignments receive a lovely certificate for completing the coursework. However, there is no way that a home study course, no matter how well written, could possibly provide the years of hands-on experience and study required to achieve the title of Master Herbalist. The Science & Art of Herbalism course will provide a very strong foundation on the road to herbal knowledge, but only you will know when you are ready to start working with patients outside of yourself and family.
To get the kind of hands-on practice one needs to open a practice, you really should attend an onsite school, learning directly from teachers and getting clinical practice by working one on one with others in a supervised way. At least, that's what Rosemary suggests. There are schools that do this, some that offer full time programs and others that offer shorter programs for those, like yourself, that already have some training.
You might just wish to take a short-term program that augments what you already know and gives you that invaluable one on one hands on clinical practice. Schools and programs that you might wish to look into include: David Winston's Clinical Training program (this course can be taken long distance, but David is actually teaching it in a classroom with students and some long distance learning students are included- although this is the last year he will be the main teacher), Maryland University of Integrative Health (offers full time accredited herbal training programs), The Vermont Center for Integrative Herbalism, The California School of Herbal Studies, and there are other programs as well.
For more information on becoming a registered herbalist, and other school listings, you may want to look around the American Herbalist Guild or the New England Herbal Association website.