Master Herbalist - a designation that invokes trust & confidence.
If you have been searching for online herbalist courses or master herbalist diploma courses, you have most likely found that we expect a lot from our students. Yes, we do require more books and tests than most herbalist programs! The title of Master Herbalist denotes proficiency in the use of herbs, it is important that you are able to competently and effectively use herbs for natural healthcare.
Your herbal studies will include:
- An extensive modern & traditional herbal materia medica
- Herbal preparation directions and required projects
- Math formulas for herbal tinctures
- Thorough client case studies
- Dozens of specific formulations
- Studies in botany, vitamins & minerals, aromatherapy, and more!
Our Master Herbalist course is a rigorous and valuable program designed for the serious student seeking a professional working knowledge of herbalism. Your studies will include the vast knowledge that traditional herbalism has provided and the modern view of herbal constituents and scientific studies. All books and resources have been selected to give students a solid foundation of knowledge.
Not all herbal students have an interest in opening a natural health office. The duties of a herbalist often vary according to the individual’s talents as well as the desired expression of such knowledge and creativity. For instance, some herbalists are avid foragers and know much about plant identification, growth and habitats, as well as the medicinal and/or food uses of plants. Other herbalists are professional seed savers, farmers, or gardeners. Still others like to make herbal remedies such as infusions, decoctions, tinctures, salves, creams, and medicinal syrups.
Real Time: Led by Sharlene Peterson every 4-6 weeks, Real Time is a live, open-discussion meeting that is held online. Come and collect clinical “pearls,” as well as ask questions and engage in a variety of health-related conversations.
Accreditation: Graduates of our online herbal classes, Master Herbalist or Clinical Master Herbalist, are eligible to apply for Board Certification with the American Association of Drugless Practitioners. Certification is voluntary – not required to work as an herbalist. Please read “Certified Herbalist – Facts & Fiction” at the bottom of this web page.
Genesis School of Natural Health is a member of the American Herbalist Guild.
Student Testimonial: “Attending classes with Genesis School of Natural Health has truly been the best thing I’ve ever done for myself and those within my circle who are looking for guidance on herbal tips and tricks. It’s a real eye-opener to make the change from decades of trusting in conventional medicines and ‘food’ companies to believing in a more holistic approach. Each and every book hand-selected from GSNH staff will keep you engaged in learning…you will want to keep ALL of the books!”. Carla
Detailed study manuals include:
- Menstruum & Math for Herbalists
- Parasites of Human Interest
- Vitamins, Minerals & Supplements
- Nutrition & Health
Student Accounts: Students enrolled in our herbal and holistic health diploma courses are eligible for student accounts with several professional herbal, homeopathic, and supplement companies. Companies include Energetix, DesBio, MarcoPharma, Professional Formulas, Systemic Formulas, and more.
Overview: Master Herbalist Online Course

- 39 credit hours/468 study hours
- 6 books to purchase
- 4 manuals/PDF books that are included
- 3 projects to complete
- 4 case studies
- 5 bonus guides and one video included
- Business resources
Estimated time to complete the master herbalist course is 12-16 months. The estimated time is a guideline. It is possible to finish your online herbalist program earlier if you have the time to devote to your studies.
Estimated time to complete: 2-3 months
- A125 Aroma/Herbs & Pregnancy: Aromatherapy & Herbal Remedies for Pregnancy by Demetria Clark
- AV10 The Difference between Herbs & Essential Oils by Darlene Jorgens (audio/video)
- G415 Studies in Botany: Botany in a Day, 6th edition, by Thomas J. Elpel
- SG30 Herbal Reference Project
- Guide: Herbal Adaptogens by Sharlene Peterson (download)
Estimated time to complete: 3-4 months
- M200 Nutrition & Health by Sharlene Peterson (download)
- M310 Vitamin, Minerals & Supplements by Darlene Jorgens (download)
- G440 Properties & Formulas: School of Natural Healing by Dr. John R. Christopher
- Guide: Herbal Infusions & Teas by Sharlene Peterson (download)
Estimated time to complete: 4-5 months
- M220 Menstruum & Math for Herbalists by Sharlene Peterson (download)
- G350 Herbs and Physiology: Herbal ABC’s: The Foundation of Herbal Medicine by Dr. Sharol Marie Tilgner
- G400 Herbal Preparations: The Herbal Medicine Maker’s Handbook by James Green
- SG31 Herbal Preparation Projects (Herbal medicine-making)
- Guide: Lung Health & Herbal Support by Sharlene Peterson (download)
Estimated time to complete: 3-4 months
- M250 Parasites of Human Interest: by Sharlene Peterson (download)
- G470 Herbal Repertory: Earthwise Herbal Repertory by Matthew Wood
- Guide: Herbal Medicine Chest: Teas & Infusions by Sharlene Peterson (download)
- Guide: Three Unrivaled Antiviral Herbs by Sharlene Peterson (download)
Case Studies: The modalities used in these case studies are based upon herbal remedies, homeopathics, dietary changes, and supplements. This is an excellent opportunity for student exposure to the thought processes that support the “holistic” aspect of their diploma program. Further recommendations, for supporting the healing processes of the specific clients featured in these case studies, have been added to the end of each presentation for your consideration.
Each case study is available as an audio/video and includes a PDF with complete class notes, the symptom form, and supplement recommendation form. Each case study will take about an hour and covers a real past client. For privacy, names and identifiable information has been changed.
- SG21 Client Case Studies #1
- SG22 Client Case Studies #2
- SG23 Client Case Studies #3
- SG24 Client Case Studies #4
ATTENTION Military, Police & First Responders. Receive 25% off diploma programs. This discount applies to all who have served, are currently serving, and their spouse. Thank you for your service! For discount directions please use the Enroll Today link above.
- Add the Clinical Master Herbalist program at any time for $1,200.00 (Double-diploma CMH & MH)
- Add the Natural Health Consultant program at any time for $950.00 (Double-diploma Master Herbalist & NHC)
Certified Herbalist - Facts & Fiction
Many herbal students want to know whether they can become a certified or licensed herbalist after completing online herbal classes. The truth is, there is currently no certifying agency or licensing board for herbalists in the United States. When you see a school offer certification for an herbalist or promote herbalist diploma courses with the titles Certified Herbalist or Certified Master Herbalist it is, in our opinion, a deception.
Most schools that offer herbalist programs provide a certificate of completion when you have completed your studies, but this is not the same as obtaining certification from an official board that has legal authority. Herbalists who claim to be “certified” have been misinformed.
TRUTH: If you live in the United States, you can use, sell, recommend, formulate herbal remedies, and charge for herbal services without a license or certification.
Master Herbalist Diploma Course – Online Herbal Classes
A burgeoning passion for medicinal plants combined with a desire to support people in their recovery process are two distinct indicators of an intense “herbal” fire burning within one’s soul. The field of study is called herbalism, which is the practice of utilizing plant materials in a manner that supports the body’s ability to maintain wellness and to heal itself. In times past, herbalism was known as the “medicine of the people.” Herbal artisans were called “healers” or the “apothecary.” In modern times these same people would be called herbalists.
There are precious few who have experienced the passing down of esoteric knowledge through familial generations. Therefore, it has become common for modern day herbalists to seek out knowledge and training regarding the utilization and safety of medicinal plants and to intentionally gain an intimate experience with these wonderful, unique, and beautiful creations of immense benefit to mankind.
What is a Master Herbalist?
A Master Herbalist is a title that denotes proficiency in the use of herbs. What a Master Herbalist actually does often varies with the individual’s talents as well as the desired expression of such knowledge and creativity. This is where it gets exciting.
For instance, some herbalists are avid foragers and know much about plant identification, growth and habitats, as well as the medicinal and/or food uses of plants – a study called botany. Other herbalists are professional seed savers, farmers, or gardeners that specialize in providing plants for other gardeners, medicinal, or culinary use.
Still others like to compound herbs and make herbal remedies such as infusions, decoctions, tinctures, salves, creams, medicinal syrups, suppositories, and encapsulations. Yet others find creativity and fulfillment in formulating lines of natural cosmetics, bath and body products, household cleaners, and personal hygiene items.
Herbalists often find pleasure in teaching others how to incorporate herbs into their daily lives. Still, some master herbalists spend their time studying and writing books, articles, and blogs while others capture the distinct beauty and intricacies of herbs through art, photography, painting, and crafts.
Due to the popularity of pets, herbs are becoming more sought out in the support of the natural health and wellbeing of animals such as dogs, cats, and horses. Once again, we find our beloved Master Herbalists stepping forward to bridge the gap.
Some herbalists work in retail helping customers make the right product selections while others work in an herbal apothecary setting selling herbs by weight, or mixing herbal blends to help with specific ailments. However, most commonly, herbalists are self-employed wellness consultants who observe and assess clients to offer natural solutions for their health issues and to maintain proper wellness.
Many licensed practitioners (doctors, chiropractors, nurses, massage and physical therapists, etc.) are adding herbalism to their knowledge base as well as carving out a space in their clinics for professional herbalists and other natural health professionals. Lots of moms just want to be grounded and knowledgeable in using safe and natural remedies with their family and friends. Others simply want to be an herbal resource for their local communities. Whichever way one chooses to express their passion for herbs is valuable and necessary at this point in time when many people are searching for gentle, yet effective alternatives to strengthen their bodies.
If you are interested in online herbal classes and are unsure of what your long term goals might “look like,” relax, you have time. It is not unusual for a vision to develop as our students progress through the online Master Herbalist diploma course at Genesis School of Natural Health.
Do you have questions about this or any of the programs at Genesis School of Natural Health? Please use our contact form and we will email and/or call – you may choose on the contact form if you prefer a call or would like to use email.
“In my opinion, no one in the medical profession has reached infinity of thought. No one can claim authority over another’s right to heal. By using herbs to heal, the very plants we walk alongside on the earth, we not only create empowerment within ourselves, but also identify and connect with dis-ease, allow it a swifter passage for greater healing to be made”. – Niki Senior, Master Herbalist