How to become a herbal medicine practitioner in Australia

If you've ever brewed chamomile tea to wind down after a long day or added turmeric to your meals for its health benefits, you've already dipped your toes into herbal medicine.

Many of these practices are also deeply rooted in traditions like Traditional Chinese Medicine, which continues to inspire modern herbal therapies today. But what does it take to go from casual curiosity to professional practice?

Herbal medicine is more than just mixing plants and hoping for the best. In Australia, it’s a recognised profession with established educational pathways, national associations, and growing demand in holistic health circles.

Let’s explore how you can become a qualified herbal medicine practitioner and what the journey might look like.

What exactly does a herbalist do?

Herbalists are trained to assess clients and formulate plant-based remedies tailored to their individual health needs. They use medicinal plants in various forms, including:

• Infusions and decoctions (herbal teas)

• Tinctures (alcohol-based extracts)

• Capsules and tablets

• Ointments, salves and creams

While some herbalists run their own clinics, others work alongside GPs, naturopaths, and acupuncturists in integrative health settings. Herbalists take a whole-person approach, considering lifestyle, emotional health, and diet, not just the physical symptoms.

Why become a herbal medicine practitioner?

There are plenty of reasons to pursue herbal medicine as a career:

• Rising interest in natural therapies: More Australians are seeking holistic options for long-term health issues.

• A meaningful profession: You’ll be helping people heal naturally and supporting their long-term wellbeing.

• Diverse career paths: From private practice and retreats to teaching, writing, or product formulation.

• Personal growth: Studying herbal medicine also deepens your relationship with nature, sustainability and your own health.

It’s not just a job — for many, it’s a lifestyle and a calling.

What qualifications do you need to become a herbalist in Australia?

To become a professional herbal medicine practitioner in Australia, you'll need to complete a Bachelor of Health Science (Western Herbal Medicine). This degree is typically offered through accredited institutions and is designed to prepare you for real-world practice with a combination of scientific, clinical, and holistic knowledge.

Course duration and content

Most degree programs take three years of full-time study, or the equivalent part-time, and offer blended delivery options (on-campus, online, or both). This flexibility allows many students to balance study with other commitments.

Course content is broad and rigorous, covering:

• Materia medica: Deep dives into hundreds of medicinal plants, their actions, constituents, dosages, and traditional uses

• Herbal pharmacology and phytochemistry: Understanding how plant compounds affect the body at a biochemical level

• Clinical examination and diagnosis: Learning how to assess clients safely and effectively

• Pathophysiology and human biology: Building your understanding of disease processes and anatomy

• Evidence-based practice: Training in research literacy so you can integrate modern science with traditional knowledge

• Case management and dispensing: Skills to prepare herbal formulations and manage long-term client care

• Practice management: Includes ethics, record-keeping, legal responsibilities, and business skills for running a clinic

You’ll also undertake supervised clinical training, typically in student-led clinics, where you'll assess and treat real clients under the guidance of qualified practitioners. This hands-on experience is essential for developing diagnostic confidence and safe prescribing practices.

Graduates meet the minimum educational standards set by industry bodies such as the NHAA, making them eligible for membership, insurance, and recognition as qualified herbal medicine practitioners in Australia.

According to the NHAA, programs must include at least 1,400 hours of theory and 400 clinical hours to meet national standards (NHAA Accreditation Standards).

Entry requirements

To get into a Bachelor program, you'll generally need to:

• Have completed Year 12 or hold an equivalent qualification

• Meet English language requirements

• Submit supporting documents, such as a personal statement or references

If you’re not ready to commit to a full degree, some schools offer short courses or diplomas in herbal medicine. These won’t qualify you as a clinical herbalist but can be a good introduction.

Where can you study herbal medicine in Australia?

Reputable providers include:

• Torrens University Australia

• Endeavour College of Natural Health

• Nature Care College

Always make sure the program is recognised by a professional association like the Naturopaths & Herbalists Association of Australia (NHAA). You can also find some reputable herbal medicine course providers through Natural Therapy Pages.

Professional registration and continuing education

While herbalists are not yet registered under the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme (NRAS), professional bodies still play a key role in setting standards.

Main associations to consider:

• NHAA (Naturopaths & Herbalists Association of Australia)

• ARONAH (Australian Register of Naturopaths and Herbalists)

Joining one of these bodies can boost your credibility, provide insurance options, and help you stay current with ongoing professional development.

Most associations require practitioners to complete Continuing Professional Education (CPE) every year to keep their registration valid. This could include seminars, research, clinical supervision, or short courses.

Career paths and practice settings

As a qualified herbalist, you can:

• Open your own herbal medicine clinic

• Work in wellness centres or multidisciplinary clinics

• Join natural health retailers or herbal dispensaries

• Develop herbal products or skincare ranges

• Write or teach about herbal medicine

Some practitioners also collaborate with general practitioners or allied health professionals to provide integrated care plans for clients with complex health needs.

Combining herbal medicine with other modalities

Many practitioners expand their skillset to include:

• Nutrition

• Massage therapy

• Acupuncture

• Counselling or life coaching

This allows for a more holistic service and can improve client outcomes. It also makes your practice more flexible and resilient.

Setting up your herbal practice

Starting your own business might sound daunting, but many herbalists find it rewarding. Here's what you'll need:

• Professional indemnity insurance

• Business registration (ABN)

• A compliant space (can be home-based or in a wellness centre)

• Booking and recordkeeping systems

• Marketing plan (website, socials, directory listings like Natural Therapy Pages)

You might also want to look into herbal dispensary software or partnerships with suppliers to source high-quality herbs.

Challenges and things to consider

Like any health profession, there are some challenges:

• Ongoing learning: Herbal medicine is complex and ever-evolving.

• Client education: Not everyone is familiar with herbal treatments, so you’ll often need to explain your process.

• Regulatory changes: The natural therapies space is subject to shifts in policy and public opinion.

• Income stability: Building a client base takes time and marketing effort.

Still, most herbalists say the rewards far outweigh the hurdles.

Is herbal medicine right for you?

This path suits people who are:

• Deeply curious about natural healing

• Good listeners and communicators

• Comfortable with both science and intuition

• Committed to long-term learning and growth

• Passionate about empowering others through health education

If that sounds like you, herbal medicine might just be your ideal career.

Wrapping it up

Becoming a herbal medicine practitioner in Australia is more accessible than ever, with flexible learning options, recognised qualifications, and a supportive community of professionals.

Whether you’re looking to start a new career, transition from another health field, or simply formalise your passion for plant-based healing, the journey is well worth the effort. You’ll not only gain a deeper understanding of the human body and the healing properties of plants, but you’ll also learn how to truly connect with people and support their wellbeing in meaningful ways.

Ready to take the next step? Browse recognised herbal medicine courses in Australia and start shaping your future as a professional herbalist today.