Online herbalism classes have made it possible to learn plant medicine from anywhere, at your own pace and on almost any budget. The options range from free mini-courses to clinical programs that take years to finish. This guide compares popular herbalism classes online, explains what to look for, and helps you choose the right first step.
Quick Comparison of Online Herbalism Classes
| Program | Best for | Format | Cost (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural & Vegan Pharmacy (Herbalism Course) | Beginners who want hands-on remedy making | 50 video lessons (~2 hours), self-paced, certificate | Low one-time price on Udemy |
| The Herbal Academy | Structured study from beginner to clinical | Self-paced courses and path packages | From $349 (Introductory) to $3,249 (Clinical package) |
| Chestnut School of Herbal Medicine | In-depth study and medicine making | Self-paced; Herbal Immersion Program of 1,200 hours | Varies by course; financing available |
| CommonWealth Holistic Herbalism | Trying herbalism for free | Free “Four Keys” mini-course: 3 hours of video | Free (paid courses available) |
| LearningHerbs HerbMentor | Ongoing learning community | Membership with 17 courses and 100+ monographs | $15.99/month or $97/year |
| Herbalista Free School | Budget learners | Free self-paced online courses | Free (optional membership) |
1. Natural & Vegan Pharmacy Using Herbalism and Aromatherapy
This is our own course, taught by clinical herbalist and aromatherapist Shir Gutman. It is a short, practical introduction rather than a professional program. In about two hours of video you learn the history of herbalism, the properties of key medicinal herbs, and the main extraction methods: water infusions, decoctions, tinctures, carrier oils, infused oils and steam distillation. You then make three plant-based ointments and a natural first aid kit. Every recipe is vegan.
- Best for: complete beginners and anyone who wants to start making remedies this weekend
- Includes: 50 lectures, 6 downloadable resources, lifetime access, certificate of completion
- Limitations: not a clinical training program
See the full course curriculum.
2. The Herbal Academy
The Herbal Academy offers self-paced online courses that build on each other, from an Introductory Herbal Course to intermediate, advanced and business courses. Bundled “path” packages, such as the Family Herbalist and Clinical Herbalist paths, combine several courses. Expect to spend several months on each course. Graduates receive certificates of completion.
3. Chestnut School of Herbal Medicine
Chestnut is known for detailed, beautifully illustrated lessons, especially on medicine making and foraging. Its flagship Online Herbal Immersion Program covers 17 modules and around 1,200 hours of material. Shorter courses include herbal medicine making, foraging and herbal safety. Courses are self-paced with lifetime access.
4. CommonWealth Holistic Herbalism
CommonWealth offers a free mini-course, “Four Keys to Holistic Herbalism”, with three hours of video plus audio files and printable guides. It is a great no-risk way to see whether their holistic, energetics-based approach suits you. Paid courses cover everything from beginner topics to professional mentorship.
5. LearningHerbs HerbMentor
HerbMentor is a membership rather than a single course. It includes 17 courses by expert herbalists, more than 100 plant monographs, video plant walks and a weekly live meetup. It suits people who enjoy learning a little at a time inside a community.
6. Herbalista Free School
Herbalista, a community herbalism organisation, runs a free online school with self-paced courses for beginners and more experienced herbalists. It is a strong option if budget is your main concern.
How to Choose an Online Herbalism Class
- Know your goal. Home remedies for your family need a very different course from a clinical career.
- Check the teacher. Look for herbalists with real clinical or teaching experience.
- Look for hands-on practice. The best classes have you make remedies, not just watch slides.
- Check safety content. Good courses cover contraindications, dosage and herb-drug interactions.
- Understand the certificate. Certificates show completion, not a licence. Read our guide to herbalist certification.
- Start small. A short course is a cheap way to confirm your interest before a long program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you really learn herbalism online?
Yes. Theory, materia medica and most medicine making translate well to video. Plant identification and clinical skills benefit from in-person practice later.
Are there free herbalism classes online?
Yes. CommonWealth Holistic Herbalism and Herbalista both offer free courses, and our blog has free guides such as herbal medicine for beginners.
Which online herbalism class is best for beginners?
Choose a short, practical course that has you make real remedies, then decide whether to go deeper. Our beginner herbalism course was designed for exactly that.
Want to make your own natural remedies?
Learn to prepare tinctures, infused oils, vegan ointments and a natural first aid kit step by step in our herbalism course for beginners with herbalist Shir Gutman.
