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Herbal Medicine
Herbs for the Brain
Online Course
The course is currently closed and will open late winter 2027.
This online certificate course is available for practitioners and clinicians to advance their knowledge of herbal chemistry for brain and mental health.
Nursing Contact Hours and Continuing Education
Focusing specifically on brain health and cognitive support, this course offers practical, actionable, evidence-based science with up-to-date research and an emphasis on safety. Because it is designed by herbalist Holly Bellebuono for nurses, acupuncturists, palliative care providers, long-term care providers, geriatric providers, labor & delivery nurses, and herbalists, it is unique in that it serves as a "bridge" uniting health care under an integrative umbrella.
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Study topics include brain and mental health, gerontology and geriatric care, anxiety, dementia, post-partum depression, grief, panic, cognition and memory, and Western herbal theory & practical application of herbs, foods and nutrients to complement existing therapies for mental health and diseases.
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This course is curated by the Integrative Mental Health Academy through the Bellebuono School of Herbal Medicine, and it meets the requirements for the Massachusetts Board of Education in Nursing at 244 CMR 5.00 for 13 contact hours.
The
Herbs for Brain Health Course
for 13 CHs for Nurses
especially designed for
nurses * naturopaths * acupuncturists * social workers * counselors * therapists * herbalists * palliative care providers * long-term caregivers * integrative clinicians ​
labor and delivery nurses * registered nurses
geriatric nurses * pediatric nurses * OBGYN
Alzheimer's nurses * acute care nurses * hospital units
Increase Nursing Skills Safely and effectively
Do you support clients with brain and mental health? This certificate course prepares you to integrate safe and effective herbal therapies and nutrition into your practice to holistically address mental health diseases and disorders.
Many patients WANT to include herbs in their health plan, or they already do and don't tell you. Get confident using herbs for mental health.
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In this comprehensive course, you'll learn:
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neurobiology and how plant medicines affect and support basic processes;
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up-to-date methods, research and science with an emphasis on safety;
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evidence-based holistic methods to build better nerve networks and strengthen cognition, mental clarity, memory, muscle movement, and mood
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PLUS, you can bundle the course with the Clinician's Toolkit Series for invaluable downloadable evidence-based and up-to-date reference materials, templates, charts, tables, and packages -- current research at your fingertips (both digital and printed version are available).
Certificate course for Nurses
Support your clients and patients using herbs. This program meets the requirements of the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing at 244 CMR 5.00 for 13 contact hours.
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Neurobiology & the Nervous System
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basics of the nerve cell and the processes that are critical to mental health
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the role of neurotransmitters and how herbs and foods influence their function
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how herbs affect the sodium potassium pump
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how herbs affect the myelin sheath and glial cells​
How Herbal Chemistry Supports Critical Brain Processes
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the blood-brain barrier
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blood sugar regulation and its impact on Alzheimer's
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oxidation and neuro-inflammation and the herbs studied to address these
Herbal Actions in Brain Health:
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dozens of herbs that are studied clinically to address dementia, depression and anxiety
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aromatics, vasodilators, anti-inflammatories, nootropics, trophorestorative herbs, and more
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up-to-date research from clinical and university studies supporting herbs for brain health
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diets, nutrients, and herbs for those with blood sugar issues, depression, anxiety and dementia
Botanical Therapies for Mental Health
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deep dive into how herbs function as SSRIs, MAOIs
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supplement your clinical work for depression, anxiety, mood, memory, cognition, postpartum needs
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herbs for grief, loss and panic
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comprehensive safety and contraindications guidelines
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Earn a Certificate of Completion and contact hours for nurses
CH Eligibility: This course meets the requirements for 13 CHs by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing. Students are encouraged to confirm eligibility of this course with their specific employer or CE provider.
"Excellent!"
"The Alzheimer’s presentation was excellent! You laid it out in a very easy-to-absorb way. I think you have a gift of taking something heavy and hard to understand, and turning it into something that just makes sense. You make knowledge accessible!"
--Tarah Gibbon, herbalist
"Exceptional!"
"This is a fantastic course that is in-depth and full of great information. This course exceeded my expectations. It covered the materials in a way that was easy to learn. I would highly recommend it. I look forward to doing this class again and again to continue to learn and become more knowledgeable."
--Kristy Brady, medical speech pathologist
“Your Herbs for the Brain course is fascinating and very in-depth!! Thank you and I looking forward to continuing.”
-- Gabriella G., online student
Herbal Medicine Topics for Continuing Education
Herbs for the Brain
Nursing Contact Hours
and other CE
About Your Instructor
Holly Bellebuono
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Herbalist, author, coach, and international speaker of 30+ years, Holly Bellebuono is known for taking complex subjects in chemistry and anatomy and making them easy to understand. Holly teaches formulary, herbal actions, herbs for all body systems, and advocates for collaboration with health care professionals to build a proactive team for holistic care.
Her 8 published books in 3 languages include: Women Healers of the World (International Herb Association Book of the Year), The Essential Herbal for Natural Health, An Herbalist’s Guide to Formulary, Llewellyn’s Little Book of Herbs, and The Healing Kitchen. Holly has lectured about botanical and integrative medicine in Canada, Costa Rica, England, Italy, and across the United States.
Holly has trained scores of clinicians and healing arts practitioners in integrating herbs safely and effectively. She is the founder of The Bellebuono School of Herbal Medicine, an official school of The American Herbalists Guild since 2011, and the Integrative Mental Health Academy.
Support & Student Resources with Enrollment
Your enrollment includes a wealth of downloadable digital, video, and written modules and lessons, plus dozens of helpful resources, charts, and an e-book.
Brain Health Topics Covered
Bonus #1!
All Bellebuono School of Herbal Medicine students can take advantage of our partnership with Mountain Rose Herbs to receive a 10% discount on your online orders with them. We consider MRH a reliable and trustworthy vendor for botanical powders, extracts, dried herbs, oils, and more.
Bonus #2!
You can purchase a Bundle with the entire Clinicians Toolkit Series, a collection of printable Desktop Quick-Reference Guides with data and charts for the clinician and nurse, plus workbooks and planners for patients. The Toolkits range from neurobiology charts to patient assessment templates to herbal and aromatherapy guidance to safety and contraindication tables. A $300+ value, the Toolkits are available for purchase separately in the Bundle:
Digital Version Clinician Toolkit (Separately) = $175
Printed Version Clinician Toolkit (Separately) = $299
BUNDLE Digital Toolkit with Herbs for the Brain Course = $1,169
BUNDLE Printed Toolkit with Herbs for the Brain Course = $1,299
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NOTE: the Printed Toolkit price includes shipping to your US address!
Herbs for the Brain CEU Accreditation
What does the course cost, and what's included?
The course includes all video lectures and instruction, plus written materials including a Student Workbook and a Student Coursebook. The Bundle featuring the entire 266-page printable Clinician's Toolkit is optional.
The course also includes opportunities for 1:1 time with the instructor for questions and guidance, as well as comprehensive exams leading to 13 Contact Hours, along with a certificate. Valued at $2,997, the course is affordably priced at $997.​
All materials are available for immediate download upon enrollment.​
The course is at-your-own pace, with students encouraged to allocate about 8 weeks of part-time study for completion.
Herbal Medicine and Brain Health Instructor
Holly Bellebuono
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The course instructor is herbalist, author, and international speaker of 30+ years, Holly Bellebuono. Holly teaches formulary, herbal actions, herbal therapeutics for all body systems, and advocates for collaboration with health care professionals to build a proactive team for holistic care.
Her 6 published books in 3 languages include: Women Healers of the World (International Herb Association Book of the Year), The Essential Herbal for Natural Health, An Herbalist’s Guide to Formulary, Llewellyn’s Little Book of Herbs, and The Healing Kitchen. Holly has lectured about botanical and integrative medicine in Canada, Costa Rica, England, Italy, Greece, and across the United States.
Holly has trained scores of clinicians and healing arts practitioners how to integrate herbs safely and effectively. She is the founder of The Bellebuono School of Herbal Medicine, an official school of The American Herbalists Guild since 2011, and the Integrative Mental Health Academy.
Course Frequently Asked Questions
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