Who is the course for?

The Herbs for the Brain course is the only accredited online course available to clinicians, health care practitioners, and professional herbalists to advance their knowledge of mental and brain health supported by botanical therapies.The application process to enter the course will open August 15, 2026. Applications will be accepted until a roster of students is identified and the course opens in the Fall.

How many hours is the course?

The course is accredited by the California Acupuncture Board for 13 hours of CEUs. The course consists of pre-recorded video lectures, written materials, and exams covering completed modules.

Do I need to be a practicing herbalist to enroll?

The course application is open to practitioners, clinicians, and professional herbalists. We also accept medical interns or assistants who wish to advance their understanding of Herbs for Brain Health.The purpose of the course is to introduce safe and effective herbal methods to non-herbalists including RNs and other nurses and professionals, as well as to strengthen the clinical herbalist's understanding of mental health.

How do I apply to enroll?

An online application form will be released on August 15, 2026. Once submitted, your application will be reviewed and a roster of students will be admitted to the program, which will open in October 2026.Admission criteria: you will be asked to share your profession, role in the profession, and history with supporting patients or clients with mental health, familiarity with herbal medicine and/or aromatherapy.

How do I earn the 13 CEUs?

Successful completion means completing the course content and answering the exams with an 80% correct response rate. You will be provided with a form to evaluate the course, and you will receive a certificate stating you've achieved 13 CEU hours with all accreditation information listed.It is then up to you to provide this certificate to your employer, school, or certifying entity for documentation.CEUs have been approved for the following entities:California Acupuncture Board, provider #1840, 13 CEU hours"This course has been approved by the California Acupuncture Board, Provider # 1840, for 13 hours of continuing education (Category 1)."Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing. "This program meets the requirements of the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing at 244 CMR 5.00 for 13 contact hours."Texas Acupuncture Board. 6.5 hoursArizona Acupuncture Board, 13 hoursWashington Acupuncture Board, 13 hoursAmerican Herbalist Guild RH Registered Herbalist Certification, 13 hoursNBCC National Board for Certified Counselors. "This program is not an ACEP but meets all requirements of the NCBB for home study in Wellness & Prevention: Mental Health (Complementary Alternative Medicine)."

I don’t live in the United States. Can I still enroll?

Yes, as long as you can access internet. Contact your bank or credit card provider to determine the exchange rate relevant to your location; you may want to check with your local jurisdictions to ensure compliance. Course prices on our website are listed in USD. CEUs may work differently in countries other than the US; check to see what applies to you.

Herbs for the Brain
Online Course

Application for enrollment will open August 15, 2026!

All practitioners, herbalists and clinicians are invited to apply, with the program beginning in October 2026.

This course is the only accredited online program available for practitioners and clinicians to advance their knowledge of herbal therapies for brain and mental health.

It focuses specifically on brain health and cognitive support, offering practical, actionable, evidence-based science with up-to-date research and an emphasis on safety. Because it is designed by herbalist Holly Bellebuono for professionals, it is unique in that it serves as a "bridge" uniting health care under an integrative umbrella.

Study topics include brain and mental health, gerontology, anxiety, dementia, and Western herbal theory & practical application of herbs, foods and nutrients to complement existing therapies for mental health and diseases.

This course is curated by the Integrative Mental Health Academy through the Bellebuono School of Herbal Medicine, and is accredited for CEUs through the California Acupuncture Board, provider #1840.

The Accredited

Herbs for Brain Health Program

(approved for 13 CEUs)

for Holistic Practitioners

especially designed for

nurses * naturopaths * acupuncturists * social workers * counselors * therapists * herbalists * caregivers * integrative clinicians

The BSHM, and this course, are accredited by the California Acupuncture Board, provider #1840.

Support Your Clients with Herbs... 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.

In this comprehensive, accredited CEU course, you'll learn:

neurobiology and how plant medicines affect and support basic processes;
up-to-date methods, research and science with an emphasis on safety;
evidence-based holistic methods to build better nerve networks and strengthen cognition, mental clarity, memory, muscle movement, and mood
PLUS get the Clinician's Toolkit Series, an invaluable resource with dozens of downloadable evidence-based and up-to-date reference materials, templates, charts, tables, and packages that are yours to keep-- current research at your fingertips.

Accredited course for practitioners

We bring clinicians the fundamental knowledge you need to support clients and patients using herbs:

Neurobiology & the Nervous System

basics of the nerve cell and the processes that are critical to mental health
the role of neurotransmitters and how herbs and foods influence their function
how herbs affect the sodium potassium pump
how herbs affect the myelin sheath and glial cells

How Herbal Chemistry Supports Critical Brain Processes

the blood-brain barrier
blood sugar regulation and its impact on Alzheimer's
oxidation and neuro-inflammation and the herbs studied to address these

Herbal Actions in Brain Health:

dozens of herbs that are studied clinically to address dementia, depression and anxiety
aromatics, vasodilators, anti-inflammatories, nootropics, trophorestorative herbs, and more
up-to-date research from clinical and university studies supporting herbs for brain health
diets, nutrients, and herbs for those with blood sugar issues, depression, anxiety and dementia

Botanical Therapies for Mental Health

deep dive into how herbs function as SSRIs, MAOIs
supplement your clinical work for depression, anxiety, mood, memory, cognition, postpartum needs
herbs for grief, loss and panic
comprehensive safety and contraindications guidelines
Earn a Certificate of Completion and CEUs or contact hours for nurses

CEU ACCREDITATION: This course has been approved by the California Acupuncture Board, Provider Number 1840, for 13 hours of continuing education. Enrollment for CEUs includes complete learning objectives and student materials to equip you for completion and award of CEUs by the CAB. The course is also eligible for 13 CEUs by the Massachusetts Board of Nursing and other entities in Texas, Arizona, and Washington State.

herbal curriculum for brain and mental health

"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

Screenshot 2024-09-19 at 4.52_edited.jpg

"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

Screenshot 2025-11-03 at 9.46_edited.jpg

“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 Curriculum for Mental Health

Chart What's Included in Brain Course.webp

Herbs for the Brain CEU Accreditation

About Your Instructor

Holly Bellebuono

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 You 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

Screenshot 2026-02-10 at 12.15.54 PM.png

herbal medicine for brain health curriculum

herba medicine for mental health curriculum

Herbs for the Brain CEU Accreditation

Enroll Now

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!

Enrollment includes the entire Clinicians Toolkit Series, a collection of printable Quick-Reference Guides with data and charts for the clinician 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 and are included FREE with enrollment.

The Clinician's toolkits

The 5 Essential Quick Reference Guides for Clinicians

Applications open August 15

Get notified when the application opens.

Herbal Medicine and Brain Health Instructor

Holly Bellebuono

Herbalist, author, 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, 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, and across the United States.