Frequently Asked Questions

All BSHM courses are self-paced, so you can complete them as quickly or slowly as you would like. In general, most students complete the program with 6 months of part-time, on-the-side learning, and if you’re busy, add more time! A thorough and comprehensive study utilizing all the material may take longer. This comprehensive course includes a wide variety of lessons, modules, reflection questions, tips, videos, and printed books with recipes and glossaries. There is a wealth of information here that you can refer back to for years (and it's yours to keep forever with no time limit!).

There are no due dates and no required time in which to complete the courses; if completed within 9 months, a Certificate of Completion is awarded.

In the United States, there is no credential recognized that would equate to “certification” or “licensure” for herbalists. That said, many schools offer programs that result in a title such as Master Herbalist, Master Gardener, Certified Herbalist, Community Herbalist, etc. While these are not recognized on a state or federal level, they are valid ways to express your level of education and experience and to indicate a certain level of proficiency.

The Bellebuono School of Herbal Medicine provides a Certificate of Completion upon successfully completing the course within 9 months, and we encourage you to use the title Herbalist or Community Herbalist.

This Training Program is designed as a comprehensive foundation for embarking upon further study in which you can specialize as a clinical herbalist or other more highly-trained specialist. We are happy to recommend specialized training for our graduates who are interested in more detailed study. Our program is an official school of the American Herbalists Guild.

In addition, this training's 96 hours can be applied toward the American Herbalist Guild's requirements toward their Registered Herbalist (RH) credential.

Yes! As your instructor and guide, I am available for questions and guidance by email for 9 months after your enrollment, and I do my best to be responsive and supportive, often replying within 2-6 hours. Also, I encourage my students to schedule virtual Student 1:1 sessions every quarter so that you can ask questions, get guidance, and develop course and career goals.

They're included! Two of my most popular herbal books, The Essential Herbal for Natural Health and An Herbalist’s Guide to Formulary, are provided as printed copies mailed directly to you (if you are in the United States). And they are included at no extra cost along with all the other curriculum materials.

No, this is a fully online/virtual program. When in-person events such as retreats are scheduled, you’ll be the first to know and will sometimes be offered a special discount to attend.

We offer a simple pass/fail system. You'll be given sample questions to guide you as you learn. Then, at the end of each module, you will be prompted to answer a brief quiz with 2 to 4 questions that require a 70% correct answer rate to pass. 

The point is to learn! I strive to make learning fun and enjoyable, so the quizzes are really to keep you accountable as you move through the program.

Also, I welcome questions by email at any point as well as 1:1 Zoom/virtual checkins with all my students.

Yes! You may choose to pay in full or pay in three convenient installments. 

The BSHM does not provide scholarships or financial aid. We encourage you to seek out your local nonprofit civic organizations that may provide applications for financial aid that may support your education. Get creative -- ideas include your local Rotary Club, Jaycees, your local Chamber of Commerce, and local churches.

No, all materials for completing the Modules and Lessons are included. You are not required to craft any herbal products, though you may choose to follow the recipes in the books on your own. You'll have most everything you need in your kitchen if you want to make any recipes. If you’re interested, we encourage you to purchase inexpensive common kitchen items such as sieves, measuring cups, and mixing bowls that you can find at thrift or discount stores.

Herbal medicine is “people’s medicine” and should not require specialized equipment or fancy appliances. This Foundations Program prepares you with reference materials, guidance, and foundational study which requires no extra supplies. All you’ll need is an internet connection and computer for distance-learning.

Yes, as long as you can access internet. Contact your bank or credit card provider to determine the exchange rate relevant to your location. Course prices on our website are listed in USD.

Cancer and its treatment are incredibly complex. Symptoms vary and people can be placed on a variety of intense medications and treatment protocols. Please do not be fooled by programs promising to make you an expert in herbal healing for cancer, especially if those courses are for beginners or intermediate students. Advanced courses may cover cancer protocols. Cancer is much more complicated than an introductory or even an intermediate course can teach.

Because the Herbal Medicine FOUNDATIONS course is a beginner-to-intermediate-level course, we lay the groundwork for broad learning and encourage our graduates to study specialities afterwards. For instance, our students often go on to study with specialty instructors for expert topics such as cancer/oncology, immunity, cannabis/THC, cardiology, and other advanced level topics.

When you complete our course, Holly can guide you to well-regarded specialists, herbal instructors, and training programs devoted to these and other advanced topics of your choice.

We are in the process of organizing a live study cohort specifically for the Herbs for the Brain course, and possibly other live in-person retreats. Please email [email protected] to get notified when these are scheduled.