Get notified when HMF opens in September!
**Admissions closed;
reopening Fall 2025
Your welcoming & practical study of herbal medicine
for the family herbalist * community herbalist * clinical herbalist
If you are a beginner-or-intermediate student of plant medicine, you're ready to get the FOUNDATIONS of what herbal medicine really means, and what it does in and for the body.
This course is welcoming for all levels, and at the same time it is PACKED with herbal medicine details -- you'll learn anatomy, physiology, basic botany, and formulary from my 30+ years in teaching and DOING herbal medicine.
I've found over the 30 years I've taught this and other herbal medicine programs that students learn best with a variety of teaching styles. Here, you will learn how to use scores of herbs through engaging video lessons, charts, and a written Student Workbook. Let's roll up our sleeves together and I'll walk beside you as you stroll on your herbal path -- to serve as a community herbalist, practitioner, or brand-builder.
By the end of this program, you'll feel capable and ready to apply your botanical healing knowledge from your strong FOUNDATION in herbal medicine.
If you love plants, you love healing, and you are eager to learn more... this is the program that will give you the strongest foundation under your feet to move forward.
--Holly Bellebuono
Founder & herbal education director
The Bellebuono School of Herbal Medicine
The Herbal Medicine FOUNDATIONS certificate course focuses on 6 core topics to help you get to the next level in herbal medicine:
Primary Topics
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Herbal Actions
Learn 35 actions (categories) such as sedative, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory. This course makes them easy and relevant so you don't get overwhelmed.
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Formulary
Combine herbs into truly effective remedies. Learn Holly's proven strategy using the 4-Tier Formula. -
Healing by Body System
You'll learn how to use herbs to support the major body systems: Respiratory, Cardiovascular, Skin, Digestive, Nervous, Waste Removal (including Urinary and Lymph), plus Core Health Processes: Inflammation and Pain, Endocrine, Immune, and Herbs for Mama & Baby including pregnancy, labor, breastfeeding, and infant care. -
Hands-On Herbalism & Materia Medica
The plants! Get Holly's insights and guidance for growing, using and crafting remedies with a dozen key herbs.
Secondary Topics
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Heritage of Herbal Medicine & World Healing Traditions
Meet the inspiring healers who bring global traditions to life, supporting their communities and keeping our herbal heritage alive. Discover many of the most important and influential healing traditions and learn about their history and how they're being practiced today. -
Entrepreneurship
Move forward with your natural or organic brand with confidence and guidance from Holly's 30+ years, applicable for brands and clinical paths alike.
Work with a Core Group of 33+ Herbs
This Foundations certificate course introduces you to dozens of edible and medicinal plants in your daily life, so you can begin to apply herbal medicine immediately.
You'll build a strong understanding of a core group of about 33 herbs plus get familiar with dozens more. (Want to see which herbs? Download the syllabus below.)
You'll feel at home in the Herbal Medicine FOUNDATIONS Course
Many of my students have used this program as a springboard into other studies and work. For example, some of my students have graduated from this course and then:
- launched successful apothecaries (both physical and digital) selling remedies and medicines
- launched skincare or clean beauty lines
- become a successful freelance formulator designing custom blends for pharmacies and tea companies
- landed a job in a pharmacy
- purchased a farm & launched a farming business
- worked at an herbal sanctuary
- volunteered at botanical gardens
- integrated herbal knowledge into their midwifery practice
- expanded their massage practice
- taught classes locally
- gone on to study with specialist teachers on deeper topics such as herbal therapy for cancer, midwifery, adaptogens, skincare, functional medicine, naturopathy, and more
"Holly touches not only the hearts of her students, but inspires in those who study with her a deep and personal connection to the plants.”
-- Rosemary Gladstar
A few testimonials
I've had the privilege of teaching thousands of folks from around the world. Here's what some of them have to say:
We had women coming from all over the world. You feel like you’re in a tribe. You find that home space where you can just be yourself. Holly’s amazingly brilliant, so smart. A wealth of information. I really enjoy her encouragement and openness to have women use the plants however they feel with their intuition, just so welcoming. No ego! She’s like the rest of us and it feels very comfortable, like being welcomed home. It feels amazing to be here. She’s just a really sweet person.
- Tarah Gibbon -
One of the things that I feel was so great about this program was Holly herself. She’s a wonderful teacher, she’s so knowledgeable of all the herbs and plants, and so willing to share all of this knowledge, and so kind and patient. I think she puts together a wonderful program.
- Anne Marshall -
I feel so at ease of being me, and completely accepted, because we all come with the same purpose of learning gentle ways to heal ourselves and heal our communities, so I feel just completely at home. Holly is a plant-angel in the world. I wanted to meet her! I feel very blessed to be here and learning directly from her.
- Patti Sanders -
With the Herbal Medicine FOUNDATIONS program, you can:
- establish yourself as a knowledgeable herbalist
- integrate herbal healing into your daily life
- gain a rich understanding of herbal materia medica
- empower your farm, family, and community
- apply your knowledge to nursing, acupuncture, counseling & more
- support your family and community with common-sense, practical natural healing strategies
- launch your herbal or natural products, skincare, cosmetics, coffee/tea, or chocolate business
- get discounts on herbal ingredients through Holly's partnership with Mountain Rose Herbs
- Earn a certificate of completion
New! Heritage of Herbal Medicine
& World Healing Traditions
NEW! The expanded and updated course includes special insights into women's contributions to herbal medicine and healing.
Get exclusive access to the live audio recordings of Holly's interviews with some of the world's most inspiring herbalists. Discover the history and stories of healing traditions that span time and geography, listening to these wise women in their own voices.
Go "behind the scenes" of Holly's award-winning documentary book Women Healers of the World: Traditions, History and Geography of Herbal Medicine
Welcome to Your Herbal Path
The modules in this updated and expanded course cover:
- Herbs for the Digestive System
- Herbs for the Heart & Lungs
- Herbs to Support Core Health Processes (Immune System, Endocrine, Inflammation & Pain)
- Herbs for the Nervous System
- Herbs for the Skin & First Aid
- Herbs for the Body's Waste Removal (Urinary & Lymph)
- Herbs for Mama & Baby: Pregnancy, Delivery, Breastfeeding, and Infant Care
- Hands-On Herbalism & Materia Medica
- Holly’s 4-Tier Herbal Formulary technique so you can make safe & effective remedies
- The Herbal Entrepreneur: basic business lessons for a solid awareness of FDA, ethics, good manufacturing practices, labeling, value proposition, planning, building community, and more
- The Heritage of Herbal Medicine & World Healing Traditions
- Special audio MP3 lessons to listen “on the go”: topics include immunity, skin, cardiohealth, respiratory, and nervous system
What this program does not cover: Cancer, cannabis, or astrology.
Your Herbal Medicine FOUNDATIONS
Certificate Includes
Video & Comprehensive Written Instruction
Printed Herbal Books
You'll receive 2 of Holly's most popular and user-friendly herbal books (mailed to your US address): The Essential Herbal for Natural Health, and An Herbalist's Guide to Formulary. The books are yours to keep!
Digestive System Module
carminatives ~ safe & gentle digestive herbs ~ bitters ~ tonics ~ spasmolytics ~ iron-rich herbs and foods ~ angelica ~ crampbark ~ ginger ~ fennel ~ spearmint ~ chamomile ~ motherwort ~ hops ~ and more
Cardiovascular System
vasodilators ~ cardiotonics ~ hypotensives ~ ginkgo ~ yarrow ~ hawthorn ~ linden ~ motherwort ~ rose ~ garlic ~
Endocrine System
Special emphasis on thyroid health ~ hypo- and hyper-thyroid ~ cooling & warming herbs ~ garlic ~ prickly ash ~ lemon balm ~ seaweeds ~ bugleweed ~
Respiratory System
upper and lower respiratory ~ expectorants ~ aromatics ~ demulcent ~ antispasmodic ~ elecampane ~ yarrow ~ wild cherry ~ coltsfoot ~ mallow ~ mullein ~ licorice ~ elder ~ pleurisy root ~ eucalyptus ~ anise hyssop ~ sage ~ goldenseal and many more
Urinary & Lymph Module
diuretic ~ antilithic ~ prostate ~ Joe Pye ~ usnea ~ saw palmetto ~ cinnamon ~ yarrow ~ dandelion ~ nettle
Nervous System Module
adaptogens ~ anxiolytics ~ nervines ~ neurotrophics ~ sedatives ~ aromatics ~ mild-to-moderate depression ~ anxiety ~ focus ~ mood ~ grief ~ sleep ~ St. John's wort ~ motherwort ~ mimosa ~ hibiscus ~ lemon balm ~ oats ~ linden ~ valerian and many more
Skin & First Aid Module
emollients ~ first aid ~ vulneraries ~ rubefacients ~ anti-inflammatories ~ antipruritics ~ calendula ~ plantain ~ yarrow ~ thyme ~ elder ~ chickweed ~ and many more
Herbs for Mama & Baby Module
pregnancy ~ parturition ~ breastfeeding ~ post-partum ~ baby care ~ bitters ~ galactagogues ~ nervines ~ raspberry ~ nettles ~ alfalfa ~ sage ~ yarrow ~ hops ~ fennel ~ more
Inflammation & Pain
anti-inflammatories ~ analgesic ~ sedatives ~ topical ~ pelvic pain ~ yarrow ~ ginger ~ cayenne ~ arnica ~ eucalyptus ~ St. John's wort ~ wild yam ~ black cohosh ~ turmeric ~ willow ~ boneset ~ indian pipe ~ poppy ~ cabbage and more
Herbal Actions
guidance in how to use 35 key actions across the body with video lessons, herbal ID, sample formulas, and case studies
Herbal Formulary
Holly's 4-Tier Formula method, step-by-step with fillable worksheets to craft safe, effective and reliable formulas for internal remedies
Immune System
immunomodulatory ~ stimulant ~ Tcell support ~ antibacterial ~ antifungal ~ astragalus ~ calendula ~ elderberry ~ garlic ~ wild indigo ~ echinacea ~ sage ~ rosemary ~ hyssop ~ thyme ~ oregano & more
Entrepreneurship Module
DSHEA laws ~ product label regulations ~ entrepreneur best practices ~ disease states ~ disclaimers ~ FDA ~ certified organic ~ define your value proposition ~ taking risks ~ building community ~ CEO mindset ~ the artist-business leader ~ and more
Heritage & World Traditions Module
Hear live interviews recorded during Holly's travels to meet with inspiring women healers from around the globe ~ introduction to Gaelic pharmacy ~ Traditional Chinese Medicine ~ Ayurveda ~ Conservation ~ Ethnobotany ~ a special examination of the historic Plague ~ and more
Hands-On Herbalism & Materia Medica Module
nettles ~ oats ~ roses ~ lemon balm ~ elderberry ~ mint ~ dandelion ~ catnip ~ motherwort ~ yarrow ~ garlic ~ sage ~ Forest Medicinals ~ ginseng & goldenseal
There's more!!
In this comprehensive program, you'll get much more. You'll also receive:
- Dozens of bonuses including quick reference charts, 4 original and useful E-Books, quick-reference "cheat sheets," videos and audio lessons to guide your herbal decision-making
- A Welcome Package including a printed Student Workbook and 2 of Holly's printed herbal books shipped to your US address
- Bonus recorded interviews from Holly's inspiring conversations with herbalists, business owners, and mentors that walk you through their challenges, pain points, and successes
- Lifetime review - there are no cut-off dates or expirations. Listen, re-watch and learn as each season changes or as you reach new milestones in your work.
- Direct access - ask questions anytime. Holly responds personally to students within 24 hours.
Compare Our Courses
The Herbal Medicine Foundations program is your comprehensive gateway to using herbal medicine safely and effectively.
More results from happy students
The lessons were very well organized. There was quite a bit of material to cover within each lesson, but everything was structured well and I never felt lost during the program. Definitely worth my time and money! It is certainly an intense program, but it is incredible how much you will learn.
- Sasha Geerkin -
I enrolled in Holly's herbal medicine program in 2014 and attended her herbal intensive that same summer. What a magical 3 weeks! I enjoyed myself so much I traveled back to Martha's Vineyard the next year to complete an internship with her. Not only did I learn about herbs and herbal medicine, I feel like I gained a dear friend. Holly is extremely knowledgeable in her craft and has such a passion and love for what she does, she inspired me to create my small herb business.
- Dana Brown -
Working with Holly has been a transformative experience because she brings a rare mixture of knowledge, experience, and heartfelt care. Holly has guided me through a liminal space to evolve my service in the world. Holly helped me restore my confidence. She's a lighthouse for lightworkers.
- Elizabeth Germain -
“I would highly recommend this program as it provides an excellent foundation of knowledge.”
-Toya Gordon-
“The HMF program is excellent. It's easy to follow, it's thorough and enjoyable to build on the basics and feel confident going into greater depth.”
-Mechel Wall-
Get notified when the course opens in Fall 2025!
Click here
Your Instructor Holly Bellebuono
For 30 years, herbalist, award-winning author, international keynote speaker and entrepreneur Holly Bellebuono has taught thousands of people how to use herbal medicine for health. She is the founder of the Bellebuono School of Herbal Medicine and has lectured in Costa Rica, Canada, England, Italy, and across the US about the herbal medicine and women's empowerment.
She is the author of 8 books: Women Healers of the World (awarded Book of the Year by The International Herb Association), The Essential Herbal for Natural Health, The Healing Kitchen, The Authentic Herbal Healer, An Herbalist’s Guide to Formulary, Llewellyn’s Little Book of Herbs, Once Upon A Place, and others (see below).
Holly holds certificates in corporate social responsibility and sustainability, and as a business coach she is passionate about supporting natural & organic brands.
The Bellebuono School of Herbal Medicine is an official school member of The American Herbalist Guild since 2011.
In-Person Teachings
A few pics from the Bellebuono School of Herbal Medicine classes in England, Michigan, Nova Scotia, Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard, New Hampshire, Italy, and Costa Rica
