Whether you’re new to herbalism or want to develop your natural health skills further, this course provides a strong foundation for personal or community-based practice.
The Certificate of Medicinal Herbs is a professional development course that offers foundational knowledge in herbal medicine by combining traditional wisdom with contemporary science.
In this herbalism course, you’ll explore how herbs work in the body, study systems like Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine, and learn about herbal actions, energetics, and holistic treatment approaches. You will also gain practical skills such as identifying, growing, and ethically harvesting herbs, with a focus on common Australian medicinal plants.
You will also learn to prepare a variety of herbal remedies, including teas, tinctures, salves, and more, using safe methods and simple equipment suitable for home use. You will also explore herbal safety, dosage, legal considerations, and how to set up your own home apothecary.
On completion of this course, you will feel confident in incorporating medicinal herbs for personal and family wellbeing, as well as in community settings or wellness practices.
Course Structure
Certificate of Medicinal Herbs
Unit 1: Introduction to Medicinal Herbs
- Introduction to medicinal herbs
- Indigenous Australian plant medicine
- Key concepts in herbal medicine
- Herbal actions: how plants affect the body
- Energetics and constitutions
- The doctrine of signatures
- Synergy
- Individualised and holistic treatment
- Ayurveda, traditional Chinese medicine, and western herbalism
- Ayurveda
- Traditional Chinese medicine
- Western herbalism
- Understanding active compounds in herbs
Unit 2: Plant Identification and Harvesting
- Common medicinal herbs in Australia
- Identifying herbs
- Growing herbs at home
- Ethical harvesting practices
- Understanding plant parts used for medicine
- Seasonal and regional considerations in herbal medicine
Unit 3: Herbal Preparation Methods
- Herbal preparation methods
- Herbal teas and infusions
- Herbal tinctures
- Herbal decoctions
- Salves, oils, poultices, and compresses
- Herbal salves
- Herbal oils
- Poultices
- Compresses
- Safety, hygiene, and storage
- Equipment and basic kitchen lab setup
Unit 4: Herbal Actions and Body Systems
- Herbal actions and body systems
- How herbs interact with the body
- Anti-inflammatory, adaptogenic, and antimicrobial
- Matching herbs to body systems
- Building effective herb blends
Unit 5: Medicinal Herbs and Healing Plants
- Medicinal Herb Reference Guide
Unit 6: Herbal Safety and Legal Considerations
- Herbal safety and legal considerations
- Dosage and toxicity
- Allergies, drug interactions, and pregnancy guidelines
- Herbal medicine and the law
- Responsible practice
- Professional indemnity and insurance
Unit 7: Building a Home Herbal Practice
- Setting up a home apothecary
- Tracking and documenting herbal use
- Ethical sourcing and sustainability
- Community education and sharing knowledge
Study Hours
Estimated duration 30 hours
Course Delivery and Start
Start anytime, self-paced and 100% online
Assessment
Assessment will be comprised of written exercises, including short-answer questions, reflective tasks, short reports and/or projects. There are no examinations or due dates for assessment. As a result, you can complete training in your own time and at your own pace with the assistance of unlimited tutor support.
Printed Materials – Free to Print
Course materials for this program are available to print at no extra cost.
Approval and Recognition
Australian Online Courses Pty Ltd is an approved and recognised member of IARC. The IARC is an International association that recognises quality and excellence in tertiary education providers.
Testimonials
Great content & highly recommend! Thank you
T. Pepe, Kingscote, SA | Certificate of Medicinal Herbs
I enjoyed the freedom, I never felt pressured or stressed into any time limits.
Z. Ismail, Kangaroo Ground, VIC | Certificate of Medicinal Herbs
It was a great course! I learned a lot, especially the importance of research, and it has guided me to further study on medicinal herbs.
Janet | West Ryde, NSW | Certificate of Medicinal Herbs
Graduation
A Certificate of Attainment and Statement of Results will be issued upon successful completion of this course.
How to Enrol
Enrolment Form – Employment Services and Rehabilitation Providers
Enrol via Live Chat (Business Hours)
Enrol via Telephone 1300 76 2221 (Business Hours)
Payment Options
Visa, Mastercard, BPAY, Bank Transfer and Afterpay. Please allow 1-2 Business days for processing for BPAY, Bank Transfer and Afterpay.
Course FAQs
Why Choose Australian Online Courses?
- Professional development that is widely recognised and respected;
- Improve your employment opportunities;
- Study online, anywhere via our elearning system;
- High-quality professional development programs written by industry experts;
- All course materials provided online – no textbooks to buy;
- Unlimited tutor support via email;
- We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply);
- Course may be tax deductible; see your tax advisor.
Are there any entry requirements or pre-requisites?
There are no course or subject pre-requisites for entry into our programs. However, our professional development programs are generally intended for people over the age of 18. In some circumstances, enrolments from younger people may be considered. Please complete the AOC Parent Guardian Consent Form prior to enrolling and submit here.
Are there any computer requirements?
To study online with Australian Online Courses you will need a computer (desktop PC/laptop) running a current/updated operating system with reliable high-speed internet access. You will need to use the Google Chrome browser to access your course.
When can I start this course?
You can start within 60 minutes during business hours when you enrol and pay in full with a credit card!
Credit card: Within 60 mins during business hours.
BPAY: Within 1-2 working days.
Afterpay: Within 1-2 working days
Internet Banking: Within 1-2 working days.
Cheque/Money Order: Upon receipt of mailed cheque.
How is this course delivered?
This course is delivered online via our easy-to-navigate Learning Management System (LMS), where you will discover interactive online learning/written content, resources and assessment.
Do I need to attend classes or undertake any work placements?
No. All courses are delivered online via our LMS and there are no work placement requirements in this course.
What support can I expect from Australian Online Courses?
Unlimited tutor support is available throughout your studies via email only during business hours Monday to Friday. Our Administrative team are available Monday to Friday via email, live chat and telephone.
I am an international student. Can I enrol into this course?
Yes! We accept enrolments from individuals both within Australia and internationally; location is no barrier to entry into our programs.
Career Pathways
Future growth
Strong
Unemployment
Low
Professional Development for:-
- Herb Farmers
- Nurserymen
- Herb Product Manufacturers or Retailers
- Consultants and writers
- Students of horticulture or health science
- Anyone with a passion for herbs
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