What do you know about the Practice of Herbalism?

Let’s Review the Quiz!

Question:

1. There are no states in the U.S. that designate official licensing for herbalists.

Correct Answer: TrueAdditional Information: The field of herbalism is not officially regulated by any specific set of standards and there is no official licensing or certification.

Question:

An herbalist in the U.S. is permitted to do the following:

Correct Answer: None of the above

Additional Information: One cannot practice medicine in the U.S. without a medical license, and there is no official licensing for herbalists. Only licensed physicians can claim to diagnose or treat medical illnesses, provide medical advice, or prescribe medication.

Question:

What can an herbal school provide you with after completion of your training?

Correct Answer: Certificate

Additional Information: After completion of training, an herbal school can provide a certificate of completion, which recognizes completion of training under the direction of the school. Read more here about herbal “certification”:

Question:

When seeing a client with chronic migraines, an herbalist might legally do which of the following?

Correct Answer: Take a complete health history and review lifestyle modifications

Additional Information: Only licensed physicians can provide diagnosis of medical illness and prescribe remedies. However, the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution protects freedom of speech, including education. Therefore, an herbalist could take a complete health history and then educate the client about lifestyle modifications that may be helpful for improving health.

Question:

Each U.S. state is responsible for creating and enforcing their own medical practice laws.

Correct Answer: True

Additional Information: Each state has its own medical board which creates, oversees, and enforces medical practice laws including medical licensure of physicians.

Question:

An herbalist would typically work with a client most successfully through which of the following approaches?

Correct Answer: Spending the time to listen deeply to the client talk about her diet, lifestyle, emotional and spiritual life

Additional Information: Every patient is different, and while symptoms may be similar among patients, the causes may not be. Taking a thorough health history and listening deeply to a client’s diet, lifestyle, emotional and spiritual life are invaluable for an herbalist seeking to find the deeper causes of illness. Books are great references, but one-on-one consultations are irreplaceable.

Question:

Because they are natural, herbs are always completely safe and have no contraindications or adverse effects.

Correct Answer: False

Additional Information: Herbs can be very effective remedies, and the active constituents that make them medicinal can in some cases cause adverse effects. Proper dosage and knowledge of pre-existing health conditions are critical. Some plants become toxic if taken for long periods of time or in high doses, so should be used with caution and for appropriate periods of time. Some herbs should not be taken during pregnancy. However, herbs have been used for thousands of years for health and wellness, and have a proven track record. And keep in mind that even seemingly benign substances commonly used every day (like salt and coffee) can cause adverse affects at the wrong dose or in someone with an underlying health condition.

Question:

Under FDA regulations, herbal products are considered dietary supplements, but manufacturers do not have to seek FDA approval before putting these products on the market.

Correct Answer: True

Additional Information: There are no provisions in the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act wherein the FDA must “approve” dietary supplements for safety or effectiveness before they reach the consumer. The manufacturer is responsible for determining that the dietary supplements are safe and for providing adequate evidence to substantiate claims made about them, but does not need approval from the FDA to distribute them.

Question:

Under the provisions of the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act, a dietary supplement whose label says that it can treat, prevent or cure a specific disease or condition would be considered:

Correct Answer: An illegal drug

Additional Information: In Section (6), Statements of Nutritional Support, subpart (C) requires that there be a statement on the label that contains, prominently displayed and in boldface type, the following: “This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.” There is no FDA approval requirement for dietary supplements, but a supplement that does not include this statement on the label would be considered illegal.

Question:

An herbalist working with a client should not say anything that could be misconstrued as prescribing, diagnosing, or treating, but it is legal to provide written material of this type of information as long as it comes with a printed disclaimer.

Correct Answer: False

Additional Information: Use of the words “diagnose”, “treatment”, or “prescribe” while talking to clients or in written materials is considered to be evidence of practicing medicine, which is illegal without a medical license.

Score your quiz!

0 to 1 correct answers? You are a Rooting Herbalist, your path is just beginning, welcome!

You are just starting out and have taken only a couple steps into your herbal journey. You have used a few herbs like basil and cilantro, adding these culinary herbs to your pasta sauce or salsa. Who knew they can also be used medicinally! Herbalism is a new word in you dictionary, but you are interested in learning more about it and what it means!

1 to 4 correct answers? You are a Sprouting Herbalist!

You are curious about herbs and how to use them for your health, and you often wonder about the plants and weeds that grow in your backyard, but you are unsure how to use them for yourself and family. While you may have tried making your own herbal teas and homemade lotions, you don’t fully understand dosage and formulation. Herbalism might be a new word in your dictionary, but you are definitely eager to jump in and discover this “back to the roots” way of life!

5 to 9 correct answers? You are a Budding Herbalist!

You are truly passionate about herbs and eager to learn more! You have a good understanding of herbs and how to use them for yourself and others. You’ve been studying herbs on your own for some time and may have taken some classes or courses. Your passion rubs off on your family and friends. Herbalism is not just a fad for you, it’s a lifestyle! And your journey is far from over… there’s always more to learn!

10 correct answers? You are a Blossoming Herbalist!

You have a good grasp of herbs and how to use them as medicine. Your library is always expanding with new reading materials and you have been studying herbs since you can remember. Many of your friends and family come to you with questions about their health and wellness, and you are proud to be able to help them. Your passion for herbalism is ever growing andl like so many others with years of experience and education, you are mature enough to recognize that herbalism is a lifelong pursuit… so let the adventure continue!

Thank you for taking the Practicing Herbalism Quiz!If you’re interested in learning more about herbalism, rooting and sprouting herbalists can join us in the Online Introductory Herbal Course, while budding and blossoming herbalists can dive into the Online Intermediate Herbal Course.