Entrepreneur Herbal Course

UNIT 1: OUR STORY AND HERBAL HISTORY

Introduction to the Entrepreneur Herbal Course; Our Story; The Humoral System and Astrological Medicine; American Botanical Movement; Other American Botanical Traditions; Modern Allopathy and Holistic Healing

The Entrepreneur Herbal Course begins by setting the stage with the unfolding history and herbal wisdom traditions which have shaped Western herbalism. These traditions each have an approach to integrating plants into a holistic approach to wellness, all of which can influence not only the clinical practice of Western herbalism but can also inspire the development of herbal products for consumers. We include some interesting product ideas based on historical uses!

UNIT 2: HERBAL TRADITIONS AROUND THE WORLD

Ayurveda; Traditional Chinese Medicine; Global Healing Traditions; Offshoot: Entrepreneur Interview with Mary Blue of Farmacy Herbs

The course explores additional major healing traditions that have influenced Western herbalism, further grounding our current and ever-expanding knowledge in all that has come before. We offer up the first Entrepreneur Video, learning about the history of Farmacy Herbs, based in Rhode Island.

UNIT 3: BOTANY, PHYTOCHEMISTRY, & SOURCING RAW MATERIALS

Plant Identification and Taxonomy; Plant Chemistry; Sourcing Herbs and Ingredients for Medicine Making and Product Manufacture; Wildcrafting; Drying Herbs; Entrepreneur Q&A; Offshoot: Entrepreneur video with Peter Borchard of Companion Plants

The course moves on to focus on plant identification and taxonomy which emphasizes the importance of becoming familiar with the anatomy of herbs and giving students a strong foundation for herb identification. It then moves on to a thorough investigation of plant chemistry to inform your understanding of the active constituents in plants as they relate to traditional use and the products you intend on creating. You’ll find information on sourcing herbs sustainably, videos and a written lesson on wildcrafting ethics and techniques, a tutorial lesson on drying herbs, and a Q&A with an herbal entrepreneur who uses wildcrafted plants to inspire her product line. Finally, we talk to the owner of a medicinal plant mail order and retail nursery in another Entrepreneur video.

UNIT 4: DEFINING YOUR PATH

Defining Your Path; Continuing to Grow; Useful Resources and Organizations

Since there are many ways to be an herbalist and entrepreneur, we will explore how to define your path. In the Entrepreneur video, Defining Your Path, herbalist, activist, educator, farmer, and business owner Mary Blue discusses the multiple ways she works as an herbalist. We also speak to an herb shop owner as well as an entrepreneur who landed a book deal after growing a successful business. Because continuing education is important, you will learn, how to continue to grow your skillset throughout your career. We offer resources to support you in this continued work of adding skills and experience to your repertoire.

UNIT 5: MANUFACTURING

Incorporating Essential Oils into Herbal Products; Making and Managing Herbal Preparations; More How Tos; Advanced Formulation; Good Manufacturing Practices for Dietary Supplements and Cosmetics; Labeling Herbal Products – Legal Requirements

This unit starts with a lesson on aromatherapy, as the use of essential oils is a hot topic and we want to provide our students the information they need for safe and effective use of essential oils in their products. It continues with a lesson of downloadable tutorials on making various herbal preparations, as well as how to package, label, price, and manage them. 

You will learn about the Fire Cider controversy that has resulted from the trademarking of traditional herbal preparations. You’ll find detailed guidance on complying with good manufacturing practices and legal requirements for labeling and dip your toes into formulation. While the regulatory information we discuss is based on U.S. regulations, these lessons can be helpful to anyone who is interested in manufacturing a quality product and labeling it appropriately. In fact, learning the language of U.S. regulations is likely to support your research into regulations from your home country.

UNIT 6: HERBAL BUSINESS

Setting Up Your Business; Stories from Entrepreneurs; Creating a Business and a Brand; Evolution of a Brand; Herbalism and the Law; Running an Herbal Business; Creating an Online Presence; Resources for Herbal Entrepreneurs

Unit 6 offers helpful business advice on creating a brand from the Herbal Academy based on our experience launching an herbal business, and from an herbalist who has created a vibrant and successful herbal products business. We include a video on the legal aspects of what herbalists can and cannot do and say, both for business owners, educators, and clinical herbalists. This unit also features videos from several entrepreneurs offering their experience and advice.

You’ll find a lesson on running an herbal business, with the soup to nuts information you’ll need: from deciding on a business structure to choosing insurance, effective accounting, how to receive payments, and options for shipping your products. For those interested in the online marketplace, you will learn the ins and outs of developing an enticing and effective online presence via a website and social media platforms.