A question I've been asked many times lately surrounds the definition of 'herbalist'. In the era of pop herbalism, we are unfortunately encountering weekend retreats and 10-hour online courses that award the attendee with a certificate of 'Master Herbalist'... is this enough? How effective a healing channel can someone be with this kind of education? What is an herbalist really- and who can confirm one as an herbalist? First off, let me preface this by saying that my definition is mine. It won't work for everyone and it certainly won't please everyone. I take my work incredibly seriously- and because I am a full-time, professional herbalist and mentor to apprentice herbalists, my actions have a great deal of gravity. If I screw up, people lose faith in the plants and in their own ability to find harmony. I am constantly scrutinizing my processes, what I know, and how I approach the work in order to know better, do better, and be better. There will always be people who find value in the shortcut and the fast track- these folks will not likely enjoy my definitions or my personal expectations of what an herbalist is and what they can do confidently and competently. So, that being said... my definition of an herbalist is this: an herbalist is one to whom |