How to Find a Qualified Herbal Consultant or Herbalist

Do you have a lot of health problems? Do you want to get healthy and stay healthy? An herbalist or herbal consultant can help, but only if they know what they are doing.

The role of an herbalist is to help you change your lifestyle and make choices that will positively affect your health. They recommend herbs to take that will help enhance your body's natural ability to heal itself. And if stronger herbs are needed, they will tell you exactly what to do in order to take them safely.

The only problem is that in a lot of countries, particular in the United States, this is not a field that is regulated. That means that almost anyone can call themselves an herbalist, even if they aren't really qualified or knowledgeable enough to do it.

What Does an Herbalist or Herbal Consultant Do?

* Keep in mind that an Herbalist does not diagnose disease or act like a trained doctor. If you find one that does, this is a big red flag.
* An herbalist or herbal consultant understands that total health depends on a variety of factors related to diet, lifestyle, and the environment and helps the client make good choices.
* They also help the client understand how to use things like herbal remedies, homeopathic remedies, and essential oils to help enhance health.
* A good Herbalist or Herbal consultant knows when the client needs a doctor. In other words, they have your total health in mind and want you to get better as soon as possible.

There are some really talented, effective, and ethical herbalists out there. However, it may take some time to find one. This process will help make it easier.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• An idea of why you want to find an herbalist or herbal consultant
• A list of potential names to call and interview.
• An open mind
• A basic knowledge of what to look for when it comes to an herbalist or herbal consultant

1. What kind of herbalist or herbal consultant do you want? You have several choices because some herbalists specialize in certain things--such as Chinese Herbalism or Folk Herbalism. Think about what kind of herbalist you want and you can narrow down your choices considerably.

2. Do you have a specific ailment you want to treat? Do you want to boost your overall state of health? Think about your goals and find an herbalist who will be best qualified to help you reach them. Herbalists will approach your concerns from a holistic perspective so they will examine all aspects of your lifestyle and help you make changes.

3. If you know someone who had a positive experience with an herbalist, ask them for their contact information. Sometimes the best way to find one is to ask around. Ask them questions about their experience before you contact them to ask them questions and set up an appointment.

4. Before you hire an herbalist, ask them their qualifications. Did they study herbalism through a school or institute? Are they self taught? Will they let you talk to some of their clients? Do they have a good reputation? Do they have a lot of experience?
   
   All of these things need to be considered. Keep in mind that just because someone went to school doesn't mean they will be a good herbalist. Determine which herbalist will be best for your needs by looking at the whole picture. Someone who learned herbalism from a grandparent and has been studying it for most of their life may be more qualified and knowledgeable than someone who went to school.

5. Look online for listings of herbalists with good reputations. Visit the links provided at the end of this article to help begin your search. After you do that, see if you can find information about them elsewhere on the internet. You also may want to contact them to ask them a few questions before you make the choice to work with them.

Tips & Warnings

• Trust your instinct. Make sure you feel comfortable.
• Ask if they provide you with a free consultation.
• Be wary of any herbalist who tries to sell you a lot of products.
• Do all of your own research before taking any of the herbs or suggestions.
• If something doesn't make sense to you, don't do it.

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Resources

• American Herbalist Guild
• National Institute of Medical Herbalists

[choicearizona]

on 2/20/2008 It's all about lifestyle. Herbs are known to help for thousands of years. Too bad doctors (in general) don't get training on herbs while in school. When I was diagnosed with acid reflux the doctor said there was nothing that could help, other than the pills he was prescribing. I later found out that apple cider vinegar does help alot. http://www.phoenix-life-insurance.com

[bmi57]

on 11/12/2007 Thank you.