herbalist ?

[0103media]

My Gf wants to do a herbalist home learning course..

Can any reccomend a good training company ?

I've found so far bsygroup and uk-open-learning ..

Anyone tried any of these ?

[Peter]

The only recognised qualification is with NIHM - National Institute of Herbal Medicine. It's in Haslemere, but you should be able to Google them.

[0103media]

The only recognised qualification is with NIHM - National Institute of Herbal Medicine. It's in Haslemere, but you should be able to Google them.

How do you know that ? .. Would love any advice you can give me/her ?

Have you done it ?

Thanks peter

[0103media]

http://www.nimh.org.uk/ found them..

peter small typo I think its "nimh".. ?

[Peter]

...........yep. It's 'medical herbalism'........ Well, it was a loooong time ago! I was going to do the 5 year course, but lack of money forced me into quackism! I only do animals with the odd herbal decoction - they don't argue like people do, so it tends to work better! Who needs qualifications when you've got a pointy hat!

[0103media]

Would any of these courses help in the short term..

My Gf want's to do it @ home first..

She's found http://www.bsygroup.co.uk/
here is the starter course. http://www.bsygroup.co.uk/course_det...p?course_id=43

here is the advanced
http://www.bsygroup.co.uk/course_det...p?course_id=44

Also found this one:
http://www.uk-open-learning.com/Cart...sp?Category=15

Any ideas peter ?

Thanks

[Peter]

I have a problem with BSY, in that while they are the leading authority on yoga in Britain, I always feel that people should stick to their own field. The other one, although a diploma course, seems to lean too much on the 'Become a herbalist and make your fortune!' - told you I was a cynic. Herbalism, like vegetarianism, has to be something you believe in. If only to pass your confidence on to your client, I would suggest that it should be 'all or nothing', rather than an interim course that could do more harm than good. Herbs are potent - it's quite easy to kill someone with 'em, ask Socrates.

[0103media]

Would you suggest just studying books until time, finance etc.. allowed it..

I do understand what your saying but most courses/things in life have a intro course also know as a taster

Thanks again btw

[Peter]

Definitely get 'A modern Herbal' by Mrs M Greive FRHS isbn 1-85501-249-9. It's the recognised bible. MIMH do a diploma course, and I think, an introductory, but if you get in touch they'll send you loads of info. With EU legislation, it's getting harder to have anything to do with natural medicines unless you're qualified, I used to belong to the Natural Medicines Society, but even they had their wings clipped by the EU. The EU are trying to classify herbs as 'foodstuff', but as most pharmaceuticals derive from herbs, they have a problem policing the use of them! Come the revolution, they'll be the first against the wall!!

[nattynetty]

Hi there Media

Bit late I know but if you want my professional advice (for free!) then I’d be a bit wary of uk-open-learning (and similar ones) as a lot of the courses provide you with qualifications that just aren’t recognised by the appropriate professional bodies – just glancing at the course you mentioned looks like this is the case here (the ODLQC has nothing to do with herbalism for example). Check out this link for more info on what Peter was saying above and the accredidited bodies etc http://www.connexions-direct.com/job...etailedArticle

Also alarm bells ring when the qualification is a ‘Diploma’ as it says nothing about the level or the awarding body on the few courses I quickly checked out. Yes the courses might be useful but your girlf would be better off buying the book Peter recommends and saving her money for an industry accredited course if she decides to study it further.

If you need any other advice just give me a shout

Netty