Over the last years we have seen some of the greatest systems crumble, as we have been at home more over the past few years. Our very survival depends on reconnecting with plants for food, for our health, and self-sufficiency. Which plants can you use for a scrape, upset stomach or other ailment. These questions have answers that reach back as far as humans have understood our connection with the earth’s healing power.
A quiet rebellion back to healing plants is slowly taking hold. But what are the legal ramifications for herbalists and what can keep you from being sued for practicing medicine without a license. In the United States there is a specific way to approach people, which is your language. You cannot diagnose, treat or prescribe herbal medications. Instead you holistically assess their diet, lifestyle and even their bloodwork to suggest some possible herbal supplements for “self-care.” Communicate in your work with people in this manner since there is no licensure for practicing herbalism in the United States. Insurance companies determine how we practice medicine, as opposed to herbalism.
The American Herbalist Guild has a Registered Hebalist designation. For more information, visit their website https://americanherbalistsguild.com/. There is a process of studying under a practicing herbalist for a number of hours to ensure safety. It is important not to gain false confidence that may be obtained from a weekend or short certification course. You will know you are ready to start working with people only after research, studies and self-healing. After you have done the work, then you can help others find self-healing.
Tell clients to talk to their doctor about weaning off medications and take more herbal medications, but never tell them to stop taking their prescriptions or to take less of them. Some doctors specialize in helping people get off their medications and facilitate this by listing all the side effects alongside their symptoms. So alot of the main complaints a client has is related to the side effects of thier prescription medications. Encourage them to speak to their medical doctor about this.
So if you don’t feel ready to help people, even after you have studied for several years, maybe the issue is self-confidence. Practicing herbalism is to start helping people with medicinal plants; but only after we have the experience, knowledge and legitimate and solid experience.
The reality of the situation is that it is incredibly rare for someone to get sued for practicing herbalism. Just be careful and watch what you say and don’t get involved with their drugs, dosages or use harmful plants. Stay away from plants that interract with drugs. Use herbs that heal, not harm. More people are harmed by prescription medications than herbs but caution is still very important. Here is a great book to add to your library: Herbal Contraindications and Drug Interactions: Plus Herbal Adjuncts with Medicines, 4th Edition by Francis Brinker.
For more information, see the post on Plants That Heal, Not Harm.