Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
Is ASHH accredited? / What do I get from this program; a degree, certification, etc?
If selecting an herbal training based on advertised accreditation, certification, promise of a degree, credential of “master herbalist”, etc. one should be aware that there is no legal recognition in the United States for these titles. Students investigating different herb schools, should not be mislead by false claims that ultimately mean nothing in terms of granting legal standing in the USA for its graduates. There is currently no licensure for herbalists in the US. The most an herb school or course can legitimately provide is a Certificate of Completion in their course, irrespective of content. Most reputable herbal studies schools give graduates a certificate documenting the number of hours they have successfully studied in the field. The student then becomes a “certified herbalist”. This is what the Appalachia School of Holistic Herbalism offers its graduates. Students may use this documentation towards gaining recognition by the American Herbalists Guild, should they desire to do so.
Since the AHG is the only national organization representing professional clinical herbalists, working to establish national standards for herbal education, prospective students should ask prospective schools what their association with the American Herbalists Guild is. ASHH is an educational member of the AHG and covers the curriculum topics suggested by the AHG for herbal studies schools. For more information on the AHG visit their website at: www.americanherbalistsguild.com The goal of the Appalachia School of Holistic Herbalism is to offer practical training that is at once comprehensive, affordable and structured for all levels of interest and commitment.
-Adapted from an article by Dr. Michael Tierra L.Ac., O.M.D.
The American Herbalists Guide to getting an Herbal Education.
Financial Aid: We do not offer financial aid at this time. We do offer work exchange for most of our programs. Generally, work exchange is valued at $10/ hour and takes place at Soulflower Botanical Sanctuary. Occasionally certain professional skills may be bartered at a different rate. Work exchange can be hard work, mostly in the garden, and is a serious commitment. It may also consist of any odd job from office work to cleaning. Additionally there is one assistant position available for each class. Applicants are reviewed in the order they are received.
Do I need to register in advance for classes and workshops?
To ensure a space in class please register in advance. We cannot guarantee accommodation to last minute registrants.
How do the Fundamentals of Herbalism and Traditional Herbalism Programs differ? The Fundamentals of Herbs program covers a broad array of herbal topics including Ayurvedic principles, flower essences, and aromatherapy. Students will learn how to identify herbs, make medicine from them and how they can be used to aid the body systems. In the Traditional Herbalism Program participants move from basic understanding of herbal function to knowing a deep profile of several plants as one would know a good friend. Students gain the ability to look at the constitution of an individual and choose herbs appropriate for the whole person rather than pathology. Unlike the Fundamentals program the Traditional Herbalism program requires much commitment, home study, and self reflection and covers aspects of holistic living such as organic gardening, beekeeping, and permaculture. Graduates often emerge from this program forever changed for the better.
How do people use their knowledge after they graduate from ASHH?
There is a plethora of ways to incorporate herbal wisdom into ones life. The majority of our students either incorporate their studies into an existing practice (i.e. Massage therapy) or start their own herbal product line. Many others go on to become clinical herbalists and teachers. Other career paths include writing, on-line forums, growing and marketing medicinal plants, and working with doctors, acupuncturists, or in natural pharmacies. Please check out our faculty and graduates’ links for more insight into this matter.
Do you offer housing?
No, though we do offer several resources for relocating temporarily or permanently to Asheville upon request.
May I come and visit?
We are open 12-6pm Tuesday-Friday with additional office hours on Saturday from 9am-noon. You are welcome to drop in during those hours to visit, peruse our bookstore or make use of our in house library and resource center. Occasionally we are out running errands so you may want to call and check before you come. If you want to speak in depth with us about the school, it is best to arrange a time to assure that we can impart our full attention to you.
How do I get to ASHH or Soulflower Botanical Sanctuary?
Please call us in the office at (828) 350-1221 for directions.
Are there any required prerequisites for classes?
Our Roots classes (Fundamentals of Herbalism) require no prior studies or training.
The Traditional Herbalism Certification requires students to have taken an introductory program, either with ASHH or with another Herbal Studies School. Equivalent home study and life experience in herbalism may be adequate to fulfill this requirement. Students may take the fundamentals simultaneously with the Traditional Herbalism Program.
The Clinical Internship requires training in Anatomy & Physiology, Herbal Energetics, and an extensive background in Materia Medica. Usually an herbal training program of 250 hours or more is required.
Can I bring my baby/ young child to class?
While we adore children & support mothers and parents, no matter how quiet and well behaved a child is it is still a distraction for others in class. Children are not appropriate for our certification classes; it may be permissible to bring a young child to some short workshops provided you are prepared to leave the room with them should they become restless. Please inquire in advance.
