About the Course

What is Herbal Medicine?

Herbal medicine has a long tradition in all cultures, and recent research has begun to prove some of the huge benefits of using herbs. Whereas much modern medicine has unwelcome side effects, herbs can provide a gentle, yet powerful, solution to a wide range of physical and emotional problems.

As well as relieving symptoms, herbal medicine also works on a deeper level to help patients return to full harmony. Herbal medicine is becoming ever more popular, as ever more people seek out qualified herbalists.

Why Study Herbal Medicine with The CNM?

The CNM Herbal Medicine Diploma Course provides high quality training that equips graduates to build successful practices. It is carefully structured so each study unit builds on the previous one, allowing students to develop their confidence and skills, and reach their full potential as professional Herbalists. Students are strongly encouraged to develop their own unique style of consultation and application.

One of the strengths of The College of Naturopathic Medicine course is that we draw on a variety of herbal traditions: we have expert lecturers in western, Ayurvedic (Indian) and Chinese herbal medicine.

Students study the energetic models of these systems, allowing them to make a multi–faceted, holistic diagnosis. Graduates can draw on a wide variety of herbs from different traditions, helping them to provide the best possible treatment for their patients.

Studying Herbal Medicine at the CNM means that upon graduating, you are not only a Herbalist but also have a good grounding in Naturopathic Nutrition, First Aid Homeopathy, Chinese diagnostics, Bach Flowers, Tissue Salts, Naturopathy and Iridology. You’ll be a specialist in Herbal Medicine and you will be able to apply a number of other therapeutic and diagnostic tools to help your patients.

The Regulation of Herbal Medicine

The UK government is currently reviewing the need for regulation of the herbal sector in light of a recent public consultation, and also in view of changes in EU legislation affecting herbal remedies. It is likely that a statutory register will be created in the near future. CNM remains fully committed to gaining accreditation for its herbal graduates, in order to enable them to join such a register when the time comes.

Prerequisites

5 GCSEs or 2 A Levels, or equivalent academic and/or work experience.

If you are able to demonstrate previous study or work experience you may apply to gain exemptions from some units. Please contact us for more information and to see if you qualify for direct enrolment.

Level I (Biomedicine, Naturopathy Study, Herbal Medicine I)

Duration - 1 - 3 years

Biomedicine

Duration - 1 year

• Biomedical Sciences
• Medical terminology, cells, tissues, embryology
• Anatomy, physiology, pathology
• Clinical diagnostic, differential diagnosis
• Blood- urine analysis, examination methods
• Infectious Diseases, Red Flag symptoms

Naturopathy Study

Duration - 1 year

• Naturopathy
• TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) 1
  • Chinese diagnostic, face, tongue, pulse, nail, abdominal diagnostics
• Naturopathic Nutrition
• First Aid Homeopathy
• Introduction to Herbal Medicine
• Naturopathy Clinics (Iridology)
  • History of Iridology
  • Technique of Examination
  • Topography of the Iris
  • Constitution, Disposition and Diathesis
  • Pupil Phenomena
  • Study of the signs
  • Study of pigments
  • Clinical application

Herbal Medicine year 1

Duration - 1 year

• History, philosophy and treatment theories of Western herbal medicine.
• Herbal actions and their therapeutic applications
• Safety considerations for herbal medicine
• Social, political and legal context for herbal practice
• Plant anatomy and physiology
• Basic horticulture
• Ecological issues and sustainability in herbal medicine
• Energetics (Greco-Roman, Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, American traditions)
• Clinical Observation
• Practitioner Development & Ethics I
• Research & study skills I

Level II (Naturopathic Principles and Herbal Medicine II)

Duration - 1 year

Naturopathic Principles

Duration - 1 year

• Naturopathy & Detoxification
• Bach Flower Therapy
• Tissue Salts

Herbal Medicine year 2

Duration - 1 year

• Biochemistry
• Pharmacology
• Herb drug interactions
• Botany & Plant identification
• Quality assessment of herbal medicines
• Preparation of internal and external herbal medicines
• Herbal medicine materia medica
• Clinical examination skills
• Pathology
• Clinical Observation and Experience
• Practitioner Development & Ethics II
• Research & study skills II

Level III (Herbal Medicine III and Dissertation)

Duration - 1 year

Herbal Medicine year 3

• Herbal Therapeutics
• Eyes, ears, nose, throat and face
• Lower respiratory system
• Gastrointestinal system
• Musculoskeletal system
• Genitourinary system
• Cardio-vascular system
• Blood and lymphatic system
• Nervous system
• Endocrine system
• Immune system
• Female and male reproductive systems
• Fertility
• First aid and acute treatments
• Dermatology
• Obstetrics
• Paediatrics
• Oncology
• Geriatrics
• Clinical Practice
• Clinical Management
• Practitioner Development & Ethics III

Dissertation

Diploma

• Dip. Herbal Medicine

Study Programme and Locations

Options

• Full time, weekends, weekdays and evenings (London only)
• Part time, weekends (all colleges - London, Bristol, Brighton, Birmingham, Manchester, Edinburgh)
• At this time, Specialist courses are held in London only

Intake Dates

Typically, students enrol for the Autumn (Oct) and Spring (Feb) semesters. However, since our Biomedicine and Naturopathy courses are built around a modular system, new students can join a course throughout the year.

Examples

Depending on your study schedule, the diploma courses can be completed in 3, 4 or 5 years.

Full time study

• Year 1: (Level 1) Biomedicine, Naturopathy Study and Herbal Medicine year 1
• Year 2: (Level 2) Naturopathic Principles and Herbal Medicine year 2
• Year 3: (Level 3) Herbal Medicine Year 3 and Dissertation

Part time study

• Year 1: (Level 1) Biomedicine
• Year 2: (Level 1) Naturopathy Study
• Year 3: (Level 1) Herbal Medicine year 1
• Year 4: (Level 2) Herbal Medicine year 2 and Naturopathic Principles
• Year 5: (Level 3) Herbal Medicine year 3 and Dissertation

Our course consultants are here to help you create a schedule that suits your needs - contact us for information.

Cost

Please contact our course consultants for exact course pricing, discounts, and financing options.

Recognition

Herbal Medicine Training

CNM graduates are accepted by the ANP (Association of Naturopathic Practitioners).

How to Apply

We advise you to first contact us and discuss your personal needs and goals. We can then assist you in tailoring a study schedule that suits your lifestyle and commitments. Our course consultants are knowledgable, friendly, and deal with students from all walks of life - please call us at +44 (0)1342 410 505, use our contact form, or email info@naturopathy-uk.com.

• Contact us now for more information >>

Admissions Contact

Lynne Ott
info@naturopathy-uk.com
+44 (0)1342 410 505

Unit 1, Bulrushes Farm
Coombe Hill Road
East Grinstead
West Sussex, RH19 4LZ
T: (+44) 1342 410 505
F: (+44) 1342 410 90

Continuing Study Options

Further Study with the CNM

Students who have completed their Herbal training with the CNM may opt to study additional specialist diploma courses, Homeopathy, Acupuncture, or Naturopathic Nutrition.

Degrees

CNM has developed an exclusive alliance with Charles Sturt University (CSU) in New South Wales, Australia, which allows CNM students and graduates to enrol into the Bachelor of Health Science Degree (Complementary Medicine). The CSU Degree programme is a distance learning course which starts each February and can be completed in 1 or 2 years. CSU offers the further opportunity for ongoing study to obtain a Master’s Degree, or a PH.D. in Complementary Medicine.

Charles Stuart University is Australia’s leading distance learning University, being responsible for the on-line education of over 28,000 students. CSU was awarded a "University of the Year" award in Australia, for its nationally recognised ability to reflect the needs of today’s society, and responsiveness to the need for life-long learning in a changing world.

Applications must be completed by the end of November; please contact us for more information. Students must have completed their CNM course before being issued with a CSU degree.