Lee’s story: a student of herbs
3rd June 2025
The Herb Society is open to all who are interested in herbs and their many uses. A number of our members are studying herbs, often working towards a qualification or certification. To support these people, who are often managing their studies alongside other work and commitments, The Herb Society runs a Student Group. This is a discussion group that meets online to share thoughts, experiences and learnings, typically focusing on a specific herb each meeting. We reached out to our student group to share their stories. Thanks to Lee for sharing her inspiring story:Why did you decide to study herbs?
Herbalist origin stories don’t usually begin in the suburbs of a big city, so as a lass from Liverpool, what I didn’t get from country walks, I gleaned from retail instead. I practically lived in The Body Shop as a teen. My medicine cabinet always held a home remedy or two, and at one point I even started making my own. But between a demanding job and single parenting a child with undiagnosed ADHD, that creative part of me took a back seat. After struggling through university as a young mum and spending years in fast-paced work environments, I burned out. Throw in the joys of perimenopause and a diagnosis of IBD on top, and suddenly I barely recognised myself. I felt disillusioned, unfulfilled, and out of alignment. That’s when I started to revisit things that had once brought me joy. I considered studying nutrition, or naturopathy, but herbal medicine called. It wasn’t just about finding a new direction, it was about reconnecting with something I’d lost.
How did you choose which course or level of study to pursue?
Starting the search for a herbal medicine course was like walking into an unlabelled apothecary: too many options, not enough signposting. Eventually, I found the NiMH website and explored the shorter courses they listed. I knew I didn’t want an online course; I needed something experiential and hands-on. When I found the year-long apprenticeship at the Scottish School of Herbal Medicine, set on the Isle of Arran, I didn’t hesitate. I applied immediately. It had a Celtic herbal focus and was rooted in experiential learning. Learning from Keith Robertson, Nicola Dee Kelly and Danny O’Rawe, with a small group of like-minded students, it felt like exactly the right way to begin my herbal journey, and it was.
What the the top 3 things that surprised you about studying herbalism?
Herbalists never agree on anything – except the doses that might poison you. Every book says something different, and every herbalist has their own way of working. This actually makes sense, because working with herbs is relational, between the herbalist, the patient, and the plant. This has taught me the importance of choosing mentors I align with because we carry their teachings into our own practice.
No formal qualifications are needed to become a herbalist. It’s a self-governed industry, so integrity matters. That said, manufacturers can restrict access to Schedule 20 herbs at their discretion, and insurance companies can be picky. This is why bodies like NiMH are essential, they give us a professional framework and help protect the integrity of our field.
Herbs have personalities. Just like people. As part of my apprenticeship, I spent time working closely with Yarrow (Achillea millefolium). She turned out to be a wonderful ally who has helped me reconnect with my instincts. I never thought I’d be dreaming about herbs, but I do. It’s like making new friends, oddly therapeutic friends who show up when you need them but only if you’re willing to listen.
What would you like to do after your studies?
My goal is to practice as a herbalist. I’ve already started reshaping my life around that. I’m volunteering as a trainee apiarist at a local community garden and I’ve begun training with the Samaritans as a listener because I believe the therapeutic relationship is as much about understanding how a patient feels as it is about diagnosis or prescription.
I’ve also set up a freelance virtual assistant business. It gives me the flexibility I need to study for my diploma in medical herbalism at Betonica and volunteer. Slowly but surely, I’m building a life that aligns with how I want to grow and I really enjoy sharing what I’ve learned with others, especially my young son.
— If you are enrolled on a course to study herbs, or thinking of doing so, look out for more of our student stories for inspiration, and we look forward to welcoming you to our student group if you feel so called. For more details about this membership benefit, do get in touch with support@herbsociety.org.uk