📝 Program Description:
The Associate Degree in Herbal Formulations is a two-year academic program designed to provide students with a deep understanding of herbal medicine, the phytochemistry of healing plants, formulation techniques, safety standards, and clinical applications. This program combines traditional herbal wisdom with modern scientific approaches to prepare students for careers in herbal product development, holistic health, wellness consulting, and natural product entrepreneurship.
Graduates will gain the skills to ethically formulate herbal remedies, understand the pharmacological actions of herbs, and comply with safety and regulatory standards. The program is ideal for individuals pursuing careers in naturopathy, herbal retail, holistic wellness, or those planning to transfer into a bachelor's program in herbal sciences or complementary medicine.
⏳ Program Duration:
Length: 2 years (4 semesters)
Credit Hours: ~60–65 credits
📚 Program Structure:
Core Courses (40 credits):
Introduction to Herbal Medicine
Botany and Plant Identification
Herbal Materia Medica I
Herbal Materia Medica II
Phytochemistry and Herbal Constituents
Herbal Formulation Principles
Herbal Extraction Methods
Clinical Herbalism and Case Studies
Safety, Ethics, and Regulation in Herbal Practice
Capstone Project in Herbal Formulation
General Education Requirements (15–18 credits):
English Composition
Human Anatomy & Physiology
Introduction to Chemistry
College Math or Statistics
Health & Wellness or Sociology
Elective Courses (6–9 credits):
Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine
Ayurvedic Herbology
Aromatherapy and Essential Oils
Herbal Business and Marketing
Medicinal Mushroom Studies
Wildcrafting and Sustainability
📘 Course Syllabus & Module Breakdown (Core Courses):
🌿 1. Introduction to Herbal Medicine
Credits: 3
Course Description:
Covers the historical, cultural, and scientific foundations of herbal medicine around the world. Students explore the evolution of herbal traditions and their integration into modern wellness.
🌱 2. Botany and Plant Identification
Credits: 3
Course Description:
Focuses on the botanical principles necessary for accurate herb identification. Students learn taxonomy, morphology, and use field guides for wild and cultivated herbs.
Modules:
Basic Plant Biology and Terminology
Taxonomy and Classification of Plants
Leaf, Flower, and Root Structures
Using Plant Keys and Field Guides
Hands-on Herbarium Building
Identifying Plants in the Wild vs. Cultivation
Introduction to Invasive vs. Endangered Species
Plant Identification Practicum
🌼 3. Herbal Materia Medica I
Credits: 4
Course Description:
Students study the properties, uses, and preparations of 25–30 foundational herbs used in Western herbal medicine.
Modules:
Introduction to Materia Medica and Monographs
Herb Profiles: Chamomile, Echinacea, Peppermint, etc.
Energetics: Hot, Cold, Damp, Dry
Organ System Affinities
Herbal Safety and Dosage Guidelines
Tea, Tincture, and Topical Preparation Basics
Case Scenarios and Matching Herbs
Materia Medica Notebook Development
🌾 4. Herbal Materia Medica II
Credits: 4
Course Description:
Continues the study of advanced herbs with more specific clinical and energetic applications.
Modules:
Herb Profiles: Skullcap, Valerian, Ashwagandha, etc.
Nervines, Adaptogens, and Tonics
Herbs for Digestion, Circulation, and Skin
Cross-cultural Uses of Similar Herbs
Contraindications and Interactions
Advanced Case Scenarios
Development of Clinical Protocols
Student Presentation: Herb Comparison Project
🧪 5. Phytochemistry and Herbal Constituents
Credits: 3
Course Description:
Introduces the chemistry behind herbs—understanding how constituents like alkaloids, flavonoids, and tannins affect health.
Modules:
Introduction to Herbal Phytochemistry
Alkaloids, Saponins, Tannins: What They Do
Solubility and Extraction Factors
Constituents and Herbal Energetics
Analytical Testing in Herbal Quality
Chemistry of Essential Oils and Resins
Laboratory Simulations and Plant Analysis
Review and Quiz Module
🧉 6. Herbal Formulation Principles
Credits: 4
Course Description:
This course focuses on how to create safe, effective herbal blends for various health needs.
Modules:
Understanding Synergy in Formulation
Primary, Supporting, and Catalyst Herbs
Dosing Principles and Forms (tea, tincture, salve, etc.)
Customizing for Constitutions and Conditions
Building Therapeutic Categories (nervines, expectorants, etc.)
Crafting Single-Use vs. Long-Term Blends
Sample Formulation Practice and Peer Review
Final Project: Formulation Portfolio
🧫 7. Herbal Extraction Methods
Credits: 3
Course Description:
Explores techniques for extracting herbal compounds using water, alcohol, oil, and other mediums.
Modules:
Solvent Science: Water, Alcohol, Glycerin, Vinegar
Infusions, Decoctions, and Syrups
Oil Infusions and Salve Making
Tincture Making Step-by-Step
Percolation vs. Maceration Techniques
Preservation and Storage
Labeling and Documentation Standards
Student Lab: Create and Present 3 Extracts
💡 8. Clinical Herbalism and Case Studies
Credits: 4
Course Description:
Teaches the basics of working with clients using herbs—assessment, protocol design, and documentation.
⚖️ 9. Safety, Ethics, and Regulation in Herbal Practice
Credits: 3
Course Description:
Covers critical legal and ethical aspects of herbal practice in various countries and regions.