Fundamentals Self-Guided Program

The Full Fundamentals Curriculum, On Your Schedule

The Fundamentals Self-Guided Program gathers all of our a la carte online modules into one cohesive, organized learning path. You get the full Fundamentals of Medical Herbalism curriculum — without an application, cohort schedule, or certificate requirements — so you can move through the material at your own pace.

You’ll explore Western herbalism, Vitalist philosophy, nutrition, flower essences, and medicinal mushrooms, with clear video lessons and an (optional) hands-on Experience Kit to ground your learning in real plants.

Included Modules

All current Fundamentals modules are bundled into this self-guided program:

• Vital Energetics: Foundations of Herbal Intelligence
• Biochemistry for Herbalists: The Molecules of Life
• Flower Essences Foundations
• Herbal Skin Wisdom
• Infused Oils & Salves: Topical Herbal Preparations
• Herbs for the Heart: Cardiovascular Support Through Plants
• Digestive Vitalism: Gut Health & Restoration
• Botany for Herbalists: Introduction to Plant Identification
• Breathe Deep: Respiratory Health & Healing
• Wisdom Remedies: Time-Tested Plant Allies for Body & Spirit
• Calm & Steady: An Herbalist’s Guide to the Nervous System
• Structure & Support: Herbal Care for Muscles, Bones, & Joints
• Nutrition Foundations for Herbalists
• Minerals: The Groundwork of Nutritional Healing
• Vitamins & Vitality: Nutritional Essentials
• Proteins: The Building Blocks of Vital Health
• Lipids in Action: Allies for Brain, Hormones, & Energy
• Liver Vitality: Herbal Detoxification & Support
• Lymphatic Flow: Herbal Support for Circulation, Immunity, & Detox
• Immune Intelligence
• Stress Less: The Power of Adaptogenic Herbs
• Herbal Tinctures: The Art & Science of Extractions
• Endocrine Balance: Herbal Strategies for Hormonal Harmony
• Mycology: The Study of Medicinal Mushrooms
• Cycles & Support: Herbs for Uterine and Hormonal Well-Being
• Herbal Support for Penile, Testicular, and Hormonal Vitality
• Urinary Tract Wellness: Herbal Approaches
• Balancing Blood Sugar: Strategies for Insulin Health
• Herbal Formulations: From Theory to Practice
• Foundations of Medicinal Teas
  

How the Self-Guided Program Differs from the Certificate Cohort 

This Self-Guided (Non-Certificate) option uses the same core video curriculum as the 9-month Fundamentals of Medical Herbalism Certificate program — but without the cohort structure, application process, or graduation requirements.

It’s designed for students who:

• Want the full Fundamentals curriculum without pursuing a formal certificate
• Prefer to study independently rather than on a fixed 9-month schedule
• Don’t need live calls, mentor check-ins, or graded exams
• Want to start anytime and move at their own pace
  

You still get organized modules, quizzes, worksheets, and an (optional) hands-on herbal kit; you simply skip the pieces that are specific to the state-recognized certificate track.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Important Note: The Self-Guided Program does not confer a certificate. It is intended as an in-depth, self-guided educational experience. If you’re wishing to pursue an occupational path, the Fundamentals of Medical Herbalism Online Certificate Program is a better choice.

Learn more about the Online Certificate program →

What’s Included in the Self-Guided Program

On-Demand Course Library

Your enrollment unlocks:

• Access to all Fundamentals video modules listed above
• 140+ faculty-led lessons you can watch and rewatch anytime
• Organized curriculum that mirrors the full certificate program
• Built-in quizzes to check your understanding as you go
• Downloadable course notes and reference handouts

You can log in from anywhere, including a mobile app, move through the material in any order, and revisit favorite lessons whenever you need a refresher.

Herbal Experience Kit

The Self-Guided Program includes the option of purchasing a hands-on Herbal Experience Kit:

• Over 250 individual tinctures and bulk herbs in total (4–5 tinctures & 4–5 bulk herbs per module) so you can taste, smell, and work with the plants you’re learning about
  
• Droppers, small tools, oils, powders, and other supplies to enhance your learning
• Over 25 herbal & nutritional recipes
• CSCH Herbal Journal 

From your first module onward, you won’t just be reading about herbs — you’ll be working with them. Experience kits will begin shipping on December 10th, 2025.

Is the Self-Guided Program Right for Me?

This version is a great fit if:

• You want serious herbal education without the pressure of exams or rigid timelines
• You prefer to learn independently and check your understanding with quizzes rather than graded projects
• You’re already working or caregiving and need flexibility to move slowly or in bursts
• You’re exploring herbalism for personal, family, or community use and don’t currently need a formal certificate

It may not be the best fit if:

• You need a state-recognized certificate for your professional goals
• You thrive on live interaction, deadlines, and structured feedback from mentors
• You desire to be in a community of like-minded herbal learners

If you’re looking for mentorship, community, and a DPOS-approved certificate, we recommend the Fundamentals of Medical Herbalism Online Certificate Program . If you’re craving flexibility and the freedom to start today, without a state-recognized certificate, the Fundamentals Self-Guided Program was made for you.