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Introduction to Herbal Medicine

Herbal medicine has lot to offer when it comes to improving mood, reducing anxiety, improving cognitive function and increasing energy levels. Herbal medicine is the use of whole plant extracts to treat illness and to prevent disease. When used correctly, herbal medicines offer a safe and effective way to improve mental health. Many herbs can be used safely alongside orthodox medicines. This course is all about giving you the knowledge you need to feel confident buying and trying herbal medicines to support your own health.
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Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.

  • Start Date: 01 Oct 2025
    End Date: 08 Oct 2025
    Wed (Evening): 18:30 - 20:30
    Online
    Location: Online
    Duration: 2 sessions (over 2 weeks)
    Course Code: FNR07
    Tutors:  Ellie Holly
    Full fee £69.00 Senior fee £69.00 Concession £69.00
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Any questions? health@citylit.ac.uk or call 020 8142 4577

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Book your place
In stock
SKU
238123
Full fee £69.00 Senior fee £69.00 Concession £69.00

What is the course about?

In this friendly and relaxed course you will learn how to take herbal medicines, what dosages and forms are best, e.g. teas, capsules, tinctures, etc. How to self prescribe safely, and how to recognise good quality products. We will cover six key herbs for mental health in detail, and discuss many more. We will take an in depth look at:
- St. John’s wort
- Valerian
- Ginkgo biloba
- Ashwaganda
- Liquorice
- Ginseng
This course is packed with useful, practical, information and will come away feeling inspired to try some new herbal medicines safely.

What will we cover?

• What is herbal medicine?
• How to take herbal medicines: different preparations and dosages.
• How to self prescribe safely, and when not to use herbal medicines.
• In depth information about six key herbs for mental health.
• How to incorporate herbal medicine into every day life.
• When does food become medicine? Foods as herbal medicines for the brain.
• Question and answer session.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

• Have a good understanding of six herbal medicines, how they effect the body, and how to take them safely.
• Know when herbal medicine is not safe, and when to consult a qualified herbalist.
• Feel confident buying and trying out some over the counter herbal medicines which will support your mental health and mood.
• Be able to select herbal teas which will support mental health
• Discuss the role of herbs in food and how food can act as a medicine.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

This course is suitable for anyone interested in using herbal medicines to support mental health. It is also appropriate for complementary therapists wishing to gain a better understanding of how to use herbal medicines safely and effectively.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

The tutor will use PowerPoint presentations, class discussion and small group work.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

You will need a pen and paper.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

Try one of the other nutrition related courses from the Health and Lifestyle programme at City Lit.

Ellie Holly

Ellie Holly is a highly qualified and experienced Medical Herbalist and Nutritional Therapist. She has been treating patients using herbal medicines and nutritional therapy for over twenty years. Alongside her busy private practise, Ellie creates, writes, and delivers nutrition and herbal medicine courses and webinars. Ellie is passionate about using her knowledge to educate and enlighten people with energy and enthusiasm, so that they are empowered to make positive changes in their diets and lifestyles. To find out more about Ellie, the courses she teaches, and her work seeing patients in private practise, please visit her website: www.hollyhealthcare.co.uk

Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.