Community Herbalism Intensive (450 hours)

This program is designed to give students a comprehensive, hands-on practical study of herbal medicine. Classes are divided between classroom time and being outdoors.

NSBM Community Herbalism Intensive 2011 debarking White oak bark

NSBM 2011-Debarking White oak bark


Classes are three days per week for six months. There are also 3 extended field trips in July, August and September.

Enrollment is limited to 21 students. Please call or write if you are interested in any of these programs. It is strongly suggested to visit for a person-to-person interview and visit the class in session

Classes begin May 13 and end November 13, 2013

The program is approximately 450 hours of class time.

Community Herbalism Intensive 2011 Syllabus

This syllabus is a good place to see the specific classes, as well as dates for classes and field trips. The 2013 syllabus will be posted soon.

NSBM 2006 at Equinox Botanicals with Paul Strauss

NSBM 2006 at Eqinox Botanicals

Weekly Schedule

  • Monday 2:00PM to 8:00PM

  • Tuesday 10:30AM to 4:30PM

  • Wednesday 2:00PM to 8:00PM

There is generally a one hour lunch or dinner break

Other classes include two eight-day field trips, the Rainbow Gathering, guest speakers and special classes (see individual class descriptions for details).

Ther is generally a 1 week class break in July (after the Rainbow Gathering) and another in September.


Tuition:  $3600

A $450 non-refundable deposit is due upon acceptance.

Please note, the remainder of the tuition is due April 28, 2013, unless prior arrangements have been made.

NSBM 2010-end of the year party

Certificate: A handsome certificate is given to students who successfully finish the program. This means completing all assignments and missing no more than 4 classes throughout the program.

Additional Costs: A detailed list of the items named below will be sent upon acceptance, or can be downloaded from the handouts section of this site.

For a more in-depth look at some of the tools below, please see the Wildcrafting handout (under Other Subjects).

  • Tools: Wildcrafting implements such as pruners, digging fork, hori-hori, shovel, etc. I strongly suggest buying high quality tools. They will last longer and be easier on your body. 
NSBM 2006 keying plants at Earthly Mirth

  • Books: Approximately four books are required for the course, while there is an endless variety of books, newsletters, magazines, herbal software programs, and other resources you may want to purchase. See Book List

  • Herbal Supplies: Alcohol, oil, bottles, and other expenses necessary for medicine making