Herbs Love And Yoga
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Transform Your Health: Become a Herbalist

Our Herbalist Certification is a sacred vessel designed for those ready to transform their physical and spiritual health through the power of plants. Master the art of foundational medicine-making and dive deep into the energetic and physical signatures of over 50 botanical allies. This program isn't just about learning; it's about reclaiming your vitality and cultivating the confidence to share natural wisdom with your family, your friends, and the Earth itself.
Herbal Apprentice Making Elderberry Syrup
A level 1 apprentice making elderberry syrup in class.

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Level 1 apprentices tending to our medicinal garden
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Visiting elder, Oso, on an optional sweat lodge field trip with our Level 2 apprentices
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A level 1 apprentice taking home plants from our medicinal garden
Herbal apprentice teaching a tincture making workshop
A level 2 apprentice teaching a herbal workshop

Why HLY is Your Herbal Path

At Herbs, Love, & Yoga (HLY), we believe true herbal mastery is born from immersive, hands-on experience and the power of human connection. Unlike pre-recorded lectures, our program is rooted in embodied learning—where you touch, taste, and craft medicine in real-time. We offer more than just information; we provide the mentorship, practical skills, and personalized guidance you need to seamlessly weave herbal healing into the fabric of your life. If you are seeking a transformative and supportive environment to ground your practice, HLY is your path to becoming a deeply intuitive and highly skilled herbalist.

About Our Program

Our Herbalist Certification offers a unique, in-depth journey designed to transform you into a confident and skilled practitioner. We bridge the gap between traditional plant wisdom and modern biological science to provide a truly comprehensive education for the physical and spiritual self.

Personalized In-Person Learning

Experience immersive weeks of in-person training rooted in the power of the living circle. By maintaining an intentional limit on class size, we ensure a personalized, interactive environment where you receive direct mentorship and build a deeply supportive peer community.
Hybrid Option: A limited number of virtual students can join our cohort live. Email Alyssa at [email protected] to inquire about virtual enrollment.

The Science of Spirit: Expert Mentorship

You don’t need a medical degree to understand how plants interact with your body, but you do need a teacher who can bridge the gap. Drawing on 15 years of expertise as a high school biology and chemistry educator, Alyssa specializes in breaking down complex scientific concepts into accessible, easy-to-understand wisdom. Whether we are discussing cellular health or energetic signatures, you will learn to navigate the science of the body with clarity and confidence, ensuring you truly master the "how" and "why" behind every remedy.

Intimate Materia Medicas & Embodied Learning

Invite the wisdom of the botanical world into your daily life. Through meticulously crafted monographs, you will explore the physical and spiritual signatures of our plant allies. We prioritize embodied learning; each week, you will take home the herbs you study to create teas and infusions, building a soul-level relationship with the plants.

Practical Medicine-Making Skills

Master the art of the apothecary through hands-on practicums. You will create and take home a variety of remedies—including infusions, decoctions, syrups, balms, salves, vinegars, and honeys—ready to be integrated into your daily nourishing routine.

Botany, Identification & Ethical Wildcrafting

Develop essential skills in plant identification and ethical wildcrafting. You'll get up close and personal in our medicinal herbal garden and learn to confidently find and responsibly harvest herbs in nature. Enjoy in-person plant walks in Newtown and surrounding areas.

Ready to Transform Your Health? Enroll Today!

The path to becoming a healer is a physical and spiritual initiation that will serve you for a lifetime. This is your opportunity to move beyond curiosity and gain the scientific confidence and ancestral wisdom needed to nourish yourself and your community. Whether you are starting with our foundational Level 1 or continuing your journey into the deeper mysteries, your place in our circle is waiting. Enroll now to secure your spot and begin the transformation you’ve been seeking.
Apprentices Praying With Plants
Apprentices putting their intentions into freshly harvested medicine from our herbal garden
Plant walk
Apprentices gathering during a guided plant walk
Apprentices in the herbal garden
Level 1 apprentices tending to plants in our medicinal gardens
Apprentices processing herbal medicine roots
Apprentices taking medicine home from our garden
An apprentice baking with passion flower

What Our Students Are Saying:

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Herbs Love and Yoga is the herbal community I have been hoping for. The store is filled with beautiful, high-quality bulk herbs, handcrafted teas and tinctures, flower essences made with intention and integrity, fire cider, syrups, and so much more. They offer many classes and free community events. Alyssa is the owner and the teacher of several herbal courses.
I have taken several online herbal courses, but being able to meet in person to learn from a clinical herbalist, who is registered with the American Herbalist Guild and grounded in the Wise Woman Tradition, is exactly what I needed. I took the Foundations of Plant Medicine Level 2 course. Alyssa generously shares her vast knowledge and experiences of the plants, allowing her students to be a part of the herb gardens, shop, and community. The classes, readings, homework, and projects combine the plants, science, ceremony, and the introduction of several cultural traditions. These courses are well worth the financial and time investment. I have gained invaluable experiences and information which I will refer to often, but I can’t wait to move on to Level 3 at Herbs Love and Yoga with Alyssa.

-Deb T. 

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I took the Foundations of Herbalism Level 1 + 2 certification courses at HLY and thoroughly enjoyed it. This course provides a great balance between science and spirit. I was drawn to this class in particular because of Alyssa’s background as a science teacher and a spiritual herbalist, and I have not been disappointed. We have had detailed lessons and readings on herbal actions, body systems, and current research. We have also learned different ways to connect with the spiritual energy of our plants, including journeying, meditation, and “walking” with a plant. Through all of this, it’s clear that Alyssa has walked the path herself, and she really makes the class come alive with her own stories, perspectives, and wisdom when it comes to working with plant allies. The practical components, including medicine making and tending a garden, are a wonderful and rich addition to the in-person experience. I feel like this class has opened up a whole new world for me, and I feel empowered not only in working with the plants, but in having greater agency in my own health and healing

-Kristin R. 

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I completed Alyssa’s Community Herbalism Certification (level 2) and cannot WAIT to complete level 3. It absolutely exceeded my expectations, from start to finish. I loved every book, assignment, and teaching. The in-person mentoring is so refreshing compared to all of the online trainings of the world right now. You get hands on experience working in the herb garden, processing plants and making medicine from what you grow. The shop hours are invaluable - learning what it feels like to work in an apothecary and to work with people one-on-one to find their formulas is incredible. I loved every minute and recommend it whole heartedly. It has made me healthier and helped to improve the health of my entire family. It is so empowering to learn plant medicine in this way. 10/10!

-Alyson A. 

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I’ve been coming to Herbs Love & Yoga for a few years now, and I deeply trust both the products and—most especially—Alyssa. Her knowledge, core honesty, and integrity truly set her apart. Trust is extremely important to me, especially when it comes to herbs, because so many people claim expertise. Alyssa’s strong scientific background, combined with her vast herbal knowledge and spiritual intuition, made her someone I genuinely wanted to learn from and invest in for the expansion of my own herbalism practice.

The class was wonderful—I learned so much. And I’m happy to say that through the products we learned to make, I haven’t had a single cold or flu this fall or winter. Truly miraculous.
If you’re interested in using herbs in your life, want to create but aren’t sure how or where to begin, or feel you need solid, trustworthy guidance—look no further. This is the place to move from passion and curiosity into fun, deep learning that builds a strong and lasting foundation.

-Stephanie B. 

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This class is absolutely amazing. Finding an in-person herbalism class is not easy. Finding one that incorporates the spiritual aspect as part of the curriculum is something you will be hard-pressed to come upon, even if you were searching for it. This class grants you the opportunity to grow personally and gives you so much more than plant medicine. Alyssa makes everyone feel like an important part of every class, and she is a thorough and caring teacher. Her knowledge in both the medicinal and spiritual aspects of herbalism is invaluable. The fact that this course is teaching you so much more than plant medicine and gives you a sense of community is something you will take with you always.

​-Elizabeth K. 

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​Foundations of Plant Medicine Level 1 is where I began my plant journey by weaving together plant wisdom with holistic healing and a touch of magic. I have gained confidence and competence through Alyssa's teachings by learning about plant medicine in the wise woman traditions and continued on to Level 2. Alyssa offers a solid knowledge base and gives you tools that you will use for years to come on your path as an herbalist. Whether helping friends and family or going the route of community or clinical herbalist, this program will give you the skills and strategies to help the people you care about with the power of plant medicine.

-Sherye J. 

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I had a great experience in the Foundations of Herbal Medicine Level 1 certification class. Alyssa is an incredible teacher who clearly and warmly explains both the science and the spirit of plants, blending knowledge with intuition in a way that feels very approachable and easy to understand. We learned about nutritive herbs like nettle and oatstraw, how to make nourishing infusions, and how different herbal actions can support everyday issues through teas, tinctures, and salves, often using herbs found right in your own backyard. Walking through Alyssa’s garden and learning to identify native plants was a wonderful hands-on experience. It’s empowering to learn that there is a healing herb for almost anything that ails you or your loved ones! I highly recommend this class to anyone interested in learning about herbal medicine and natural healing.

-Karen S. 

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The Foundations of Plant Medicine Level 1 is a solid introduction to medicinal herbs on both a practical level to a deeper spiritual level. Alyssa discusses medical systems in an easy-to-understand visual manner. I only wish that I knew all the benefits, both physically and spiritually earlier in my life. Alyssa makes the class fun too - we plant seeds, make syrups, make teas at home and write about our experiences. This is a live class in every sense and the interactions between Alyssa and the students are instrumental in understanding the herbal plants in a meaningful way. Highly recommend this class to everyone who is called for the journey!

-Mary M. 

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I took the Foundations of Plant Medicine Herbalist Training Certification Courses, Level 1-3, and it has been such a fun experience. I have learned so much from this course that I would not have learned online by myself. I love the community that comes with being in person and the hands-on approach. I'm happy with the structure and layout of the lessons as they are easy to understand. Alyssa is a great teacher and breaks everything down into easy-to-digest information.

-Kearstyn F. 

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I have thoroughly enjoyed taking Foundations of Plant Medicine Level 1 and 2. It has been a gateway for me into herbalism. In the short time I have known Alyssa and been a part of her class, I have found myself dancing with the plants and getting to know the herbs on not only a traditional medicinal level but also through spiritual connection. She emphasizes wild crafting and a local approach as much as possible. I appreciate her practicality and step-by-step approach to gathering the essential knowledge and skills to help greater serve family, community or even a clinic as an effective holistic herbal practitioner.

-Kait T.

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Meet Alyssa, Your Trusted Guide to Herbal Medicine + Holistic Wellness

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I know how frustrating it feels to navigate health challenges without true, root-cause support. When I was diagnosed with PCOS years ago, I found that conventional medicine often only managed symptoms rather than offering a path to vitality. By creating a focused herbal protocol, I witnessed my own body return to balance—and my symptoms vanished within three months.

If you are tired of feeling dismissed or unsupported in your wellness journey, you are not alone. I am here to hold space, guide you with compassion, and offer grounded, evidence-informed support that honors both the physical and spiritual aspects of health.
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With 15 years of experience as a biology and chemistry educator, nine years as a clinical herbalist, and a decade as a yoga teacher and Reiki master, I offer a unique, full-spectrum approach to wellness. Every remedy we create in our state-certified facility is crafted with scientific integrity, safety, and a deep, soul-level respect for the plants.
 Learn More About My Story And Our Healing Philosophy Here 

Course Information + Registration

Choosing to become a certified herbalist is an investment in your personal well-being, your family's health, and a rewarding future. Our comprehensive certification program offers unparalleled value, equipping you with practical skills and deep knowledge to confidently practice herbal medicine.
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Next Cohort: May 2026
DESCRIPTION
Embark on a transformative journey into the heart of plant medicine. Our comprehensive, in-person 75-hour certification is a sacred invitation to root yourself in the art and science of herbalism. Designed for both the curious beginner and those seeking to deepen their existing knowledge, this program offers an immersive, tactile experience that goes far beyond the screen.
At our Sandy Hook, CT studio, you will engage in hands-on training that bridges biological science with intuitive wisdom. You won’t just study herbs; you will touch, taste, and craft them into living medicine. Upon graduation, you will receive your 75-hour Family Herbalist Certification, equipped with the practical skills and confidence to nourish your household and reclaim your role as the healer in your home.
BENEFITS OF BECOMING A FAMILY HERBALIST
  • Integrate Nature’s Intelligence into Your Daily Rituals: Learn to seamlessly blend potent herbal medicine into your existing wellness routines. By grounding your habits in plant wisdom, you enhance the effectiveness of your self-care and create a life of profound, sustainable vitality.
  • Become a Source of Trusted Support for Your Community: Empower your family and friends with evidence-informed plant medicine. You will gain the scientific confidence to move beyond "home remedies" and offer solid, safe, and effective solutions that truly support the health of those you love.
  • Root Yourself in a Living, Local Community: Break the isolation of digital learning by connecting in-person with like-minded seekers. Together, you will build a strong support network and a "village" of fellow herbalists who share your passion for the earth and holistic healing.
  • Reclaim the Role of the Home Apothecary: Transition from being a consumer to a creator. You will walk away with the practical skills to transform raw plants into a functional medicine chest, ensuring you always have the tools to nourish and protect your household.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
  • Holistic Anatomy: Exploring the Body Systems. Journey through the complexities of the human form, including the nervous, digestive, respiratory, circulatory, immune, urinary, reproductive, and musculoskeletal systems. We bridge the gap between complex biological science and traditional plant wisdom, investigating prevalent ailments and the specific herbs that support each system. We also focus on cognitive function and the integration of adaptogens—a specific class of herbs that help the body better adapt to stress and support the nervous system. With Alyssa’s 15-year background as a biology and chemistry educator, you will learn to navigate the science of the body in an accessible, easy-to-understand way that honors both the physical and spiritual aspects of health.

  • Living Materia Medica: Embodied Plant Learning. Invite the wisdom of the botanical world into your daily life. Through over 50+ meticulously crafted monographs, you will explore a plant’s physical properties and spiritual signatures in depth. We prioritize embodied learning; each week, you will take home the herbs you study to create your own teas and infusions. By intimately integrating these botanical allies into your daily life, you develop a deep understanding that transforms you into a more intuitive and effective herbalist.
 
  • ​The Alchemist's Kitchen: Foundational Medicine Making. Immerse yourself in the art of herbal creation with practical, hands-on sessions. You will master the essentials of the apothecary, including nutritive infusions, standard infusions, decoctions, syrups, herbal vinegars, fire ciders, and honeys. You will also learn to craft topical supports such as herbal steams, sprays, poultices, oils, and salves. Every practicum results in medicine for you to take home and integrate into your own daily nourishing routine.
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  • Botany, Plant Identification, and Wildcrafting. Acquire essential skills in botany, plant identification, and ethical wildcrafting practices to confidently identify and responsibly harvest herbs from the natural world. Enjoy in-person plant walks around Newtown and the surrounding areas. 
 
  • ​Intentional Cohort Intimacy & Deep-Dive Learning. Unlike broad online courses, our 75-hour program is rooted in the power of the in-person circle, meeting weekly for 14 weeks. We maintain an intentional limit on participants to ensure a personalized, interactive environment where you receive direct mentorship and build a supportive community. For those outside our geographic area, we offer a virtual live option. If you are interested in joining our fall cohort virtually, please email the instructor at [email protected].
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  • Projects and Quizzes. These assessments not only ensure comprehension but also offer valuable feedback, guiding you on your journey to becoming a proficient and confident herbalist
 
​Whether you're a newcomer to herbal medicine or someone who has dabbled in the field, our 75-Hour Herbalist Training Certification is your gateway to a world of botanical wisdom. Embrace the power of nature and embark on a journey of holistic healing. Enroll now to secure your spot in this unique and limited opportunity for in-depth herbal education.
SPRING Class DETAILS
Classes will be held on Thursdays from 3-5 pm
May: 7, 14, 21, 28
June: 4, 11, 18, 25
July: 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
​August: 6


​Students can expect to spend 2-3  hours outside of class studying and applying the skills that they've learned each week. This certification is a time commitment, and all of the outside of class helps to build competency. 

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In the event of an unexpected absence due to health or personal emergencies, course content and discussions will be held virtually to ensure continuity.

There is consideration around holding another section of the class on Saturdays from 3:30-5:30 p.m. If you are interested in this option, please email [email protected]. ​​
INVESTMENT + REGISTER
$1999
Early Bird Registration (Register by April 7, 2026 and save $500 on standard tuition) 
Standard Tuition: $2500 (Register after April 7st, 2026)
Register Now
Do you offer payment a payment plan?
Yes, we offer a standard tuition payment plan. There is no payment plan for early bird registration. 
$530

Initial deposit
Plus 4 monthly payments of $530
Due  5/1/26, 6/1/26, 7/1/26, 8/1/26​
Register Now
​DOES THIS TRAINING MAKE ME A CERTIFIED HERBALIST?
​In the United States, there isn't a officially recognized credential equivalent to 'certification' or 'license' for herbalists. However, various schools offer programs leading to titles like Master Herbalist, Certified Herbalist, Family Herbalist, or Community Herbalist. While these titles lack formal state or federal recognition, they serve as valid means to convey your education and experience, indicating a certain level of proficiency. Our program serves as a comprehensive foundation for further specialization, allowing you to focus on areas such as community herbalism or clinical herbalism. Graduates can also register as members of the American Herbalist Guild, obtaining a Registered Herbalist Membership. This membership serves as a way for herbalists to showcase core knowledge and experience, establishing a meaningful competency standard for themselves, their communities, and other health professionals and institutions. We acknowledge that herbalists worldwide possess various skills, and registering with the American Herbalists Guild is just one avenue to demonstrate expertise. For those who value peer review as confirmation of their clinical skills, the designation 'Registered Herbalist' signifies a recognized level of expertise and commitment to herbalism.​
ARE THERE ANY ADDITIONAL TRAININGS I CAN TAKE AFTER LEVEL 1?
Following Level 1, our herbalists embark on an enriching journey through Foundations of Plant Medicine Level 2: Community Herbalist Certification.  Here, students deepen their understanding of body systems and expand their repertoire with new materia medicas for plants, empowering them to address a diverse range of ailments. Moreover, this level places emphasis on the practical aspects of herbalism, including the creation and maintenance of a herbal medicine business. Students gain valuable insights into the entrepreneurial aspects, learning the intricacies of running a successful herbal venture. This holistic approach ensures that our herbalists not only possess a profound understanding of herbal practices but also the practical skills needed to thrive in the herbal medicine business landscape. Level 2 covers crucial aspects such as creating an herbal business, understanding labeling regulations, and implementing cGMP practices. As part of the level 2 training, students will apprentice at Herbs Love and Yoga for a minimum of 2 hours weekly.  Moving on to Level 3: Clinical Herbalist Training Certification, where students concentrate on treating specific ailments using advanced herbal formulations. The curriculum includes an in-depth study of various pharmaceuticals and herb-drug interactions. Under supervision, students participate in treating patients within a round table setting, further honing their clinical skills. These advanced levels offer a comprehensive and hands-on approach to herbal education. ​
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Next Cohort: May 2026
description
Step into your power as a leader and a healer. Our advanced, in-person 100-hour certification is designed for graduates of our Level 1 program—or those with equivalent foundational training—who are ready to expand their practice into the community. This is an immersive, professional initiation hosted at our Sandy Hook, CT studio, where we move beyond the fundamentals and into the deeper mysteries of the craft.
Through a lens that honors ancient healing traditions, we will integrate advanced Materia Medica and sophisticated medicine-making techniques. You will not only refine your clinical understanding but also master the practicalities of launching an herbal career—from facilitating community workshops to professional apothecary management. Upon graduation, you will receive your 100-hour Community Herbalist Certification, fully equipped to share your wisdom, lead your community, and confidently embody the role of a professional practitioner.
Benefits of becoming a community herbalist
  • Master the Art of Advanced Formulation: Go beyond basic recipes to master the science of the formulary and advanced apothecary skills. You will learn to create sophisticated, multi-layered remedies that address the physical, emotional, and energetic needs of the individual.
  • Step into Leadership as a Community Educator: Gain the confidence to plan, facilitate, and lead your own herbal workshops. You will graduate with the tools to empower your community through solid, evidence-informed practices and the ability to hold a sacred, educational space for others.
  • ​Launch Your Professional Herbal Path: Whether you dream of working in a professional apothecary or launching your own community practice, Level 2 provides the credentials and "real-world" skills needed to turn your passion into a purposeful career.
  • Deepen Your Roots in a Professional Circle: Connect with an advanced network of practitioners. This in-person cohort serves as your professional support system, providing a space for clinical mentorship, shared wisdom, and lifelong connection with fellow "way-showers" in the herbal field.
  • Cultivate Spiritual Sovereignty: Learn to integrate energetic ritual and spiritual hygiene into your practice. By mastering these holistic protocols, you ensure that as you care for others, you are also maintaining your own vibrational integrity and vitality.
program highlights
  • Synthesizing Traditions: From Ancient Lineages to Modern Energetic Healing. Step into the role of a healer by bridging the universal truths of the world’s great lineages with the art of sacred ritual. In this Level 2 journey, we synthesize the vitalist traditions of TCM and Ayurveda with a dive into Reiki and the Chakra system, identifying the "golden threads" of energetic healing that connect them. Anchored by the earth-based practices of Curanderismo and Native American modalities, you will learn to harmonize various cultural perspectives—to support the spirit alongside the physical form. 
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  • The Art of Energetic Healing & Spiritual Hygiene. True healing begins with the practitioner’s own container. You will master the foundational skills of energetic protection, grounding, and space-clearing. Through immersive rituals—including cacao ceremonies, optional sweat lodge experience, and building sacred altars—you will learn to sense and shift the subtle frequencies of your environment and your clients. 
 
  • Apothecary Business & Apprenticeship. Bridge the gap between healer and entrepreneur. Learn the essentials of formulation and good manufacturing practices. This program includes a weekly 2-hour apprenticeship at our Sandy Hook herb shop, a state-certified manufacturing facility, giving you real-world experience in a professional herbal environment.
 
  • Mentored Leadership: Facilitating Community Workshops. Step into your authority as an educator. Drawing on Alyssa’s 15+ years of science education expertise, you will receive step-by-step mentorship on how to design, promote, and lead an engaging one-hour herbal workshop. From worksheet preparation to marketing basics, you’ll gain the confidence to share your knowledge directly with our community.
 
  • Living Materia Medica: Spiritual & Physical Monographs. Go beyond the page with 25+ meticulously crafted monographs. We explore not only the physical actions of the plants but their spiritual signatures and energetic archetypes. Each week, you will take home the herbs we study to engage and integrate their frequency into your daily life through teas and infusions to build a deep, soul-level relationship with each botanical ally.  
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  • The Alchemist’s Kitchen: Advanced Medicine-Making Practicums. Immerse yourself in the art of the apothecary, where intention meets chemistry. Make medicine to take home with you and integrate into your daily routine. ​
 
  • Botany, Plant Identification, and Wildcrafting. Acquire essential skills in botany, plant identification, and ethical wildcrafting practices to confidently identify and responsibly harvest herbs from the natural world. Enjoy in-person plant walks around Newtown and the surrounding areas. 
 
  • Deep-Dive Experiential Learning. True herbalism is a hands-on craft. Our 14-week program meets in person to ensure you master medicine-making and ritual through direct experience. Our cohort is intentionally limited in number to allow for personalized interaction and a supportive, high-accountability environment. This ensures every participant receives the mentorship needed to truly embody the role of a healer. We offer a live virtual option for a small number of students who cannot be with us in person. For inquiries regarding virtual enrollment for the fall cohort, please reach out to Alyssa at [email protected] ​
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  • Projects and Quizzes. These assessments not only ensure comprehension but also offer valuable feedback, guiding you on your journey to becoming a proficient and confident herbalist​
SPRING 2026 cohort details
Class will meet on Wednesdays from 3-5 pm on the dates below
​May: 6, 13, 20, 27
June: 3, 10, 17, 24
July: 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
​August: 5


Out of Class Time Requirements:
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In addition to class time, you will be required to spend 28 hours apprenticing at the herb shop. Virtual participants will be given tasks that they can complete from their homes if they are unable to  be physically present at the shop.  In addition, you will be required to spend 7 hours in our herbal medicine garden and an additional 2 hours delivering a herbal workshop to the community. 

Students can expect to spend 2.5 hours outside of class studying and applying the skills that they've learned each week. This certification is a time commitment and all of the outside of class helps to build competency.  

*
In the event of an unexpected absence due to health or personal emergencies, course content and discussions will be held virtually to ensure continuity.​​
investment + REGISTER
Early Bird Registration
2099
Early bird Registration (register before April 1, 2026)
Standard Tuition: $2600 (Register after April 1, 2026)
REGISTER NOW
14 In-person classes + 1 optional field trips
28 hours of hands-on experience working in the herb shop
7 hours of hands-on experience working in our herbal medicine garden
​​Hands-on in-person herbal medicine making practicums
​25+ Herbal Monographs
Lead 1 free workshops in the community​​​
 ​1-Plant Identification Walk (seasonal)
​​​​​Email and in-person support from instructor
​​Tend to medicinal plants in our garden (seasonal)​​ 
ARE THERE ADDITIONAL TRAININGS I CAN TAKE AFTER LEVEL 2?
Yes, after level 2 you can take our Level 3 Clinical Herbalist Certification course which dives into the intricate world of clinical applications of herbal medicine. This comprehensive program is designed to equip herbalists with the knowledge and skills necessary to confidently work with clients one-on-one. Participants engage in round table discussions to exchange insights and best practices while honing their skills in forming personalized herbal protocols under the supervision. of master herbalist, Alyssa Mancini. Advanced topics such as herbal pharmacology and formulation are covered to equip herbalists with the knowledge to create effective remedies.
is there a payment plan for level 2?
Yes, we offer a standard tuition payment plan. There is not a payment plan for early bird registration. 
$550

Initial deposit
Plus 4 monthly payments of $550
Due  5/1/26, 6/1/26, 7/1/26, 8/1/26
Register Now

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Next Cohort: May 2026
Description
Step into the role of a practicing herbalist. Our 150-hour in-person Clinical Apprenticeship is a rigorous, hands-on immersion for those who have completed Level 2 or an equivalent intermediate program. This level is designed for the herbalist ready to transition from theory to professional practice, refining the "clinical eye" and deepening the mastery of plant and tissue energetics.
Through supervised clinical practice at our Sandy Hook studio, you will bridge the gap between botanical knowledge and human physiology. You will develop the expertise to conduct nuanced consultations, navigate complex herb-drug interactions with precision, and craft targeted protocols that address the root causes of imbalance.
  • Advanced Herbal Formulary – Master the architecture of individualized formulas tailored to complex, multi-system case presentations.
  • Plant & Tissue Energetics – Deepen your understanding of how herbal actions interact with specific tissue states and constitutional patterns.
  • Clinical Intake & Case Synthesis – Gain hands-on experience conducting professional intakes, identifying patterns of disharmony, and building long-term wellness maps.
  • Safety, Ethics, & Herb-Drug Interactions – Gain the scientific rigor needed to safely support clients on pharmaceutical medications with confidence and integrity.
  • Supervised Client Practicum – Work directly with the community under the mentorship of experienced clinical herbalists, applying your skills in a grounded, real-world setting.
Benefits of becoming a clinical herbalist
For the Clinical level, the benefits should feel authoritative, high-stakes, and deeply rewarding. This is where your expertise as a science educator (15 years in biology and chemistry) becomes the student’s greatest asset.
Here is a reworked version that emphasizes clinical mastery and the integrity of the practitioner:

The Benefits of Becoming a Clinical Herbalist
  • Provide Precise, Personalized Herbal Support: Gain the advanced knowledge to conduct in-depth clinical consultations and create sophisticated, custom protocols. You will move beyond general remedies to support individuals through their most complex wellness challenges with clarity and compassion.
  • Master the Nuance of Tissue Energetics: Move into the heart of clinical assessment by learning how herbal actions interact with specific tissue states, constitutions, and chronic imbalances. This mastery allows you to create highly effective, bio-individual formulas.
  • Navigate Herb-Drug Interactions with Scientific Confidence: Leverage a rigorous understanding of safety, contraindications, and potential interactions. You will develop the skills necessary to safely support clients who are also utilizing pharmaceutical medications, ensuring the highest standard of care.
  • Launch a Professional Clinical Practice: Secure the advanced training needed to step into your career as a Clinical Herbalist, Holistic Health Consultant, or Wellness Practitioner. This certification provides the professional credentials to launch your own practice or integrate clinical consultations into an existing health field.
  • Refine Your Craft Through Supervised Client Work: Bridge the gap between study and practice. Under the mentorship of experienced clinical herbalists, you will refine your intake, assessment, and formulary skills in a real-world setting, gaining the "hours" and confidence required for professional excellence.
  • Unite Ancient Wisdom with Modern Science: Build a well-rounded practice that honors the depth of ancient healing traditions while integrating the latest in modern science and holistic health.
  • Join an Elite Circle of Practitioners: Connect in-person with a cohort of advanced practitioners. You aren't just joining a class; you are becoming part of a professional network dedicated to elevating the standard of clinical herbalism and holistic healing.
spring 2026 cohort details
Class will meet on Fridays from 3-5p on the below dates:

May 8, 15, 22, 29
June 5, 12, 19, 26
July  3, 10, 17, 24, 31

​August: 7
Out of Class Time Requirements:

In addition to in-person class time, apprentices will be required to complete: 4 hours of work each week outside of class which will include
📝 Evaluating case studies & developing personalized protocols – Analyze real client cases, assess patterns of imbalance, and create tailored herbal recommendations.
🌿 Independent plant study & materia medica reflection – Deepen your relationship with individual plants by researching their clinical applications, energetics, and traditional uses.
Studying common health conditions & holistic approaches – Explore various conditions commonly addressed with herbal medicine, including their root causes, differential diagnoses, and herbal support strategies.
Clinical observation & consultation practice – Observe experienced practitioners, participate in clinical discussions, and refine your consultation skills in a supervised setting.
These out-of-class hours are essential for developing the critical thinking, formulation expertise, and confidence needed to practice as a clinical herbalist.
Tending to herbal plants in our garden beds

*In the event of an unexpected absence due to health or personal emergencies, course content and discussions will be held virtually to ensure continuity.​​​
Investment + REGISTER
Early bird pricing (sign up before April 1st, 2026) $2199
Standard Tuition: $2700
Early Bird Registration
Standard Tuition
2199
2700
Early Bird Registration (Register before 4/1/26)
Early Bird Registration (Register affer 4/1/26)
Register
Register
14 In-person classes
14 In-person classes
56 hours of hands-on experience working in the herb shop and/or medicinal garden
56 hours of hands-on experience working in the herb shop and/or medicinal garden
Four in-depth clinical case studies to hone your diagnostic and treatment skills
Four in-depth clinical case studies to hone your diagnostic and treatment skills​
Advanced training in formulating your own herbal remedies and understanding plant energetics and contraindications
Advanced training in formulating your own herbal remedies and understanding plant energetics and contraindications.
Supervised clinical hours where you'll guide four real clients through the entire process, from intake to creating a custom herbal protocol and making their medicine.
Supervised clinical hours where you'll guide four real clients through the entire process, from intake to creating a custom herbal protocol and making their medicine.
One plant identification walk to deepen your connection with local plants (seasonal)
One plant identification walk to deepen your connection with local plants (seasonal)
Expert guidance on how to start and run your own successful herbal medicine business.
Expert guidance on how to start and run your own successful herbal medicine business.​
State-aligned training on how to correctly and legally label your herbal products.
State-aligned training on how to correctly and legally label your herbal products.
Dedicated support via email and in-person from your instructor, every step of the way.​
Dedicated support via email and in-person from your instructor, every step of the way.​
do you offer a payment plan?
Yes, we offer a standard tuition payment plan. There is not a payment plan for early bird registration. 
$570

Initial deposit
Plus 4 monthly payments of $570
Due  5/1/26, 6/1/26, 7/1/26, 8/1/26
Register Now

Frequently Asked Questions

who is the level 1 family herbalist certification for?
​This certification is designed for both complete beginners with no prior herbal knowledge and those with some existing experience who wish to deepen their understanding, gain practical skills, and earn a certification to confidently practice family herbalism.
What is the weekly time commitment outside of class?
Beyond our 2-hour weekly in-person (or hybrid) class, we recommend dedicating 3-4 hours per week to homework, reading assignments, and hands-on practice. This includes engaging with your take-home herbs and medicine-making.
What kind of career paths can I pursue after completing your herbal certifications?
Our certification courses empower you with practical skills and confidence, opening doors to various exciting paths within the herbal world. Graduates can go on to:
  • Work in Apothecaries & Herb Shops: Assisting customers, managing inventory, or even blending custom teas and bulk herbs.
  • Manufacture Herbal Products: Create and sell your own line of herbal remedies like tinctures, salves, teas, and body care products (often sold online, at farmers' markets, or in local shops).
  • Give Community Workshops & Classes: Share your knowledge by leading engaging workshops on topics like basic medicine making, seasonal herbalism, or specific herb uses.
  • Cultivate & Harvest Herbs: Become an herbal grower, specializing in growing medicinal plants for personal use, sale to apothecaries, or even starting a small herb farm.
  • Herbal Consulting/Education: Provide educational guidance and support to individuals seeking to incorporate herbs into their wellness routines (it's crucial to understand the distinction between education/consulting and clinical diagnosis/treatment, which typically requires more advanced training and adherence to state regulations).
  • Herbal Writing & Content Creation: Contribute to the growing body of herbal knowledge by writing articles, blog posts, recipes, or creating content for herbal businesses.
  • Support Other Wellness Professionals: Integrate herbal knowledge into an existing wellness practice (e.g., massage therapy, yoga instruction, nutrition coaching) to offer a more holistic approach.
  • Work in Herbal Businesses: Find roles in product development, sales, marketing, or quality control for larger herbal companies or supplement manufacturers.
  • Lead Plant Walks & Nature Connection Programs: Share your plant identification and wildcrafting skills by guiding others on educational walks.
Will I receive a certification upon completion?
Yes! Upon successful completion of the course curriculum and full payment of all tuition fees, you will receive your 75-hour Family Herbalist Certification.
What is the cancellation and refund policy?
All payments and deposits are non-refundable. For detailed information regarding cancellations, refunds, and withdrawals, please refer to our full terms and conditions
what if i miss a class?
​We understand that life happens. While in-person attendance is highly encouraged for the full immersive experience, arrangements can be made to join classes virtually if you are traveling, or we can provide you with a recording of the class to help you catch up.
DOES THIS TRAINING MAKE ME A CERTIFIED HERBALIST?
In the United States, there isn't a officially recognized credential equivalent to 'certification' or 'license' for herbalists. However, various schools offer programs leading to titles like Master Herbalist, Certified Herbalist, Family Herbalist, or Community Herbalist. While these titles lack formal state or federal recognition, they serve as valid means to convey your education and experience, indicating a certain level of proficiency. Our program serves as a comprehensive foundation for further specialization, allowing you to focus on areas such as community herbalism or clinical herbalism. Graduates can also register as members of the American Herbalist Guild, obtaining a Registered Herbalist Membership. This membership serves as a way for herbalists to showcase core knowledge and experience, establishing a meaningful competency standard for themselves, their communities, and other health professionals and institutions. We acknowledge that herbalists worldwide possess various skills, and registering with the American Herbalists Guild is just one avenue to demonstrate expertise. For those who value peer review as confirmation of their clinical skills, the designation 'Registered Herbalist' signifies a recognized level of expertise and commitment to herbalism.
ARE THERE ANY ADDITIONAL TRAININGS I CAN TAKE AFTER LEVEL 1?
Following Level 1, our herbalists embark on an enriching journey through Foundations of Plant Medicine Level 2: Community Herbalist Certification.  Here, students deepen their understanding of body systems and expand their repertoire with new materia medicas for plants, empowering them to address a diverse range of ailments. Moreover, this level places emphasis on the practical aspects of herbalism, including the creation and maintenance of a herbal medicine business. Students gain valuable insights into the entrepreneurial aspects, learning the intricacies of running a successful herbal venture. This holistic approach ensures that our herbalists not only possess a profound understanding of herbal practices but also the practical skills needed to thrive in the herbal medicine business landscape. Level 2 covers crucial aspects such as creating an herbal business, understanding labeling regulations, and implementing cGMP practices. As part of the level 2 training, students will apprentice at Herbs Love and Yoga for a minimum of 2 hours weekly.  Moving on to Level 3: Clinical Herbalist Training Certification, where students concentrate on treating specific ailments using advanced herbal formulations. The curriculum includes an in-depth study of various pharmaceuticals and herb-drug interactions. Under supervision, students participate in treating patients within a round table setting, further honing their clinical skills. These advanced levels offer a comprehensive and hands-on approach to herbal education. ​​​
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Herbs Love + Yoga
Shop Located At: 111 Church Hill Rd. 
​
Sandy Hook, CT 06482
​(Entrance in Rear of Building)
[email protected]
​(917) 267-8203
​Shop Hours:
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Mon/Tues: Closed
Wed: 12-6p
Thurs: 12-6p
Fri: 12-6p
Sat: 12-5p
​Sun: 12-3p
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