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8 Ways to Start Making Money as An Herbalist
Shalom family! Today, were going to dive deep into the world of herbal entrepreneurship and explore the myriad ways you can turn your passion for plants into a thriving business or side hustle.
But first, let's address the elephant in the room. Herbalism isn't federally regulated, and it's not recognized as a field of medicine. That means herbalists can't diagnose, treat, or prescribe medications for any underlying conditions. However, this lack of regulation also means herbalists have the freedom to pave their own unique paths in the industry.
So, what exactly is an herbalist?
Simply put, it's someone who uses plant materials for therapeutic or medicinal purposes. Whether it's crafting herbal blends, writing informative blogs, or teaching workshops, there's a world of possibilities waiting for you.
1. Writing:
If you have a way with words, consider writing blogs, articles, or even books about herbalism. With the growing interest in natural health, there's a high demand for informative and engaging content. While the beginner herbal book market might be saturated there is HUGE demand for professional level educational resources (like my new Practitioner Database Collection) curated specifically for practicing herbalists like myself.
- Investment: Time commitment varies depending on your writing speed and research. Minimal financial investment beyond website hosting fees, if applicable.
- Pros: Flexibility, potential for passive income through book sales or affiliate marketing.
- Cons: Competitive market, may take time to build a following.
- Skills Needed: Strong writing skills, knowledge of herbalism, ability to research and present information effectively.
2. Video Content:
This is how I got my start, and my YouTube Channel continues to be my main source of organic traffic. Videos are a powerful tool for sharing knowledge. Whether you're hosting educational sessions, creating tutorials, or documenting your herbal journey, there's a vast audience waiting to learn from you. In person events are specifically coveted, and if you record your event, you could also sell the replay as a class or inside of a dedicated course.
- Investment: Time investment includes planning, filming, and editing. Minimal financial investment beyond equipment and software.
- Pros: Engaging medium, potential for monetization through ad revenue or sponsored content.
- Cons: Requires video editing skills, may take time to build a subscriber base.
- Skills Needed: Video production, public speaking, knowledge of herbalism.
3. Public Speaking:
If you're comfortable speaking in front of audiences, consider teaching workshops, speaking at conferences, or even collaborating with local organizations to spread herbal wisdom. Even if you need to start off speaking for free, you'll be able to network to book even more events and you can usually sell any products that you have to sell during the event. The good news is that this can often be done virtually without the added travel expenses.
- Investment: Time investment includes preparing presentations and traveling to events. Minimal financial investment beyond travel expenses.
- Pros: Direct interaction with audiences, potential for networking opportunities.
- Cons: Requires strong public speaking skills, may require travel.
- Skills Needed: Public speaking, presentation design, knowledge of herbalism.
4. Product Creation:
Get creative in the kitchen and craft your own line of herbal teas, beauty products, or wellness formulas. With the rise of natural living trends, there's a growing market for handmade, herbal-based products. With the rise of platforms like TikTok, making your brand visible is even easier! However, you will want to focus on what makes your products different and articulating this in a way that is relevant, valuable and understandable to your target audience.
- Investment: Time investment includes recipe development, sourcing ingredients, and packaging design. Moderate financial investment for ingredients, equipment, and packaging.
- Pros: Creative outlet, potential for scalable business growth.
- Cons: Requires initial investment, may require regulatory compliance for certain products.
- Skills Needed: Formulation, product design, knowledge of herbalism, basic business skills.
5. Clinical Practice:
If you're drawn to working one-on-one with clients, consider offering personalized consultations and creating custom herbal protocols. Whether online or in-person, there's a need for holistic practitioners who can provide individualized care. If this is a field you dream of working in, you'll love my blueprint for everything from consults, wellness programs and navigating client interactions and herb-drug interactions.
- Investment: Time investment includes client consultations, protocol development, and ongoing support. Moderate financial investment for liability insurance and marketing.
- Pros: Personalized approach, direct impact on clients' health and wellness.
- Cons: Requires strong interpersonal skills, may require formal training or certification.
- Skills Needed: Client communication, herbal formulation, knowledge of herbalism, basic business skills.
Want to become a clinical herbalist but not sure you've got what it takes?
Check out this video,
"Considering a Career as a Clinical Herbalist? Essential Tips to Keep in Mind"
6. Plant Walks:
If you're a nature enthusiast, why not share your passion with others? Lead guided plant walks and educate participants about the medicinal properties of native wild plants. It's a unique and immersive way to connect with nature. I personally paid upwards of $100 for tours in other states, which can add up quickly for hosts, and you can naturally lead up to the sale of any books or products that you have for sale.
- Investment: Time investment includes planning and leading walks. Minimal financial investment beyond any necessary permits or insurance.
- Pros: Outdoor activity, opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals.
- Cons: Weather-dependent, may require permits for certain locations.
- Skills Needed: Plant identification, public speaking, knowledge of herbalism.
If foraging is your thing, check out this video
"Before Going Foraging as a Newbie, Here's What You Need to Know"
7. Artistic Endeavors:
Embrace your creative side and incorporate art into your herbal practice. Whether it's photography, illustration, or crafting handmade goods, there's beauty in blending art with herbalism. I've seen everything from resin dipped real floral earrings, to framed images of pressed herbs selling for top dollar. The more unique your designs, the more you can charge for your expertise! If herbal sketches are your thing, check out our all-in-one herb journal here!
- Investment: Time investment varies depending on the medium. Moderate financial investment for art supplies or equipment.
- Pros: Creative expression, potential for passive income through sales or licensing.
- Cons: Requires artistic talent and skill development.
- Skills Needed: Artistic ability, knowledge of herbalism.
8. Education:
There's an abundance of "educational" content out there but much of it is regurgitated and surface level, which means big opportunity for those who have honed their craft! Share your knowledge with the next generation of herbalists by offering workshops, courses, or mentorship programs. Empower others to embark on their own herbal journeys and make a positive impact in their communities. This is the most powerful and perhaps the most profitable option of the 8 options I've highlighted, and the fulfillment is priceless!
- Investment: Time investment includes curriculum development, teaching, and marketing. Moderate financial investment for course materials and promotion.
- Pros: Fulfilling work, opportunity to inspire and empower others.
- Cons: Requires strong teaching skills, may require formal training or certification.
- Skills Needed: Curriculum development, teaching, knowledge of herbalism.
The possibilities are endless, and the world is your herbal oyster.
So, whether you're a budding entrepreneur or simply looking to share your passion with the world, there's never been a better time to dive into the world of herbalism.
Are you an herbal entrepreneur, share what your business does below!
Want to learn more about choosing which herbal business to start? Check out this video
"Herbal Business Ideas: Best Ways to Get Started in the Holistic Health Industry."
If you found this blog post helpful, drop a comment below and don't forget to like and share to help spread the herbal love. Until next time, shalom! 🌿✨