Associate Degree in Herbal Formulations

Program Description:

The Associate Degree in Herbal Formulations is a two-year academic program designed to provide students with a deep understanding of herbal medicine, the phytochemistry of healing plants, formulation techniques, safety standards, and clinical applications. This program combines traditional herbal wisdom with modern scientific approaches to prepare students for careers in herbal product development, holistic health, wellness consulting, and natural product entrepreneurship.

Graduates will gain the skills to ethically formulate herbal remedies, understand the pharmacological actions of herbs, and comply with safety and regulatory standards. The program is ideal for individuals pursuing careers in naturopathy, herbal retail, holistic wellness, or those planning to transfer into a bachelor's program in herbal sciences or complementary medicine.

⏳ Program Duration:

• Length: 2 years (4 semesters)

• Credit Hours: ~60–65 credits

📚 Program Structure:

Core Courses (40 credits):

• Introduction to Herbal Medicine

• Botany and Plant Identification

• Herbal Materia Medica I

• Herbal Materia Medica II

• Phytochemistry and Herbal Constituents

• Herbal Formulation Principles

• Herbal Extraction Methods

• Clinical Herbalism and Case Studies

• Safety, Ethics, and Regulation in Herbal Practice

• Capstone Project in Herbal Formulation

General Education Requirements (15–18 credits):

• English Composition

• Human Anatomy & Physiology

• Introduction to Chemistry

• College Math or Statistics

• Health & Wellness or Sociology

Elective Courses (6–9 credits):

• Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine

• Ayurvedic Herbology

• Aromatherapy and Essential Oils

• Herbal Business and Marketing

• Medicinal Mushroom Studies

• Wildcrafting and Sustainability

📘 Course Syllabus & Module Breakdown (Core Courses):

🌿 1. Introduction to Herbal Medicine

Credits: 3
Course Description:
Covers the historical, cultural, and scientific foundations of herbal medicine around the world. Students explore the evolution of herbal traditions and their integration into modern wellness.

🌱 2. Botany and Plant Identification

Credits: 3
Course Description:
Focuses on the botanical principles necessary for accurate herb identification. Students learn taxonomy, morphology, and use field guides for wild and cultivated herbs.

Modules:

• Basic Plant Biology and Terminology

• Taxonomy and Classification of Plants

• Leaf, Flower, and Root Structures

• Using Plant Keys and Field Guides

• Hands-on Herbarium Building

• Identifying Plants in the Wild vs. Cultivation

• Introduction to Invasive vs. Endangered Species

• Plant Identification Practicum

🌼 3. Herbal Materia Medica I

Credits: 4
Course Description:
Students study the properties, uses, and preparations of 25–30 foundational herbs used in Western herbal medicine.

Modules:

• Introduction to Materia Medica and Monographs

• Herb Profiles: Chamomile, Echinacea, Peppermint, etc.

• Energetics: Hot, Cold, Damp, Dry

• Organ System Affinities

• Herbal Safety and Dosage Guidelines

• Tea, Tincture, and Topical Preparation Basics

• Case Scenarios and Matching Herbs

• Materia Medica Notebook Development

🌾 4. Herbal Materia Medica II

Credits: 4
Course Description:
Continues the study of advanced herbs with more specific clinical and energetic applications.

Modules:

• Herb Profiles: Skullcap, Valerian, Ashwagandha, etc.

• Nervines, Adaptogens, and Tonics

• Herbs for Digestion, Circulation, and Skin

• Cross-cultural Uses of Similar Herbs

• Contraindications and Interactions

• Advanced Case Scenarios

• Development of Clinical Protocols

• Student Presentation: Herb Comparison Project

🧪 5. Phytochemistry and Herbal Constituents

Credits: 3
Course Description:
Introduces the chemistry behind herbs—understanding how constituents like alkaloids, flavonoids, and tannins affect health.

Modules:

• Introduction to Herbal Phytochemistry

• Alkaloids, Saponins, Tannins: What They Do

• Solubility and Extraction Factors

• Constituents and Herbal Energetics

• Analytical Testing in Herbal Quality

• Chemistry of Essential Oils and Resins

• Laboratory Simulations and Plant Analysis

• Review and Quiz Module

🧉 6. Herbal Formulation Principles

Credits: 4
Course Description:
This course focuses on how to create safe, effective herbal blends for various health needs.

Modules:

• Understanding Synergy in Formulation

• Primary, Supporting, and Catalyst Herbs

• Dosing Principles and Forms (tea, tincture, salve, etc.)

• Customizing for Constitutions and Conditions

• Building Therapeutic Categories (nervines, expectorants, etc.)

• Crafting Single-Use vs. Long-Term Blends

• Sample Formulation Practice and Peer Review

• Final Project: Formulation Portfolio

🧫 7. Herbal Extraction Methods

Credits: 3
Course Description:
Explores techniques for extracting herbal compounds using water, alcohol, oil, and other mediums.

Modules:

• Solvent Science: Water, Alcohol, Glycerin, Vinegar

• Infusions, Decoctions, and Syrups

• Oil Infusions and Salve Making

• Tincture Making Step-by-Step

• Percolation vs. Maceration Techniques

• Preservation and Storage

• Labeling and Documentation Standards

• Student Lab: Create and Present 3 Extracts

💡 8. Clinical Herbalism and Case Studies

Credits: 4
Course Description:
Teaches the basics of working with clients using herbs—assessment, protocol design, and documentation.

⚖️ 9. Safety, Ethics, and Regulation in Herbal Practice

Credits: 3
Course Description:
Covers critical legal and ethical aspects of herbal practice in various countries and regions.