Study Herbal Medicine with CNM [FBRM]
CNM’s Herbal Medicine Courses
Herbal medicine has a long tradition in all cultures, and recent research has begun to prove some of the huge benefits of using herbs. As well as relieving symptoms, herbal medicine also works on a deeper level to help patients return to full harmony. Herbal medicine is becoming ever more popular, as ever more people seek out qualified herbalists.
The Herbal Medicine diploma course provides high quality training which equips graduates to build successful practices. It is carefully structured. Each study unit builds on the previous one, allowing students to develop their confidence and skills, and reach their full potential as Herbalists.
Herbal Medicine students are encouraged to develop their own unique style of consultation and practice, through 500 hours of practical clinics.
The course is divided into 3 levels:
Level I (Biomedicine, Naturopathy Study, Herbal Medicine I) – 1-3 years
Level II (Naturopathic Principles and Herbal Medicine II) – 1 year
Level III (Herbal Medicine III and Dissertation) – 1 year
Course Details
Length of Study: 3 years full-time or 4-5 years part-time
Locations: London or Manchester
Clinic Hours: 500 Clinic Hours
CNM Diploma:
Dip. Herbal Medicine &
Dip. Naturopathy
Full Syllabus (click to expand)
Level I (Biomedicine, Naturopathy Study, Herbal Medicine I)
Duration – 1 – 3 years
Biomedicine
- Biomedical Sciences
- Medical terminology, cells, tissues, embryology
- Anatomy, physiology, pathology
- Clinical diagnostic, differential diagnosis
- Examination methods
- Infectious Diseases, Red Flag symptoms
Naturopathy Study
- Naturopathy
- TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) 1Chinese diagnostic, face, tongue, pulse, nail, abdominal diagnostics
- Chinese diagnostic, face, tongue, pulse, nail, abdominal diagnostics
- Naturopathic Nutrition
- First Aid Homeopathy
- Introduction to Herbal Medicine
- Naturopathy Clinics (Iridology)History of IridologyTechnique of ExaminationTopography of the IrisConstitution, Disposition and DiathesisPupil PhenomenaStudy of the signsStudy of pigmentsClinical application
- History of Iridology
- Technique of Examination
- Topography of the Iris
- Constitution, Disposition and Diathesis
- Pupil Phenomena
- Study of the signs
- Study of pigments
- Clinical application
Herbal Medicine year 1
- History, philosophy and treatment theories of Western herbal medicine
- Herbal actions and their therapeutic applications
- Safety considerations for herbal medicine
- Social, political and legal context for herbal practice
- Plant anatomy and physiology
- Basic horticulture
- Ecological issues and sustainability in herbal medicine
- Energetics (Greco-Roman, Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, American traditions)
- Clinical Observation
- Practitioner Development & Ethics I
- Research & study skills I
Level II (Naturopathic Principles and Herbal Medicine II)
Duration – 1 year
Naturopathic Principles
- Naturopathy & Detoxification
- Bach Flower Therapy
- Tissue Salts
Herbal Medicine year 2
- Biochemistry
- Pharmacology
- Herb drug interactions
- Botany & Plant identification
- Quality assessment of herbal medicines
- Preparation of internal and external herbal medicines
- Herbal medicine materia medica
- Clinical examination skills
- Pathology
- Clinical Observation and Experience
- Practitioner Development & Ethics II
- Research & study skills II
Level III (Herbal Medicine III and Dissertation)
Duration – 1 year
Herbal Medicine year 3
- Herbal Therapeutics
- Eyes, ears, nose, throat and face
- Lower respiratory system
- Gastrointestinal system
- Musculoskeletal system
- Genitourinary system
- Cardio-vascular system
- Blood and lymphatic system
- Nervous system
- Endocrine system
- Immune system
- Female and male reproductive systems
- Fertility
- First aid and acute treatments
- Dermatology
- Obstetrics
- Paediatrics
- Oncology
- Geriatrics
- Clinical Practice
- Clinical Management
- Practitioner Development & Ethics III
Dissertation
- CNM Diploma in Herbal Medicine
- CNM Diploma in Naturopathy
5 GCSEs or 2 A Levels, or equivalent academic and/or work experience. If you are able to demonstrate previous study or work experience you may apply to gain exemptions from some units. Please contact us for more information and to see if you qualify for direct enrolment.
CNM’s London Herbal Medicine course is accredited by the AMH (Association of Master Herbalists).
CNM’s Herbal Medicine course is is also accredited by the General Naturopathic Council (GNC) via the AMH for further details please click here.
CNM’s Naturopathy Training is accredited by the GNC (General Naturopathic Council). Graduates are eligible to apply for GNC registration.
CNM’s Naturopathy training is also recognised by the ANP (Association of Naturopathic Practitioners) in the UK. ANP is a member of the GNC (General Naturopathic Council) which is the professions council for Naturopathy in the UK.

Key Features
- Focus on the use of whole, organic, western herbs
- Treating the cause and the whole person, not a symptom
- Use of herbs according to the constitution of a patient
- Have a practical basic understanding of other therapies and diagnostic tools such as: Naturopathy, Nutrition and Detoxification, First Aid Homeopathy, Bach Flower Therapies, Tissue Salts, Chinese Diagnostics, Iridology.
- Focus on practical applications and being thought by experienced therapists.
- How to build a successful practice (80% of CNM graduates are practicing)
Enquire Now
[contact-form-7 id=”6462″ title=”Herbal Medicine Diploma Enquiry Form FBRM”]
Why Study Herbal Medicine with The CNM?
The CNM Herbal Medicine Diploma Course provides high quality training that equips graduates to build successful practices. It is carefully structured so each study unit builds on the previous one, allowing students to develop their confidence and skills, and reach their full potential as professional Herbalists. Students are strongly encouraged to develop their own unique style of consultation and application.
One of the strengths of The College of Naturopathic Medicine course is that we draw on a variety of herbal traditions: we have expert lecturers in western, Ayurvedic (Indian) and Chinese herbal medicine. Students study the energetic models of these systems, allowing them to make a multi–faceted, holistic diagnosis. Graduates can draw on a wide variety of herbs from different traditions, helping them to provide the best possible treatment for their patients.
Studying Herbal Medicine at the CNM means that upon graduating, you are not only a Herbalist but also have a good grounding in Naturopathic Nutrition, First Aid Homeopathy, Chinese diagnostics, Bach Flowers, Tissue Salts, Naturopathy and Iridology. You’ll be a specialist in Herbal Medicine and you will be able to apply a number of other tools to help your patients. CNM Diploma courses focus on practical applications as the main aim of CNM is to train its students to become successful practitioners.
Study Programme and Locations
- Full time, weekdays (London only)
- Part time, weekends (London and Manchester)
- Biomedicine modules are available in all UK Colleges including London, Manchester, Brighton, Belfast, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Bristol
Typically, students enrol for the Autumn (Oct) and Spring (Feb) semesters. However, since our Biomedicine and Naturopathy courses are built around a modular system, new students can join a course throughout the year.
Depending on your study schedule, the diploma courses can be completed in 3, 4 or 5 years.
Full time study
- Year 1: (Level 1) Biomedicine, Naturopathy Study and Herbal Medicine year 1
- Year 2: (Level 2) Naturopathic Principles and Herbal Medicine year 2
- Year 3: (Level 3) Herbal Medicine year 3 and Dissertation
Part time study
- Year 1: (Level 1) Biomedicine
- Year 2: (Level 1) Naturopathy Study
- Year 3: (Level 1) Herbal Medicine year 1
- Year 4: (Level 2) Herbal Medicine year 2 and Naturopathic Principles
- Year 5: (Level 3) Herbal Medicine year 3 and Dissertation
Our course consultants are here to help you create a schedule that suits your needs – contact us for information.


“the teachers were amazing and so encouraging, they made me hungry for more…”
What our students say
“The courses train students to be confident in practising whatever discipline they choose..”
Adam SmithCNM Graduate in Herbal Medicine and Naturopathy“CNM is the biggest and most recognised course in Herbalism, Naturopathy and Nutrition.”
Gabi HeyesCNM Graduate in Herbal Medicine and NaturopathyHow to Apply
Please contact us to discuss your personal needs and goals. This way our Course Consultants can tailor a study schedule which suits your lifestyle and commitments. Contact us on tel: **01342 410 505** or use the form below.
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