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Introduction

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The School of Community Herbalists is the fulfillment of a vision by Herbalist, Elder, and Healer Sistah Latifah Hassan, based in Atlanta, GA. She serves as the principal instructor, mentor, and guide for this online adult education program. Sistah Latifah's journey into herbalism began during her own health struggles as a young adult. Inspired by her grandmother's use of home remedies, she embarked on a mission to discover natural healing methods for herself. Her successful healing through herbs ignited a deep passion. Following years of independent study and completing a medicinal herbology course, she earned her certification as an Herbalist and received authorization to teach the course. Embracing the motto "Every home should have an herbalist," Sistah Latifah has educated and certified over 70 adults in medicinal herbology.

 

This comprehensive course aims to equip you with the essential skills to practice herbalism for personal, family, and community wellness. Opportunities to learn directly from an Herbalist Elder are rare, so we seek apprentices who are committed to mastering these skills and achieving their goal of becoming knowledgeable, responsible Certified Community Herbalists. 

 

The program is intensive, involving at least 15 weeks of close collaboration with Sistah Latifah. It's designed for those aspiring to become practicing herbalists, offering an in-depth exploration of herbal medicine. Prospective students will undergo an interview process and must be accepted to join. We aim to foster a cohort of community-focused individuals who intend to serve clients as they advance in their roles as community herbalists. 

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Three yearly sessions are conducted: Spring/Summer  Summer/Fall  and Fall/Winter. Dates may vary slightly.

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Becoming an Herbalist

In the United States, you can practice herbalism without needing a license or certification, and you are allowed to charge for your services as an herbalist. However, you must follow a code of conduct that prohibits diagnosing, prescribing, or treating patients. You can legally recommend, educate about, and provide specific herbs. Currently, there is no certifying agency or licensing board for herbalists in the U.S., and most herbal programs offer a “certificate of completion” upon graduation. Being an herbalist is a vocation that relies heavily on intuition, with much of the learning focused on understanding human body systems and creating herbal remedies from seeds, roots, bark, leaves, flowers, and whole plants.

This extensive course in medicinal herbology grants the title of "Certified Herbalist" upon fulfilling all course requirements. By the end of course, you will possess a wealth of knowledge and confidence in using herbs to assist others. Spanning 15 weeks, the course involves reading, writing, reporting, testing, and focused engagement. Each student is expected to dedicate at least 5 hours per week to their herbalism and activities.

Course Components

  1. Pre-enrollment Orientation: Overview of the course with time for Q&A with instructor

  2. 100 days of learning: Students will be engaged in study for a little over 3 months

  3. 1 Hour Weekly Zoom Calls: Instructor presentations, discussions (time TBD)

  4. Herb Samples: 10 loose dried herbs, a strainer and smudge kit

  5. Course Binder: Contains worksheets and photos for Materia Medica entries

  6. Digital Coursebook: 272-page download (we suggest getting it printed)

  7. Herbal Reference Book: An herbal handbook for research purposes

  8. Medicine-making Class: Recipes and instructions for making 12 herbal formulas 

  9. Study of Body Systems: 12 Lessons from coursebook on human body systems

  10. Weekly Informative Videos: YouTube videos posted on a student Facebook page

  11. Weekly Quizzes: Assessment of knowledge & comprehension regarding materials

  12. One-on-One Consultations: Herbal consults with instructor at any time 

  13. Communication: Facebook is used daily for check-ins and communication

  14. Bonus Classes: Instructor led classes in addition to those listed in the syllabus

  15. Final Exam: 150 Questions (multiple choice or true and false) 

  16. Virtual Graduation Ceremony: A celebration of success with family & friends

  17. Alumni Membership: Graduates are added to a FB group page /Quarterly Newsletter 

 18. Accountability Partnership: Direct access to instructor 

 19. Certificates of Completion: Digital copy and signed Commemorative Certificate 

20. Discounted Classes: Graduates receive a 15% discount on future advanced classes

 

Syllabus: Weekly Lessons 1-14

  1. Basic Botany / Spiritual Uses of Plants

  2. Herbal Terminology / Creating Your Own Materia Medica

  3. Introduction to Herbal Medicine Making 

  4. Circulatory System (medicine making demo)

  5. Digestive & Intestinal System (medicine making demo)

  6. Glandular (Endocrine) System (medicine making demo)

  7. Immune System (medicine making demo)

  8. Nervous System (medicine making demo)

  9. Respiratory, Structural and Urinary Systems (medicine making demo)

  10. Aroma Therapy, Weight Management, Misc. Subjects (medicine making demo)

  11. Vitamins & Minerals, Enzymes, Amino Acids (medicine making demo)

  12. Creating Programs that Work Together for Health

  13. Growing Your Herbalist Practice

  14. Setting up your Herbal Apothecary

  15. Final Examination Week / Virtual Graduation Ceremony 

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Registration Process

 

Participants should possess a basic understanding of the medicinal uses of plants and a strong enthusiasm for becoming community herbalists. This is a 15-week journey that requires a commitment time and positive energy to fulfill course requirements. Active engagement in class is essential to enhance your learning experience. Returning to school may require some adjustment, as this comprehensive and challenging course necessitates good organization and time management skills. Enrollees attend an orientation meeting before committing to the course and making any payments.

The total tuition is $750.00, which covers all materials and 20 course components. An initial payment of $100 is required before classes commence, and payment plans can be arranged for the remaining balance. Accepted payment methods include Cash, Cash App, or Zelle.

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For request enrollment information, please email us at herbschoolinfo@gmail.com or call or text Sistah Latifah 404-338-8162.

Student Testimonials

Coming into this course I had no idea how much of an impact it would have on my journey. The information and knowledge obtained through The School of Community Herbalists is golden. Sistah Latifah’s teaching style is engaging, helpful, patient, and encouraging. Sistah Latifah is a blessing to the healing community! So generous in her purpose as her courses rate reflects this immensely! She deserves her flowers for this formula and much more! Take the class, Smell the roses! Sip tea! See for yourself…

~Stephanie F.

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I was looking for an herbalism course that honored an indigenous relationship with plants when I came across Mama Latifah and the School of Community Herbalists.  Her approach to teaching (and letting the plants teach us) was extremely thorough, yet not overwhelming. She is a very generous and gracious guide that encourages you to embody the lessons and embrace your intuition when working with the herbs! I feel so much more prepared to continue my personal, family and community healing journey with plant medicine. 

~Nwasha E. 

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I was very fortunate to have this wonderful teacher to aid me in deepening my understanding of what it means to be an herbalist. Your exams for the chapters were so detailed that it helped me absorb the information that was shared with me. The weekly check-in helped me get a clear understanding of the chapters. I am applying the knowledge in my daily life.  Anyone that wants to learn from someone that is knowledgeable and apply the information should sign up for this herbalist course.

~Ouinee H.  

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Sistah Latifah is a true healer! She gives you the safe space to explore, question, and develop your innate yearning to heal thyself. Her love for plants and humanity are infectious! She has designed this course to give tangible and practical solutions for healing. My life and the life of my family and friends have changed due to my growth in taking this course. I AM MY FAMILY’S HERBALIST!!! 

~Day B. 

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Sister Latifah is wisdom! I am ever grateful for her instruction and supervision while on my herbalism journey.  I am forever her pupil and am a better steward of the lives around me because of it. The variety of ways my classmates utilize this education astounds me. I can confidently say that her course is one of necessity for anyone that eats food or takes medicine. Sincerely!!!

~Keneé S.

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

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Acknowledging my Ancestors on whose shoulders I stand - I give honor and respect to my mother Jean Acey who instilled in me her nurturing, love for others, service and creativity and my maternal Grandmother Sarah Jones who instilled in me her love for plants, gardening, natural healing and helping others, and all of my beloved ancestors whose names are known and unknown.

 

It takes a village, so we learn from many different healers on this journey. Through use of public videos, websites or readings from their books or articles we expand our knowledge. Here is a list over 60 Herbalists, Educators and Elders from whom we gain herbal wisdom:

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George Washington Carver

Emma Dupre

Dr. Susan King

Karen Rose

Rosemary Gladstar

Rocio Alacon

Mariahadessa Ekere Tallie

Susan Pinkus

Ayo Ngozi

Amy Dadachani

Emerald Earth

Rachelle Robinett

Deborah Courchene

Queen Afua

Dr. Sebi

Dr. Liala Afrika

Susun Weed

Patrick Delves

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Michael Cottingham

Michael Wood

Stephanie Tanner-Portell

Jill Cloutier

Dr. Frita

Genevieve Howland

Dr. Candace Corson

Dolly Manghat

Linda Booth

Sarah Marie Nagel

Nathaniel Hughes

Dr. Josh Axe

Ralph Smart

Dr. Eric Berg

Tony Mills

Steven Horn

Alexis Nikole

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Paula Hurlock

Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

Craig Senft

Tameka Huey-Barkley

David Winston

Emma Bryce

Jessyka Winston

Sajah Popham

Erin Lafaive

Lori Stohs

Leah Hechtman

Deb Soule

Gudrun Penselin

Laura Carpenter

Stephanie Tanner

Peter Tompkins

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Herbalist Debra C.

Morag Gamble

Monique Dee

Eddie Boyd

Deni Bown

Louise L. Hay

Dian Dincin Buchman

Luisah Teish

Scott Cunningham

Paul Huson

Valerie Ann Worwood

Richard M. Lucas

Jerry Hoover

Jethro Kloss

Amanda McQuade Crawford

Shaykh Hakim Christi

DISCLAIMERS

*IMPORTANT PLEASE READ**

NO REFUND POLICY: All paid services are non-refundable. Kindly continue with registration only if you are sure of enrolling in the course. In the case of a student's illness or family crisis and the student is unable to complete the course; they are permitted to enter the next session for a discounted rate at the instructor's discretion.

 

NOTICE OF NON-DISCRIMINATION: The School of Community Herbalists will not discriminate in its educational programs, activities or employment practices, based on race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, religion, ancestry or any other legally protected classification.

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MEDICAL DISCLAIMER: I am not a doctor or medical professional. I do not diagnose, prescribe, or treat patients. The information presented is meant for educational purposes only. This information and the materials/products are not meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Statements on this website and in the course have not been evaluated by the FDA. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition please consult your physician before using herbs. Avoid long term continuous use of herbs. Always consult your physician or health care provider before using any herbal products, especially if you have a medical problem. You should never delay seeking medical advice, disregard medical advice, or discontinue medical treatment because of use of this herbal products. Proprietors or trainees in this program assume no liability for any injury, illness or adverse effects caused by the misuse and/or use of the information or products. Use at your own discretion. If you have an adverse effect with herbs, discontinue use immediately.

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