Phytotherapist: training, course, information, offers and providers

Basic courses in phytotherapy are offered for as little as a few days and go all the way up to complete training as a certified phytotherapist lasting up to two years or more.

The strengths of phytotherapy lie in the treatment of functional complaints (e.g. sleep disorders) and chronic illnesses. But also in prevention, by strengthening our immune system with herbal medicines. Phytotherapy is the use of plants, parts of plants or their preparations (e.g. extracts).

You can only bill the health insurance company after training as a phytotherapist with EMR recognition. If you are aiming for this in order to be able to bill phytotherapy via supplementary health insurance later on, you need at least 300 course hours. Before seeking EMR recognition, it is essential to clarify the requirements with the training provider and the EMR.

There is currently no federally recognized training as a phytotherapist.

Doctors who have knowledge of phytotherapy through phytotherapy training can meet a widespread need for "natural supplements" with a well-founded and professional offer. General medicine, pediatrics, gynecology and gerontology are specialties in which patients are particularly receptive to phytotherapeutics and also ask for them if they know that their doctor is familiar with them.

However, there is hardly an area in medicine where medicinal plant applications cannot be used in a complementary and selective manner, e.g. in psychiatry and even in intensive care units. Initial treatment with phytotherapeutics often makes sense for mild illnesses. In severe illnesses, phytotherapeutics can be used as a supplement to alleviate symptoms, for example in oncology and palliative care.

There is no phytotherapy course in Switzerland. The courses are designed as a supplement or extension to basic training in conventional or complementary medicine or after medical school. At training institutes, renowned lecturers impart sound specialist knowledge in theory and practice.

For example, the following phytotherapeutics are available:

• Aloe
• Aniseed
• Arnica
• Artichoke
• Valerian
• Spiced sumac
• St. John's wort
• Lemon balm
• Hawthorn
• Sun hat

In pharmacies you will usually find a large selection of selected phytopharmaceuticals from the field of phyto-therapy, which are ideal for supplementing your medicine cabinet or first-aid kit. Or from a phytotherapist. Highly effective, well tolerated and with few side effects: Phytotherapy is a true gift of nature for our health.

The Phytotherapy Guide is a practical workbook that no practice or pharmacy should be without. It contains:

• Fundamentals of modern, rational phytotherapy with information on the pharmaceutical law situation in Germany and the EU
  Detailed monograph section with all medicinal plants, including negatively monographed plants with color photos
• Therapy recommendations for all indications: differentiated and as part of holistic therapy plans
• Suggestions for preparation selection including dosage, taking into account scientific study results and formulations for individual prescription

In a phytotherapeutic training course you learn the following:

• Sound and up-to-date knowledge of phytotherapy
• Diseases
• Effective use of phytotherapy
• Preparation science
• Health advice
• Historical and philosophical aspects
• Natural science
• Practice

Phytotherapy (also known as herbal medicine) is now classified as complementary medicine. However, there are no convincing professional arguments for this classification. At best, phytotherapy could be classified as classical naturopathy, which includes hydrotherapy, exercise, nutrition and lifestyle in addition to the use of medicinal plants. These methods of classical naturopathy are all compatible with medicine and accessible to scientific research.

The admission criteria for the individual training courses and continuing education, further training to become a phytotherapist differ depending on the training provider.

For some, no specific prior knowledge is expected, while others require professional training in the healthcare sector.

We therefore recommend contacting the school of your choice directly via our contact form or using the "Ask a question" button to get in touch with the right contact person at the phytotherapy training program.

After a basic course in herbal medicine lasting several days, you will probably not be able to run your own practice as a phytotherapist, as your knowledge and understanding of the effects and application of individual medicinal plants will not be extensive enough. For self-employment or a professional activity in herbal medicine, we recommend a comprehensive diploma course, possibly with method registration with the EMR or the ASCA. The individual schools will be happy to provide you with further information in this regard.

Phytotherapist training is recognized differently depending on the content and focus. EMR recognition is important. The EMR requires the method number 131, Naturopath (NHP), for this method to be recognized. Otherwise the method can only be registered via the ASCA.