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The Basic Herbal Program is a one year program with an emphasis in Southern and Appalachian Folk Medicine and Western herbs for specific body systems. The Program looks at ways to build and maintain good health and reduce risk factors for chronic diseases using traditional herbs, foods and simple home remedies.

Not everyone taking the programs at the Appalachian Center for Herbal Studies are interested in becoming  practitioners. Many people take the classes in order to better serve their families and friends, others take the classes out of curiosity or an interest and love of plants. Some take the classes to come home to their Southern and American roots and hold forth these traditions for future generations. And some take the classes to work in health stores or the natural products sections of large grocery or retail outlets, as herbal consultants, or to work in other areas of the natural products industry. 

Anyone is welcomed to take any of the programs at the Appalachian Center for Herbal Studies regardless of the desire to become a practitioner or not.  For those wishing to further their herbal education with a view to becoming a practitioner or working within the industry, the completion of homework assignments and full class attendance is required. For those wishing to take the courses for personal interest, the courses may be audited and while the fulfillment of homework is not required, it is strongly encouraged.

Basic Herbal Training is a one year certificate program, held for eight months, one weekend per month, beginning in March and ending in October. Class times are 9:30 am - 5:00 pm on Saturday and 9:30 am - 5:00 pm on Sunday. Tuition is $1,920 for eight months, 120 hours  ($16.00 per hour) and includes most materials. There is a limited number of barter or work exchange programs available. Please contact the school if you need overnight accommodations.

Weekend classes include lecture, demonstration, discussion and assignments. The program offers an in-depth study of health by body systems. During this time, the student will build a materia medica primarily based on the medicinal herbs of the Southeast. Please keep in mind that many of these plants grow from the Gulf Coast to Maine.

In application and as related to body systems, the classes will cover: