What will I actually learn in this herbal medicine course?

You'll learn how to evaluate herbal medicines in a healthcare setting and talk about them in a clear, evidence-informed way. It starts with what botanicals are, how they're researched, and how they're regulated, then moves into safety, quality, preparation methods, and condition-specific use. Along the way, you'll apply that thinking to real patient cases, such as deciding when a botanical may or may not make sense.

Do I need a healthcare background before taking this course?

A formal prerequisite isn't listed, but some healthcare or patient-care familiarity will help. The course is intermediate and spends much of its time on contraindications, herb-drug interactions, and advising patients, rather than on basic clinical concepts. If you're new to herbal medicine but already comfortable with health-related terms, the pace should feel more manageable.

Is this course beginner-friendly for herbal medicine?

It can be beginner-friendly if you're new to herbal medicine but not entirely new to healthcare. Early lessons define key terms and introduce the field, but the course quickly moves into research, regulation, safety, and case-based decision making. If you want a casual first look at home remedies, this will likely feel more clinical and detailed than that.

How long does it take to complete this course?

Plan on about 18 hours in total, or roughly two weeks if you're studying around 10 hours a week. The pace is easiest to picture as a mix of short lessons, readings, quizzes, and case-based assignments spread across several modules. You'll also spend time on discussions and a final project, so the workload stays varied.

Are there hands-on exercises or projects in this course?

Yes, but the practice is case-based rather than lab-based. You'll work through quizzes, discussions, and applied assignments that ask you to assess a person's situation, weigh safety issues, and explain a recommendation in patient-friendly language, plus a final peer-reviewed project. That format helps you use each concept in a realistic clinical context instead of only reading about it.

What topics are covered in this herbal medicine course?

The course looks at herbal medicine from an evidence-informed clinical angle, including what botanicals are, how to evaluate research, and how U.S. regulation affects products on the market. It also covers safe use, with close attention to product quality, contaminants, special populations, and herb-drug interactions, before moving into botanical actions and preparation methods. Overall, you'll learn how to compare options and make more informed decisions about when botanicals may be appropriate.

What can I actually do after finishing this course?

After finishing, you should be able to assess whether a botanical is a reasonable option for a specific patient and explain that choice clearly. You'll be able to weigh evidence, product quality, possible interactions, and contraindications instead of relying on broad claims about natural treatments. For example, you should be better prepared to talk through options for concerns like reflux, menopause symptoms, or musculoskeletal pain.

Is this course more focused on theory or hands-on learning?

It's more concept-first, with guided applied work throughout. Most of the learning comes from lessons and readings on research, safety, and clinical use, then you reinforce that through case studies, quizzes, and a final project rather than open-ended lab work.

Why would I choose this course over other herbal medicine courses?

Choose this course if you want herbal medicine taught from a provider's perspective rather than as a general wellness overview. Instead of mainly listing herbs and traditional uses, it keeps returning to evidence, regulation, quality control, interactions, and patient communication, with case studies and a final project to practice those decisions. It's an especially good fit if you want a safety-minded course that helps you judge when a botanical should, and shouldn't, be recommended.

Herbal Medicine

Herbal Medicine

This course is part of Integrative Health and Medicine Specialization

Instructor: Amy Taylor, MD

44,887 already enrolled

Included with

Learn more

7 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

860 reviews

Intermediate level

Recommended experience

Flexible schedule

2 weeks at 10 hours a week

Learn at your own pace

99%

Most learners liked this course

7 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

860 reviews

Intermediate level

Recommended experience

Flexible schedule

2 weeks at 10 hours a week

Learn at your own pace

99%

Most learners liked this course

What you'll learn

Discuss the role of herbal medicines in healthcare overall as well as your potential role.
Discuss overall botanical actions and methods for creating botanical preparations.
Assess patients, including potential for herb-drug interactions and other potential contraindications and considerations for special populations.
Educate patients on quality control and safety issues.

Skills you'll gain

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Assessments

12 assignments¹

AI Graded see disclaimer

Taught in English

91%

of learners achieved a positive career outcome

See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills

Learn more about Coursera for Business

logos of Petrobras, TATA, Danone, Capgemini, P&G and L'Oreal

Build your subject-matter expertise

This course is part of the Integrative Health and Medicine Specialization

When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.

Learn new concepts from industry experts
Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
Earn a shareable career certificate

There are 7 modules in this course

There is strong demand for alternatives to pharmaceuticals for a variety of common illnesses due to concerns of safety, efficacy, and a desire for more “natural” products. Despite this growing interest, “conventional” healthcare providers may have little to no knowledge about herbal medicines, which is further compounded by the sometimes misleading information in the media and on the internet. This course provides the necessary background for providers to begin to incorporate herbal medicines into their practice, particularly in regards to their therapeutic properties, efficacy (or lack thereof), and safety concerns, including quality control and potential adverse effects.

Continuing Education Credit This course has been designed to meet Minnesota Board of Nursing continuing education requirements for 16 contact hours and may be eligible for CE credit from other professional boards that allow self-documenting of continuing education activities. It is your responsibility to check with your regulatory board to confirm this course meets your local requirements and, if necessary, to provide them with the certificate of completion you get if you pay for and fulfill all the requirements of this course.

Module details

This module covers essential knowledge that ensures you are starting with a clear understanding of what herbal medicine is, how it is regulated, and why botanical medicine can be challenging to research. This will set you up for success as you move forward in the course and apply it to your professional life.

What's included

11 videos5 readings1 assignment2 discussion prompts

11 videosTotal 76 minutes

Introduction to this Course2 minutes
What is Herbal Medicine and How is it Used?7 minutes
Are Dietary Supplements and Natural Medicines also Botanicals?4 minutes
How are Botanicals Different than Pharmaceuticals?8 minutes
Case Study: Sophia, 266 minutes
Who’s Using Botanical Medicines?10 minutes
Your Role as a Healthcare Provider9 minutes
Case Study: Enrique, 5811 minutes
Botanical Laws and Regulations in the U.S.4 minutes
Challenges in Botanical Medicine Research7 minutes
Evaluating and Selecting Research Sources7 minutes

5 readingsTotal 26 minutes

Comparing Pharmaceuticals and Botanicals5 minutes
Assess, Educate, Advise Model5 minutes
DSHEA Quick Facts5 minutes
Checklist for Evaluating a Research Study10 minutes
Week 1 References1 minute

1 assignmentTotal 30 minutes

Botanical Basics30 minutes

2 discussion promptsTotal 20 minutes

Challenges with Recommending Botanicals10 minutes
Botanical Laws and Regulations from Around the World10 minutes

Now that you’ve gotten an overview of the field of herbal medicine, we’ll identify some important cautions to keep in mind when using botanicals, including contaminants, herb-drug interactions, product quality measures, and safety guidelines. By the end of this week you’ll be equipped with the skills you need to identify quality products and assess if a patient is a good candidate for botanicals.

What's included

5 videos6 readings4 assignments1 discussion prompt

5 videosTotal 32 minutes

Contaminants and Adulterants5 minutes
How Do Botanicals Interact with Pharmaceuticals?7 minutes
Special Patient Populations7 minutes
Third-Party Testing of Botanicals6 minutes
Shopping for Botanicals7 minutes

6 readingsTotal 60 minutes

A Closer Look at Contaminants and Adulterants15 minutes
Your Role as a Healthcare Provider10 minutes
Common Botanicals That May Cause Herb-Drug Interactions15 minutes
Risks for Pregnant and Breastfeeding Patients5 minutes
Third-Party Testing Organizations10 minutes
Safety Guidelines for Purchasing Botanicals5 minutes

4 assignmentsTotal 115 minutes

Herb-Drug Interactions30 minutes
Recommending Botanicals to Special Populations30 minutes
Third-Party Testing Organizations Web Review25 minutes
A Day at the Clinic30 minutes

1 discussion promptTotal 20 minutes

What advice would you give patients when purchasing botanicals?20 minutes

In this module we’ll be taking a deeper look at how botanical medicines work. What is an adaptogen? When should you recommend a carminative? How do you make a botanical preparation? You’ll also have the chance to discuss with your peers about the potential impact on healthcare systems if more patients knew how to make botanical preparations.

What's included

9 videos3 readings2 assignments1 discussion prompt

9 videosTotal 44 minutes

What Are Botanical Actions?3 minutes
Botanical Actions for Pain and Stress6 minutes
Botanical Actions for Gastrointestinal and Upper Respiratory Ailments6 minutes
Botanical Actions that Support the Immune and Nervous Systems6 minutes
What are Botanical Preparations?6 minutes
Water-Based Preparations4 minutes
Other Preparation Types6 minutes
DIY Herbal Infusion3 minutes
DIY Herbal Macerate4 minutes

3 readingsTotal 30 minutes

Botanical Actions Reference Sheet15 minutes
Botanical Preparations Reference Sheet10 minutes
Make Your Own Herbal Infusions and Macerates5 minutes

2 assignmentsTotal 40 minutes

Types of Botanical Preparations30 minutes
Botanical Actions and Preparations Workshop10 minutes

1 discussion promptTotal 10 minutes

Potential impact on healthcare systems10 minutes

In this module we’ll discuss botanicals that can help manage symptoms related to mental health, women’s health, and musculoskeletal pain. You’ll get some handy reference sheets that you can use for quick access to information on uses and precautions, and we’ll identify the level of evidence for each botanical in the research guides.

What's included

7 videos12 readings2 assignments1 discussion prompt

7 videosTotal 22 minutes

Week 4 Introduction4 minutes
Botanicals for Mental Wellbeing5 minutes
Botanicals for Women's Health3 minutes
Botanicals for Musculoskeletal Pain3 minutes
Botanicals for Migraine Headaches2 minutes
Peppermint Essential Oil for Headaches4 minutes
Assessing, Educating, and Advising Patients1 minute

12 readingsTotal 135 minutes

Botanicals for Mental Wellbeing15 minutes
Botanicals for Mental Wellbeing Reference Sheet15 minutes
Botanicals for Mental Wellbeing Research Guide15 minutes
Botanicals for Women’s Health15 minutes
Botanicals for Women’s Health Reference Sheet15 minutes
Botanicals for Women’s Health Research Guide15 minutes
Botanicals for Musculoskeletal Pain10 minutes
Botanicals for Musculoskeletal Pain Reference Sheet10 minutes
Botanicals for Musculoskeletal Pain Research Guide10 minutes
Botanicals for Migraine Headaches5 minutes
Botanicals for Migraine Headaches Reference Sheet5 minutes
Botanicals for Migraine Headaches Research Guide5 minutes

2 assignmentsTotal 60 minutes

Assessing, Educating, and Advising Patients40 minutes
Latisha, Maria, and George20 minutes

1 discussion promptTotal 20 minutes

What are some challenges with patient-friendly language?20 minutes

In this module we’ll explore botanicals that can be used for upper respiratory and skin conditions. You will also continue to learn how to assess, educate, and advise patients on botanicals from a real-life scenario.

What's included

3 videos7 readings1 assignment

3 videosTotal 10 minutes

Week 5 Introduction3 minutes
Botanicals for Upper Respiratory Conditions5 minutes
Botanicals for Skin Conditions2 minutes

7 readingsTotal 80 minutes

Botanicals for Upper Respiratory Conditions15 minutes
Botanicals for Upper Respiratory Conditions Reference Sheet15 minutes
Botanicals for Upper Respiratory Conditions Research Guide15 minutes
What's the Difference Between Colds and Influenza?5 minutes
Botanicals for Skin Conditions10 minutes
Botanicals for Skin Conditions Reference Sheet10 minutes
Botanicals for Skin Conditions Research Guide10 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 30 minutes

Heinrich and Mai30 minutes

What's included

1 video1 reading1 peer review

In this module we will discuss botanicals that can help manage symptoms related to GERD, GI and liver disorders, and UTIs.

What's included

5 videos9 readings2 assignments1 discussion prompt

5 videosTotal 19 minutes

Week 6 Introduction7 minutes
Botanicals for GERD2 minutes
Botanicals for Gastrointestinal and Liver Disorders5 minutes
Botanicals for Urinary Tract Infections2 minutes
Course Summary and Possible Next Steps3 minutes

9 readingsTotal 55 minutes

Botanicals for GERD5 minutes
Botanicals for GERD Reference Sheet5 minutes
Botanicals for GERD Research Guide5 minutes
Botanicals for Gastrointestinal and Liver Disorders10 minutes
Botanicals for Gastrointestinal and Liver Disorders Reference Sheet5 minutes
Botanicals for Gastrointestinal and Liver Disorders Research Guide10 minutes
Botanicals for Urinary Tract Infections5 minutes
Botanicals for Urinary Tract Infections Reference Sheet5 minutes
Botanicals for Urinary Tract Infections Research Guide5 minutes

2 assignmentsTotal 60 minutes

Personal Reflection Activity30 minutes
Holly, Selena, Robert, and Amirah30 minutes

1 discussion promptTotal 10 minutes

Share Your Personal Reflection10 minutes

Earn a career certificate

Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV. Share it on social media and in your performance review.

Instructor

Instructor ratings

(355 ratings)

Amy Taylor, MD

University of Minnesota

1 Course44,887 learners

Offered by

University of Minnesota

Learner reviews

5 stars
89.30%
4 stars
9.76%
3 stars
0.69%
2 stars
0.23%
1 star
0%

Showing 3 of 860

Reviewed on Jul 21, 2021

I always wanted to learn botanicals for medical use unfortunately I didn't know how and where to start but finally, I found it!! This course is an excellent resource to start learning botanicals.

Reviewed on Jun 30, 2023

This course gives a wealth of information about herbs and their uses in herbal medicine. I have taken many online courses and this one ranks at the top for quality and usefulness.

Reviewed on Mar 31, 2019

Very good course and it suits for everyone who likes herbal medicine.The instructor and a presentation doing very well for a course.I really like it and will keep going on for my botanical approach.

View more reviews