2 YEAR ONLINE STUDIES WITH WEEKLY MEETINGS

PROFESSIONAL HERBALIST AND PHYTO ARTISAN™ CERTIFICATION

The 2-year Herbalist and Phyto Artisan™ Certification is a deeply enriching journey into plant medicine, natural skincare, and regenerative wellness. With a perfect blend of science, tradition, and hands-on practice, the program empowers you to confidently create herbal remedies, cosmetics, and a more intentional lifestyle. Whether you’re starting from scratch or expanding your expertise, this course will ground you in wisdom and inspire you to grow.

  • 80-course program Herbalist and Phyto Artisan™ training
  • 430 hours Herbal medicine, herbal cosmetics, herbal nutrition, sustainability
  • 300 hours Biology
  • 60 hours Marketing, e-commerce
  • 860 hours Self-study
  • 1650 hours Total
ENROLL NOW

Become a Certified Professional Herbalist and Phyto Artisan™! Embark on the most comprehensive and scientifically rigorous herbalism certification available globally. Through 80 carefully structured courses, you will master herbal sciences, botanical formulation, and natural product creation under the expert guidance of María Hrefna.What You’ll Learn:

  • Herbal Medicine & Therapeutics
  • Natural Cosmetics Formulation
  • Botanical Nutrition & Wellness
  • Gut Health & Adaptogenic Herbs
  • Formulation & Product Development
  • Biology & Plant Science Foundations
  • E-commerce & Marketing Skills

This two-year program is more than just an educational journey — it’s a transformative experience that equips you with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to thrive in the world of herbalism and botanical formulations:

Program Modules

Whether your goal is to practice professionally, incorporate herbal wisdom into your personal life, or build your own herbal business, this course provides a strong and practical foundation for your path forward.

  • Introduction to the Program (available immediately after enrollment)
  • Introduction to Herbal Medicine (available immediately after enrollment)
  • Botany & Plant Identification
  • Herbal Medicine Preparation
  • Digestive System
  • Nervous System
  • Emotional Healing & Energetic Wellness
  • Summer Break with Light Assignments
  • Endocrine System & Hormonal Health
  • Reproductive System
  • Urinary System
  • Skin & Dermatology
  • Cardiovascular System
  • Musculoskeletal System
  • Winter Break with Optional Sessions
  • Pregnancy, Birth & Postpartum
  • Infants & Children
  • Energetic Healing with Plants
  • Sustainable Herbalism & Garden Design
  • Client Communication & Ethics
  • Building Client Relationships
  • Designing Your Herbal Online Store
  • Sustainable Business & Lifestyle Planning
  • Final Project Planning
  • Summer Break with Final Project Focus
  • Herbal Medicine Preparation II
  • Natural Cosmetics Formulation
  • Website Design with WooCommerce & WordPress
  • Marketing & Selling Your Herbal Products
  • Final Project Presentations

Don’t miss the opportunity to turn your passion for plants and natural healing into a meaningful career. Enroll today and begin your journey toward becoming a certified herbalist!

Certification

Upon successful completion, you will receive a Professional Herbalist and Phyto Artisan™ Certificate.

MARIA HREFNA HJALMARSDOTTIR RINGDAL

HERBALIST AND PHYTO ARTISAN™

This two-year herbalism program was curated and developed by María Hrefna, drawing from years of study, practice, and a deep passion for plant medicine. The course combines research-based content with practical projects to help you responsibly harvest, process, and use herbs. Throughout the program, you’ll be supported by experienced herbalists who serve as guides during live sessions. You’ll also learn to craft your own herbal blends and cosmetic formulations rooted in both tradition and modern application.

ENROLL NOW

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS​

Do I need to have experience in herbal medicine to participate?

No, no prior experience is required. The program is designed for all experience levels and is structured to suit a wide range of learning backgrounds.

Do I have access to the course materials after completing the program?

Yes, all recordings, materials, and course content remain accessible as long as the Herbwoman School exists. Zoom session recordings are uploaded within 24 hours after the session ends.

Do I get access to the study materials as soon as I register?

You will have access to the first few parts of the program immediately after registering. This includes an introduction and overview of the material, as well as previews of books, plants, and tools that will be covered — so you can start preparing early. If you’re eager to begin before your official start date, you’re welcome to access everything that’s open and start exploring.

Will my trade union support this education financially?

Possibly. Many of our students successfully applied for educational support through professional development or wellness budgets. Check with your local union, employer, or funding body.

Is there homework in this course?

Instead of traditional homework, we focus on hands-on “Creation Projects.” These include practical assignments and plant-based crafting. You’ll upload your work to our social media for feedback and grading.

Will a teacher answer my questions?

Yes, you can post your questions in the community chat, and we’ll respond as quickly and thoroughly as possible.

Will I receive support from instructors?

Yes, you’ll have access to instructors who will answer questions in our community chat. The course also includes regular live sessions (usually monthly, and more often in the beginning) where you can get personalized guidance and support.

Can I connect with fellow students?

Yes, you can connect with your fellow students in the community area. We may also use social media to stay in touch.

Will the certification help me find a job?

While we can’t guarantee employment, after completing your certification in herbalism, you’ll be better prepared to offer consultations, teach, sell products, manage an herbal shop, or collaborate with others in ways that open up many potential income opportunities.

How will I access the course and classes?

Live sessions and meetings are held on Zoom. Recordings and materials are hosted in our student platform and updated with each weekly module.

Is the course online, in person, or a combination??

The herbalism course is entirely online, providing great flexibility and a rich learning experience through weekly live sessions, recordings, and community features that allow interaction with both peers and instructors.

How much time does the course require?

The course typically requires around 17 hours per week, including about 90 minutes of video lessons and 9 hours of study time. Near the end of the course, you’ll need extra time for final projects. Students also participate in a 2-year plant-growing cycle, with optional summer breaks and collection assignments.

Who is this course for?

This course is ideal for anyone drawn to the healing power of plants — whether you’re looking to improve your own health, support others, or deepen your professional practice. It’s perfect for herbal enthusiasts, natural health practitioners, homesteaders, and those seeking to build a career rooted in holistic knowledge. Health professionals such as nurses, midwives, doctors, and therapists will also benefit from integrating plant-based approaches into their care practices.

What does this certification mean?

This certificate proves you’ve completed the full herbalism program with Herbwoman. To earn it, you must finish all major coursework, pass at least 70% of the exams, complete 70% of your creative assignments, and submit your final portfolio.

Can I call myself a herbalist after graduation?

Yes, with this education you may refer to yourself as a “herbalist.” However, you must always make it clear to clients that you are not a medical doctor or licensed health professional.
This certificate is not a Bachelor of Science and does not entitle you to practice regulated medicine in Iceland or other countries. Herbalists can work ethically and effectively in a wellness role, but they must always follow the local laws where they practice.

Can I become part of a professional association?

Yes, you may be eligible to join international herbalist or natural health associations depending on their entry requirements.

Do I have to attend school every day?

No. Classes are held once a week on Thursdays at either 18:00 or 19:00 Icelandic time (you’ll always receive email updates with the exact time). We meet live on Zoom once a week, and the rest of the time you study on your own schedule using our online learning platform and complete assignments. Each live class is 90 minutes long.

Is this a Bachelor of Science degree?

No, this is not a B.Sc. degree. However, if you choose to pursue further studies abroad (e.g., in the U.S., Australia, or the UK), there are some schools that offer Bachelor of Science degrees in herbalism (often costing over $90,000 USD). Some of these institutions may recognize parts of this program toward their degree.
But you do not need a B.Sc. to work as a practicing herbalist in those countries (typically called “Herbalist” or “Phytotherapist”).

Do I need to pay anything other than the course fee?

Not necessarily. The course is designed so you won’t need to pay for anything beyond tuition. However, some assignments involve hands-on herbal projects, like creating herbal oils or tinctures. You may need to gather or buy ingredients (e.g., jars, beeswax, or herbs), but these costs are small and flexible. There’s always a low-cost or DIY workaround that will still meet the learning objectives.

What requirements are expected of me during the program?
  • Watch 100% of all recorded lessons
  • Score at least 70% on all tests (retakes allowed if needed)
  • Complete at least 70% of homework assignments
  • Submit a final project and meet with your teacher to present it
  • Finish the program and final project within 24 months to qualify for certification, in certain cases we allow longer period

What our students say about our education

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Heiðar Örn Ólason

Fish Farming Expert and a Herbalist
Iceland

The world of plants and the human body are without a doubt among the most complex systems on our planet, and mastering both within two years seems almost impossible to me. That’s why it’s so important that a program like this is structured and delivered at the right pace — to ensure that students finish with a solid foundation and understanding. From there, lifelong learning can hopefully continue.

Now that I’m well into the program (though there’s still much to go), I couldn’t be happier with how it’s structured. The student platform is incredibly well-organized and will be an invaluable reference tool for years to come.

Every herbalist has their own methods, and María Hrefna is no exception. I knew a bit about her background and expertise before I started, and I greatly admire her as a mentor in this field. She touches on areas of herbalism that not all herbalists explore — such as energy medicine — which I’ve long been passionate about. It was an amazing addition I hadn’t expected in what is already an outstanding program.

I can wholeheartedly recommend this fun and educational program to anyone who feels called to this path. It doesn’t just give you the knowledge and certification to work as a herbalist — it equips you with tools to care for your own health and the well-being of those closest to you for years to come. Truly a fantastic and enriching experience all around, and I’m proud to have María as a mentor — a true wellspring of wisdom in this field.

Hafdís Sigríður Sverrisdóttir

Businesswoman and a Herbalist
Iceland

I’m very happy with the course. There’s so much valuable knowledge and everything is clearly explained. I think the structure of the program is excellent.
Each new module is incredibly informative, and I truly feel this course is outstanding. I’m so glad I decided to join. The teacher is excellent.

Kristín Ragna Höskuldsdóttir

Preschool Teacher and a Herbalist
Iceland

I’m so grateful that I saw an advertisement from Graskonan.is about the herbalism program. I had wanted to study herbal medicine for a long time, but since it wasn’t taught in Iceland, I never took the step. That’s why it felt like a true gift from above to discover that this program was offered online.

I’ve never regretted enrolling — even in the first few days, I saw how beautifully organized the course was, and I constantly felt like I was learning something new. María, our teacher, is a wellspring of knowledge with an incredibly calm and supportive presence. Her teaching methods are truly exemplary.

I love that I can reach out to her anytime I need answers or guidance about the course material or assignments. Even though I’ve only recently started, I’ve already gained more knowledge than I ever imagined possible. The program is incredibly motivating, and herbalism has opened up a fascinating new world for me.

I also really appreciate the Facebook group, where we share assignments and advice — it’s a wonderfully encouraging and supportive community. Everyone is so willing to help and share their experience, and María is excellent at leading the group and keeping us connected. The communication there is truly a model of how a learning community should be.

Thank you so much — I can’t wait to learn more and continue exploring the wonder-filled world of herbal medicine.

Erna Dagný Hjaltalín

Head of The Service Division at UNICEF Iceland and a Herbalist
Iceland

María Hrefna possesses deep knowledge and a true passion for herbal medicine, and it clearly shines through in this program. She is incredibly attentive to her students, provides excellent guidance, and adapts her teaching style to meet different needs.
The course itself is very well structured, and the assignments are both fun and creative. It’s clear that she has poured a great deal of effort and dedication into building this program.
María has an exceptional talent for sharing knowledge and creating an environment that encourages deeper understanding and genuine interest in the material.
I am incredibly grateful for this course, and it is an honor to learn from her.

Jóhanna Hilmarsdóttir

Horticulturist, Florist and a Herbalist
Iceland

A very fascinating program — rich in knowledge and presented clearly. I’m incredibly excited for what’s ahead, because I can already sense that the full depth of herbalism will unfold over this two-year journey.
I don’t need to memorize or master everything right away — it will come gradually through repetition and consistent practice.

Heiðrún Hallgrímsdóttir

Head Cook and a Herbalist
Iceland

When I started this program, I was diving in completely blind — I knew absolutely nothing about plants.
I have to say, this is an incredibly fun and challenging course. It completely draws you in — everything I learn becomes so fascinating that even though it’s still early, I’ve already considered opening a seaweed factory (we were learning about seaweed), becoming a mushroom farmer (when we studied fungi), and most recently, growing every medicinal plant in the world.
This is only the third month, but the possibilities feel endless.
I’m also grateful that we’re allowed to learn at our own pace, since our backgrounds and knowledge about plants vary. The course is well structured, in-depth, and gives us the chance to connect with each other during class, collaborate on assignments, and talk about what we’re learning — which makes the experience even better.
María is a great teacher, and you can really feel that all questions are welcome and always answered with care and thoughtfulness.

Guðný Lára Gunnarsdóttir

Teacher (Music and Yoga), Sound Healer, Singer, Actress and a Herbalist
Iceland

Fun – Creative – Full of Learning!

I consider myself incredibly lucky to have come across the ad for this herbalism program with Grasakonan, because the course is both enjoyable and deeply educational. The material is well presented — organized, diverse, and intriguing. Each lesson offers an exciting blend of theory and practical application, making every week both inspiring and engaging.

One of the standout features of this program is how it encourages creativity and personal interests to flourish through fun hands-on projects and brainstorming sessions. Practice truly makes progress — and the experience becomes the teacher!

Every week, students and the instructor meet on Zoom. These sessions are a fantastic opportunity for connection and discussion. They help us stay on track through casual check-ins and collaborative work, while also strengthening the community. It’s wonderful to connect with others who share a passion for herbal medicine and to be able to exchange insight and experiences.

Grasakonan, María Hrefna, has created an outstanding program through her unique skills and deep insight into the field. Her approach clearly shows the care and thoughtfulness behind each part of the curriculum, and it’s obvious that great effort has gone into building a seamless and progressive learning experience. Her passion for herbalism is contagious — I look forward every week to discovering what’s inside the next lesson!

Overall, my studies in herbalism with Grasakonan have exceeded my expectations. I highly recommend this course to anyone curious to explore the fascinating world of plants. The learning environment, course content, and support from both teacher and fellow students are absolutely worth the investment if you’ve ever dreamed of studying herbal medicine.

Pia Rumpf

Riding Instructor, Horse Trainer and a Herbalist
Iceland

Enrolling in this course was a spontaneous decision — and I’m so glad I made it.
I find the course to be incredibly well-structured and packed with valuable knowledge. The instructor is clearly dedicated and always takes the time to answer questions or look into anything that needs further clarification.
The course is diverse and has truly inspired me to connect more deeply with nature and improve my lifestyle.
I wholeheartedly recommend this program.

Inga Arnar

Expert in National Costume Courses and a Herbalist

María Hrefna Hjálmarsdóttir Ringdal is a remarkable teacher and herbalist who shares her knowledge with great passion and care. She has a deep understanding of the healing power of plants and communicates it in a clear, inspiring, and accessible way.

With extensive experience and a unique teaching style, she has a gift for making complex topics feel simple and exciting.

What makes María Hrefna such an outstanding teacher is not just her depth of knowledge, but her ability to spark curiosity and inspiration in her students. She encourages critical thinking, shares real-world examples from nature and herbal medicine, and creates a learning environment where everyone feels welcome and supported.

I wholeheartedly recommend this course to anyone with an interest in nature and natural healing.

I’m deeply grateful to have joined María Hrefna’s learning community, and I will carry her valuable teachings with me — teachings grounded in respect for nature and herbal medicine — far into the future. She is an invaluable guide for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of herbalism and natural health.

Why Choose Us

Holistic Health Foundation

Learn to use herbal medicine to support physical, emotional, and energetic wellness with time-tested plant wisdom.

Live Global Support

Join a vibrant online learning community with weekly Zoom calls, Q&A sessions, and personal guidance from experienced herbalists.

Herbal Product Crafting

Gain practical skills to make herbal tinctures, oils, salves, balms, and natural skincare — from plant to finished product.

Entrepreneurial Readiness

Learn how to start your own herbal business — including e-commerce, digital packaging, payment systems, and ethical marketing.

Pesticide-Free Formulations

Work with high-quality ingredients and responsible sourcing. Learn how to grow, identify, and process herbs safely and ethically.

Eco-ethical Learning

Explore sustainability practices in herbalism. Learn how to support biodiversity and create low-impact, regenerative herbal products.

Step Into the Healing Power of Plants

Join our recognized herbalist and Phyto Artisan™ program,
where traditional wisdom meets modern science in a life-changing two-year journey

Enroll now