About The Homegrown Herbalist
School of Botanical Medicine
Founding a Groundbreaking School
Dr. Patrick Jones, founder of the HomeGrown Herbalist School of Botanical Medicine has been a practicing veterinarian for over 25 years. He is also a clinical herbalist and traditional naturopath. For decades he has seen the power of herbs bless the lives of his veterinary patients as well as his human clients.
Because of his veterinary credentials, Dr. Jones is regularly able to treat cases that most herbalists would not have within the normal scope of their practice. Gangrene, rattlesnake bites, gunshot wounds, poisonings, massive hemorrhage, shock, brain trauma, sepsis, and countless other conditions have been part of Dr. Jones’ daily herbal practice for decades. Dr. Jones has literally seen miracles with medicinal plants in his veterinary practice and has used his extensive experience to help his human clients as well.
Different Roots, and Different Results
As a result, our program differs significantly from the typical online herb school. There is nothing “theoretical” or “historical” about the curriculum of the HomeGrown Herbalist School. The lessons and principles taught are the result of years of real clinical practice “in the trenches”. This is not “cut and paste” herbalism or the regurgitation of ideas read in books written by folks that read things in other books. This is real, practical, functional herbal medicine.
The HomeGrown Herbalist School curriculum is based on a solid understanding of anatomy, physiology, and the process of disease. Only by understanding these fundamentals can we really build a foundation for true healing. Add to that a deep understanding of how and why the plants do what they do to the body (rather than merely memorizing long lists of their various actions) and you have, at the end of the program, a student that is truly prepared to practice as a clinical herbalist.
Because of his veterinary experience, Dr. Jones also teaches the veterinary applications of herbal remedies throughout the course.
Online and In-Person – Something for Everyone
Though all of the coursework can be completed online, there are also hands-on workshops, plant walks, and masters’ seminars to ensure that each student receives true mentoring in the art and practice of herbal medicine. These workshops and herb walks are also recorded on video so that even those that can’t attend in person can benefit from the experience. These workshops and seminars are put on at various times throughout the year at various locations to facilitate attendance. Each online learning module also has an assessment quiz to reinforce your learning. Some lessons also include assignments that are reviewed by the instructor individually with each student. A students-only forum is also available for individual and group discussions with Dr. Jones and other students.
A Fundamental Difference
The fundamental principle of The HomeGrown Herbalist philosophy is that our strongest botanical relationships in healing need to be rooted in our own local soil. Heavy emphasis is placed on plants that are easily grown or abundantly available in the wild. Learning to cultivate, locate, identify, harvest and process these local medicinal plants is an important part of being a self-reliant, successful clinical herbalist.
Students work at their own pace as life allows with no deadlines or timetables. The cost of the program is a fraction of that of many comparable programs and we are confident that the content is unsurpassed in the industry.
Course Content
When do classes start and how do I enroll?
How long does it take to complete the Master Herbalist course?
Can I call if I have a question on the course material?
What sets the Homegrown Curriculum apart from other herbal schools?
What can an Herbalist legally do in the United States?
What type of certification do I get for finishing? Is this school accredited?
Ratings and Reviews
Aurie Snelling
I learned SO much more than anticipated and I'm only 1/4 of the way through the course. The lessons are thorough, fascinating and Doc is hilarious. It is not just a wealth of information, it's a lot of fun. I had such an interest but debated for weeks on whether to take a chance on a course, but as soon as I saw the first video on YouTube I knew this was the one! Expectations exceeded!
Jeanne Brady
I was attracted me to this course because Doc Jones is a veterinarian with extensive experience treating serious wounds, snake bites and ect. using herbs. He is also a clinical herbalist and traditional naturopath. He grows many of his herbs and turns them into tinctures, teas and etc. and teaches how to do this. His wife is a mid-wife so this influences his teachings. He is fun to listen to.
NOEL WEBER EEDY
Lots of good information and much is repetitive. However, there isn't a lot of opportunity to interact or engage with the training. There are quiz questions, but many are poorly written. The course would benefit from more experiental learning techniques and real world connections that pertain to the learner. (I am an instructional designer and create training for adult learners.)
Darlene Kronawetter
I'm enjoying all the courses and learning so much. Just started not long ago so I have a lot to learn! I really appreciate that I can go at my own pace as time allows and that there is no expiration date on my access to materials.
sheila weisbrod
I really appreciated starting with general principles and lingo to lay the foundation for learning herb actions. Learning the why of how herbs work in the body was so helpful. The formulas are a great start as I begin to grow my own herbs. Since I'm in AZ, zone 9, low desert, I'll be able to adjust the formulas to similar herb functions that I can grow or source locally. Thank you!
Elena Johnson
I really like this school because it's very challenging. I do believe the tests are too hard and too short of time is given. I can't remember everything in one video and take a test in less than 15 minutes. This is not reasonable. I also have a very hard time knowing what I've completed and what I need to complete. I feel as if I work so hard and yet I don't get far. No teacher interaction.
Hi Elena,
1) Quizzes are NOT supposed to have timers, and they are all open book. Could you share with me which quiz was doing this and i will turn it off.
2) You can view all your course history including lessons, quizzes and incomplete lessons as well here: https://homesteadacademy.com/lessons/your-course-progress/
3) The student forum is a fantastic place to interact with doc and other learners, graduates and herbal geniuses. I highly recommend you check it out.