Western Herbalism at SWIHA
Located in Tempe, Arizona
A well-rounded education in herbalism, blending intuitive and spiritual understandings of plants with a science-based approach.
- Our Western Herbalism program emphasizes native flora and sustainable wildcrafting practices.
- Learn from experienced instructors with years of practical experience.
- Gain a foundation in herbal studies, including an introduction to traditional Chinese herbals and Ayurveda.
- Learn the history of herbal medicines and modern biosciences alongside herb cultivation and research writing, as well as hands-on fieldwork in Arizona.
- Participate in an externship during your program, giving you real-world experience before graduation.
Our next start date:
On Campus: October 1, 2025
Note: This program only runs once per year
Deadline to Enroll by September 20th, 2025
Attend our in-person 2025 Open Houses (complimentary)
- July 21st, August 25th or September 15th
Please RSVP at info@swiha.edu this is a great way to tour our campus and meet the teachers.
Holistic Herbal Remedies
100 Hour Certificate - 8 Months
- An introductory training that offers a well-rounded overview of the essentials of herbalism.
- Become familiar with the awe-inspiring world of plants and learn to appreciate them as earth companions.
- Learn about the properties of herbs and their uses for health and wellness.
- Gain essential skills for making your own, customized herbal remedies.
- This certificate is designed for personal development purposes, and transfers into the diploma program.
Western Herbalism
745 Hour Diploma - 14 Months
Financial Aid is available for those who qualify
- Completing this program allows you to serve as a professional herbalist.
- Gain the skills you need to work with clients, formulating safe and effective herbal products.
- Discover traditional healing practices from around the world, as well as sustainable wildcrafting practices for indigenous plants.
- Participate in an externship to explore what is like to run an apothecary, maintain an herbal medicine garden, or assist a professional herbalist in creating products.
What do Herbalists do?
Herbalists have the opportunity to pursue their passions in many different ways. They can work as private practitioners or in integrated clinics, producing a variety of products such as tinctures and salves, or provide retail products to stores, like medicinal honeys and infused syrups. Some Herbalists enjoy teaching classes or leading wildcrafting hikes, while others prefer publishing their research findings in academic journals. Our instructors are active in the field of Herbalism and will use their knowledge to help you find your unique path!
Shannon Stapleton
Program Director with her mentor JoAnn Sanchez
Born a plant lover, Shannon spent her childhood mashing up twigs and berries to make “potions”—a fitting start to a life shaped by herbalism. With years of hands-on experience in wildcrafting, formulation and running an apothecary, Shannon now directs the very herbal program she graduated from. Doing what she loves the most- teaching about plants and mentoring budding herbalists. With nearly 15 years of study, Shannon believes plants are more than medicine—they’re our teachers, helping us reconnect with the Earth. Her goal as the director is to inspire future herbalists to walk this path with integrity, as stewards of the Earth, integrating the wisdom of this ancient art in a way that heals not only people, but the planet.
1538 E. Southern Ave.
Tempe, AZ 85282