If you are being called to connect more deeply with the healing power of plants and natural ways of healing, this program is for you.

Have you ever...

  • Recommended a patient suffering from nausea sip ginger ale or try peppermint tea? 
  • Helped a client dealing with anxiety relax with deep breathing and guided imagery?
  • Drank a sleepy time tea to help yourself prepare for a good night's rest?

Then you know the healing properties of plants and the subtle yet profound impact they have on our wellbeing. 

The nursing field has had a long-standing relationship with herbal education and holistically helping patients. Historically, nurses have worked with plants and used plant remedies for the care and comfort of their patients, loved ones, and communities.

Patients and many healthcare workers are looking for more natural ways to heal, manage disease processes, and alleviate undesirable symptoms.

This program is a catalyst for positive change, patient advocacy and empowerment helping to bridge the gap between modern medicine and pharmaceuticals and natural healing methods. 

  • According to a recent finding published by Medscape on December 17th, 2019, 44% of all Americans take at least 1 prescription, and 17% take 3 or more medications. The proportion of Americans taking 3 or more medications increased by 40%.

  • According to NIH: The use of compresses, fomentations, poultices, plasters, oils, liniments, salves, ointments and teas made from medicinal herbs was common practice in early nursing. As late as the mid-1900’s American nursing texts routinely included plant medicine theory in their curriculum.

  • Per NIH: The use of plants for healing purposes predates recorded history and forms the origin of much of modern medicine. Many conventional drugs originate from plant sources: a century ago, most of the few effective drugs were plant-based. Examples include aspirin (from willow bark), digoxin (from foxglove), quinine (from cinchona bark), and morphine (from the opium poppy).

Most notably, according to the most recent Gallup polls, for the 21st year in a row, nurses are the most trusted profession by the public, even above physicians, and need to know how to educate their clients on the safe use of natural remedies. 

In this program you will develop a solid foundation in herbalism be able to apply its methodologies.

You will:

  • Learn practical application of how to confidently select and recommend herbs and incorporate natural healing methods into your practice

  • Gain an understanding of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Western Energetic assessment tools

  • Learn from an expert in the field of herbalism, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Flower Essence Therapy,and Shamanism

  • Discover which herbs have an affinity with each body system and learn how to work with them for positive outcomes

  • Experience nature-based practices to foster personal healing and growth

  • Engage in a self-paced, convenient and easy to follow online program

  • Earn 7 CE Credits from the Florida Board of Nursing

What's Inside the Program

Class 1: Introduction to Herbal Medicine

Principles of Herbal Medicine; Western Herbal Energetics; the Six Tissue States, Herbal Materia Medica; Fostering Relationship with Nature

Class 2: The Flavor of Herbs

Herbal Flavor Profiles and Indications; Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) 5 Element Theory; The Art of Formulating, Blending and Making Herbal Tea

Class 3: Earth-Based Practices

Grounding, Smudging & Earth Based Practices; Introduction to Shamanic Principles and Practices and Plant Spirit Medicine; Building Your Home Apothecary

Class 4: Nervous & Immune System

Nervous and Immune system overview; Herbs that nourish and support each system.

Class 5: Cardiovascular & Respiratory System

Systems overview; Herbs that support the Cardiovascular and Respiratory System; The Heart-Mind Connection; Meditation practice to Foster Connection to the Heart.

Class 6: Energetic & Vibrational Healing

Introduction to Energetic/Vibrational Healing, the Chakra System and Flower Essences; Using a Pendulum. Plus, Nourishing Herbal Tonics; The Role of Sleep, Sleep Hygiene and Circadian Rhythms.

Class 7: Liver & Digestive System

Systems overview; Herbs that support the Liver and Digestive System; Kitchen Remedies.

Additional Bonuses!

In addition to the course curriculum, you'll gain access to:

LIVE Q&A Calls with Gina Kearney

Attend monthly LIVE Zoom Office Hours with Gina and other students to ask questions, gain clarity and share experiences.

Herbs & Owls Online Academy

Access our online student community to connect with like-minded people, ask questions and expand your herbal wisdom and practice.

Lifetime Access

Enjoy lifetime access to class videos, content and materials.

Build a solid foundation in herbalism

Get started today!

Meet Your Instructor and the Creator of the Budding Herbalist Program

Registered Herbalist & Flower Essence Gina Kearney RH (AHG)

Gina Kearney is a Registered Herbalist & Flower Essence Practitioner who helps clients use herbal medicine, intention and shamanic, earth-based practices to restore and maintain health at a deep and lasting level. She is the owner of Herbs & Owls, a unique and beautiful organic medicinal Herb Shop in Jupiter, FL where she offers herbal consultations and classes in-person and online.

What Students Are Saying

"I am proud to have completed the ‘Budding Herbalist” program. I am a practicing physician assistant with a fellowship certificate from the A4M in Functional Medicine.  While I am certified by the NCCPA, have a masters, DEA, and plenty of other initials behind my name, I am so much more honored to have earned the certificate from this class. While there is no medical credentialing applicable to the study of herbs and plants, I find that it’s probably one of the most important tools a practitioner can have when connecting with a patient, client or even a friend or a family member.

Gina teaches with so much heart-forward wisdom. She brings in shamanic teachings, ceremony, and quantum healing into a conversation that emphasizes the importance of our communication and relationship with the plants and nature. 

I feel so blessed to have taken this course if for no other reason than to simply just rest in her presence and listen to her teaching.  As a practitioner, it has changed my frequency of awareness to a much “higher” level. I will never practice the same. On a personal level, Gina has helped me use flower essences to better understand my own self and my unconscious triggers."

- Wendy Finkelstein, PA-C


"This course took the saying "Let thy food be thy medicine," to a whole new level with very practical yet researched based proccesses for implemenation.  This course is so much more than just learning about what herbs are good to support different symptoms because Gina really gives you such a holistic approach to working with plants.  Not only did I learn about how medicinal and therapeutic so many plants are, I also now have a framework to support my own wellbeing and educate patients and friends about the power of herbs and plants in healing as well."

— Brittany Cano BSN RN, Holistic Nurse Coach


"The Budding Herbalist program is such a gift!  I now have another incredible tool in my belt to help my clients, family, and friends achieve the wellness we are all striving for using what God has provided to us on this earth. Gina’s passion for herbalism is contagious. I’m so grateful I made the decision to invest in this course."

- Liz Sandt, RN



Develop your herbalism knowledge and skills.

Get started today!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • When does the course start and finish?

    The course consists of video classes and is self-paced. You may take as long as you need to complete it. There is no time limit for completion.

  • How long will I have access to the program?

    You will have LIFETIME ACCESS to the Budding Herbalist CE Program once you purchase the program.

  • How do I access the program materials?

    Log in to the by clicking Sign In/Get Started Now in the upper right of this page. Course videos are not available for download and must be viewed through the platform. Some items, such as handouts, will be available to download.

  • How do I complete the CE credits?

    Once you have completed this program, you will be asked to complete a Program Evaluation and Test. Once received, your CE credits will be filed within 7-14 business days and you will be notified by email.

  • What equipment/tools will I need to complete the program?

    Access to a computer, smartphone or tablet and a curious, open mind!

  • What if I am unhappy with the program?

    Oh no! We don't want that! We offer a 7-day money back guarantee. If you are unhappy with the program for any reason, let us know within the first 7 days and we will refund your payment.

  • What do I do if I need help?

    For questions about your billing or accessing the course materials, email [email protected] If you have a question about the class content, herbs, herbal remedies or practices, we encourage you to ask those in the Herbs & Owls Academy or at Gina Kearney's Office Hours.