Subjects studied include biology, biochemistry, anatomy, physiology, immunology, pharmacology / toxicology and clinical medicine. Herbal medicine training also places great emphasis on a sound understanding of nutrition and preventive medicine, as well as of environmental issues relating to herbal practice, such as sustainable and ethical sourcing of plant-based medicines. Student herbalists undergo extensive clinical training in teaching clinics under the supervision of senior practitioners.

Most medical herbalists are members of a professional association such as the National Institute of Medical Herbalists (NIMH) or the College of Practioners of Phytotherapy (CPP). These bodies ensure high standards of training, practice and continuing professional development, as well as adherence to a strict code of ethics. All medical herbalists must be fully insured in order to practice, and statutory regulation of herbalists under the Health Professions Council is to be implemented in the near future. Patient safety is also protected by the requirement for all registered practitioners to submit to regular Criminal Records Bureau checks.