African College of Herbalism and Iridology (ACHI)
ACHI offers a structured and aligned training programme for student herbalists in accordance with the Traditional Health Practitioners Act, No. 22 of 2007, and the Draft Traditional Health Practitioners Regulations (2024), the Course is also blended with modern science.
Realise Your Divine Purpose
Training Traditional Health Practitioner - Herbalists for Professional Practice
Training the next generation of registered Traditional Health Practitioners-Herbalists.
12 Months
Certificate Programme
25+ Years
Indigenous Knowledge Experience
National
Training Availability
Hybrid Training
Online - Distance Learning, Teams Sessions and Practical Sessions.
Programme Competencies
What Learners Will Be Trained to Do
Understanding the Legal Framework in the Traditional Healing Landscape, African Healing Philosophy & Traditional Consultation - Module 1
Sustainable Harvesting, Medicinal Herbs & Healing - Module 2
Safe Storage Practices, Medicinal Herbs and Healing - Module 3
Learners are trained to conduct structured, face-to-face health consultations, including patient interviews, medical history review, medication disclosure, and completion of a formal intake and assessment form.
Training focuses on ethical and sustainable harvesting practices, ensuring environmental preservation and long-term availability of medicinal plants.
Learners are taught proper methods for drying, storing, and preserving herbs to maintain potency, prevent contamination, and ensure safety.
Herbal Dispensing, Medicinal Herbs & Healing - Module 4
Iridology (Optional Module)
Anatomy & Physiology (Optional Module)
Instruction is provided on the preparation and dispensing of herbal remedies in accordance with safety principles. Manufacturing of Herbal Capsules, Tinctures and Teas.
Iridology is offered as an optional module for learners who wish to gain introductory knowledge of this complementary assessment approach. This module is not compulsory and is undertaken separately from the core Herbalism programme.
This optional module provides learners with foundational knowledge of human anatomy and physiology to support safe and informed herbal practice. The focus is on basic body systems and their relevance to health assessment and herbal interventions.
Quality & Compliance
Committed to Responsible Traditional Health Practice
We uphold ethical training standards, safe handling of herbal materials, and learner readiness for lawful practice.
Who Can Enrol?
Entry requirements and enrolment guidance for prospective learners.
- Minimum Grade 12 PLUS any on-line herbalism short-course or 3 years experience as an herbal consultant.
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Knowledge of Anatomy and Physiology will be an advantage.
Basic Computer Literacy
Commence with the Course any time - Minimum age is 25
- A Diploma or Degree will be an added advantage.
Our Offices
Headquarters & Administrative Offices
ACHI operates from central administrative offices in Gauteng, supporting programme coordination, learner administration, and national training delivery across all nine provinces.
Learners could begin the course at any time but have to complete within 12 months.
Centurion Venue
Basden Wood Hotel, 240 Rabie Street & Basden Avenue, Die Hoewes, Lyttelton, Centurion, Gauteng.
Date
The registration of Traditional Health Practitioners in South Africa will soon be formalized under new Regulations that will be implemented in 2026. Herbalists and Ethnomedicine Practitioners must prepare to meet the requirements set by the Interim Traditional Health Practitioners Council to continue practicing legally. On successful completion of this certificate programme, practitioners will be eligible to register with Department of Health's Interim Traditional Health Practitioners Council of South Africa (ITHPCSA) and receive a Registration Certificate and Valid Practice Number.
WAYS AND MEANS OF UNDERSTANDING NATURE'S PHARMACY
Programme Intake Enquiry.
Submit your details to receive intake information and application guidance.
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Frequently Asked Questions
This programme is open to individuals who wish to train as Traditional Health Practitioner – Herbalist, Practicing THP’s as well as Ethno-Medicine Practitioners, Faith Healers and Nurses seeking in-depth/advanced knowledge in African Healing Philosophy and healing herbs. Applicants must have completed Grade 12 or a tertiary qualification. No prior training in traditional medicine is required. This course requires Basic Computer Literacy.
The programme is delivered through mixed-mode online, distance learning and pre-arranged Teams sessions over a 12-month period. Leaning material is provided. Learners are also required to complete at-home practicals and written assignments.
Upon successful completion of the programme, graduates will be eligible to engage in traditional health practice in accordance with Section 51 of the Traditional Health Practitioners Act. Practitioners could establish their own Consultancy Room(s), Health & Wellness Shop, Manufacture own Herbal Medicine and upon Registration with the Council acquire an Official Practice Number. Possible employment in any health facility both public and private. ACHI will provide guidance and assistance when the Interim Traditional Health Practitioners Council (Registra) opens the registration process.