Eclectic School
of Herbal Medicine
The word “Eclectic” comes from Greek roots “eklektikos” (meaning “choosing the best”) and “eklektos” (meaning “selected”).
In ancient Greece and Rome, philosophers created their own systems of philosophy by selecting the most reasonable doctrines from various beliefs, rather than following a single school of thought.
In the 19th century, the term was used to describe a group of physicians who adopted the “Eclectic” philosophy and combined effective techniques from various medical schools, rejecting harmful methods like bleeding, chemical purging, and use of mercury. These physicians, referred to as “Eclectics,” adhered to the principle of “alignment with nature” and were against dogmatism.
ESHM was established upon the principles of Eclecticism in 2010. Our philosophy is rooted in the deep traditions of Western Herbalism, while embracing the lessons of modern science.
Programs and Classes
Free Clinic
Peer Support and Clinical Mentorship
Eclectica Botanica
Clinically-Focused Herbal Education
Welcome to the Eclectic School of Herbal Medicine, where we believe in empowering individuals to take control of their own health and wellness through evidence-informed herbal medicine. We believe that herbal medicine has the potential to revolutionize healthcare, and our mission is to provide students with the knowledge and practical skills necessary to make a meaningful impact in their communities.
Being taught by clinicians is crucial to learning herbal medicine because it provides students with the unique opportunity to gain hands-on, real-world expertise. At the Eclectic School of Herbal Medicine, all of our instructors are active practitioners who infuse their clinical experience into every lesson and discussion. Our blend of traditional wisdom and modern science, rooted in clinical practice, ensures that students receive a well-rounded and practical education.
We believe that herbal medicine has a crucial role to play in the future of healthcare, and we’re passionate about spreading this message far and wide. Whether you are a healthcare practitioner looking to integrate herbal medicine into your practice, or a student seeking a career in the field of herbal medicine, ESHM offers the ideal blend of traditional wisdom and modern science to help you achieve your goals.
By joining the Eclectic School of Herbal Medicine, you’ll not only be taking a step towards your own personal and professional growth, but you’ll also become a part of the growing community of herbal healthcare professionals, committed to providing safe, effective, and accessible care to those in need. We look forward to supporting you on your journey to becoming a confident and capable herbal practitioner.
Meet Our Founder & Director
Thomas Easley, RH
Thomas Easley, RH (AHG), is a Clinical Herbalist and the founder of the Eclectic School of Herbal Medicine. With a passion for herbal medicine ignited in 1996, Thomas has dedicated his life to helping others through a unique approach that integrates Traditional Western Herbalism, Clinical Nutrition, and modern medical sciences.
Since opening his practice in 2001, Thomas has provided guidance and support to tens of thousands of clients. In 2010, he founded the Eclectic School of Herbal Medicine, which offers comprehensive clinical training. As a professional member of the American Herbalists Guild, Thomas continues to refine his clinical expertise by reviewing cases for his school’s free clinic and maintaining an active private practice.
Thomas is the co-author of The Modern Herbal Dispensatory: A Medicine Making Guide and Modern Herbal Medicine. He firmly believes in the power of herbal medicine to transform lives and promote vibrant health. His approach emphasizes the importance of food as medicine and incorporates tailored diets, stress reduction techniques, nutritional supplements, and exercise to help clients achieve their health goals.
As a champion for evidence-based practices, Thomas strives to ensure that his teachings and methods are rooted in tradition, clinical practice, and sound scientific principles. He draws inspiration from the Eclectic and Physiomedical physicians of the 19th century, combining their wisdom with modern medical sciences to create a comprehensive and systematic approach to health and healing.
CLINICAL PRACTITIONER PROGRAM
Student Reviews
ESHM’s program expertly weaves functional medicine with eclectic herbalism and nutritional science in a way that I’ve not seen from any other school.
Sam G.
Deciding to enroll in ESHM’s intensive online program has paid off in spades. Prior to enrolling in the school, I had been in practice for some time, but felt that I was missing crucial knowledge and skills to help my practice thrive. ESHM’s program expertly weaves functional medicine with eclectic herbalism and nutritional science in a way that I’ve not seen from any other school. One of the most invaluable skills I’ve gotten from my time with ESHM is how to read functional blood work. This sets me apart from other practitioners in the field as it allows me to see what’s going on at a granular level that I had no ability to work with prior to enrolling in the program.
Another fantastic element of the program is the clinical training. Once most course work is finished, the student will get to see clients for ESHM’s free clinic. The online program and clinic director, Mel is incredibly supportive, patient, and knowledgeable and she really helps students understand the clinical aspects of practicing herbalism from all angles. If you enroll in this program, you will need to study a lot and work hard, but you will come away with clinical skills that ensure you stand out in a crowd.
One other amazing benefit of ESHM’s programs is that the student gains access to an expansive network of herbalists and practitioners from all around the globe. These connections really help to broaden perspective and can be utterly crucial when working on tough cases. Numerous times I’ve called upon this network of practitioners for help, and it has always been beneficial to me and my client. Whether you are a current practitioner (of any kind) or a prospective student, I cannot recommend ESHM’s programs enough to help you gain an expansive, unique modality of practice.
Desiree S.
Going to school here and then working in the clinic was everything I could have hoped for. Thomas has a deep well of knowledge, and is constantly learning, updating, and bringing new Info to the table. The school has some amazing teachers and guest teachers. We had people in class with very little herbal training, and people with a lot, and no one was held back or left behind. It was hard work for everyone.
When I took the Clinical Intensive program, I received more knowledge than I could contain, and then immediately got to put it into action in the free clinic, and see all of the nuance involved when working with individuals. I loved that you got to create your own complete plan, utilizing all of your own knowledge and creativity, and then have a round table of your peers and Thomas asking questions, and giving suggestions. It’s exactly the mentoring that I needed to be able to learn more, become a better practitioner, and feel more confident in my skills. Despite my decade of study, I always had Imposter Syndrome, and never felt like a “real herbalist” until I took this program. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to be a clinical herbalist.
I can not express how much I have learned from clinicals with Thomas Easley and Mel Kasting.
Mindy C.
I can not express how much I have learned from clinicals with Thomas Easley and Mel Kasting. The amount of “clinical pearls” you learn while going over someone’s case is just not learned in a classroom setting. For a hands-on learner like myself, I have a hard time learning. Being able to apply the things I’ve learned to real live cases helps me learn it and remember it. Clinicals are a long process but very rewarding. Meeting with a client and then having the case reviewed by someone more experienced than me also builds confidence in my ability to support others.
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