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.
CLINICALLY MINDED
Programs with a clinical focus.
Not so long ago there was a group of doctors in America that practiced Eclectic Medicine. They were physicians who employed whatever was found to be beneficial to their patients. Eclectic Medicine was formed in opposition to the toxic remedies used by standard doctors in the 19th and early 20th century. Eclectics didn’t care who discovered the remedy. They used botanicals, homeopathics, minerals and occasionally chemical medicines to bring balance to the body.
Our founder and head instructor has been seeing clients for well over a decade, having a practice in Alabama, Florida, and now North Carolina. Thomas Easley’s experiences, and passion for teaching others how to approach clients in a clinical setting, are the main driving forces behind our mission here at Eclectic School of Herbal Medicine. We want to give you the herbal skills in clinical nutrition, functional medicine, and traditional western herbalism to leave the program feeling confident in pursuing your practice as an herbalist.
Eclectic /iˈklektik/: Adjective; deriving ideas, style, or taste from a broad and diverse range of sources. Not so long ago there was a group of doctors in America that practiced Eclectic Medicine. They were physicians who employed whatever was found to be beneficial to their patients. Eclectic Medicine was formed in opposition to the toxic remedies used by standard doctors in the 19th and early 20th century. Eclectics didn’t care who discovered the remedy, if it worked they used it. Be it botanical, homeopathic, mineral or occasionally chemical medicines to bring balance to the body. Our school teaches students to use what works, no matter what tradition it comes from. With a strong grounding in both modern science and Traditional Western Herbalism, Eclectic School of Herbal Medicine offers both online and in-person educational opportunities.
FOCUSED STUDY
Eclectic School of Herbal Medicine Online
Eclectic School of Herbal Medicine is offering online classes presented as individual modules. While these education opportunities are available as individual classes, we will still offer three certification courses. All classes will be taught live and available at that time for attendance. They will also be recorded and available for later purchase. Over the course of the next 2 to 3 years, all required course material for certification will be presented, recorded and accessible for purchase through our online classroom. There are also live-hands on classes scheduled for each tier. Not all are required. With each module you will gain access to readings, recordings and a forum to ask questions and access additional information.
Learn more about our programs of study and learning options.
LOWGAP, NORTH CAROLINA
About Our Campus
Wellspring Mountain, home to the Eclectic School of Herbal medicine, is a botanically rich nature preserve and educational center offering rental space on a beautiful 500-acre campus located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. The land is protected by Piedmont Land Conservancy.
Wellspring Mountain exists to bring people and nature together through outdoor adventures, education, art, music, and camping. Wellspring Mountain also seeks to be a botanically rich sanctuary, for those seeking to live closer to nature, learn new skills, and connect with their community.
ECLECTIC SCHOOL OF HERBAL MEDICINE
Our Instructors
Thomas Easley, RH
ESHM FOUNDER & DIRECTOR
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.
Mel Kasting, RH
Mel’s passion lies in both serving clients and empowering students to develop the essential relational health and clinical skills required to excel as herbal practitioners. Through her clinic work, art and class facilitation, she explores the intersections of herbalism, botany, society, and somatic experiencing to support plant-centered botanical medicine and celebrate the teeming diversity life has to offer.
In her private practice, she blends traditional western herbalism and clinical nutrition with somatic herbal practices. She recognizes the significance of addressing personal and societal traumas as an integral part of the healing journey. This profound understanding shapes her approach, as she guides individuals toward greater well-being and helps them navigate the complexities of their own healing processes.