Diploma Credit
CPD
Ethnopharmacy Module: Explore Global Herbal Medicine, Master Safety, Science, and Product Making
Instructor: Dr Tony Booker and guest experts from the industry
Explore the world of ethnopharmacy with Dr Tony Booker and guest experts from the industry in this dynamic course blending traditional herbal wisdom with modern science—covering product making, safety, and global regulation of medicinal plants. This course can be taken as a CPD module or counted as credit toward the UKTATM Diploma in TCM, with 40 hours of scheduled learning and 110 hours of independent study.
What is Ethnopharmacy?
Ethnopharmacy is the study of how different cultures use medicinal plants and natural substances for healing. It bridges traditional herbal knowledge with modern scientific approaches to better understand, evaluate, and preserve global healing traditions.
It explores:
Traditional medicine systems
Cultural and historical uses of medicinal plants
Scientific validation – covering pharmacology, safety, and quality control
Legal and ethical issues – such as sustainability, regulation, and intellectual property
Why Study Ethnopharmacy?
Studying ethnopharmacy gives practitioner a unique perspective that combines traditional wisdom with modern science—empowering you to practise herbal medicine more safely, ethically, and effectively.
Build Clinical Confidence
Learn the science behind how herbs work—from active constituents to potential side effects—so you can prescribe with clarity and assurance.
Stay Globally Informed
Explore how different countries regulate and protect herbal medicine, and engage with key institutions like Kew Gardens, the RCHM, and China Medical University, Taiwan — and broaden your global herbal perspective.
Bridge Tradition & Science
Gain insight into how traditional knowledge is validated by modern pharmacognosy and pharmacology—creating a stronger foundation for your herbal practice.
Make Your Own Herbal Products
Learn to craft tinctures, creams, tablets, and more using traditional knowledge and modern methods.
Support Sustainable Practice
Explore ethical sourcing, sustainability in the supply chain, and conservation of medicinal plants.
Practice with Integrity
Make informed choices about the herbs you use— supporting ethical sourcing, conservation of endangered species, and transparent labelling.
What you'll learn
How to assess herb quality and safety – including species identification, contaminant testing, and spotting adulteration
Key concepts in pharmacology and toxicology – understand how herbs work in the body and how to avoid adverse reactions
Herb-drug interactions & clinical safety – recognise side effects and ensure safe use in integrative practice
Phytochemistry of Chinese herbs – explore active compounds and how different forms affect absorption
Regulatory frameworks – learn how herbs are licensed, labelled, and audited in the UK and globally
Herbal product making – hands-on training in creating creams, tablets, capsules, tinctures, and plasters
Sustainability and ethics – understand global supply chains and fieldwork insights from Taiwan, China, and India
Practical formulation skills – blend single herbs and formulas effectively for clinical results
Who is this course for?
Healthcare professionals interested in the science and safety behind herbal medicine
Chinese medicine practitioners and herbalists seeking to deepen their understanding of authentic herbs, quality control, and global safety regulations
Acupuncturists aiming to expand their herbal knowledge and count this course toward the 2-year UKTATM Diploma programme
Clinical researchers exploring the formulation, pharmacology, and efficacy of medicinal plants
Aspiring herbalists who want hands-on experience in herbal product making and hope to develop their own brand
Why Take This?
Bridge Tradition with Science
Understand how traditional herbal knowledge meets modern pharmacology, safety standards, and research.Boost Clinical Skills
Learn to identify authentic herbs, assess quality, and ensure safe herbal use in your practice.Hands-On Product Making
Gain practical experience creating herbal creams, tinctures, tablets, and plasters.Understand Global Regulations
Explore how herbal products are regulated in the UK and internationally—essential for clinical and commercial applications.Count Toward a Diploma
Use this course as credit toward the UKTATM Diploma in Traditional Chinese Medicine.Create with Confidence
Whether you’re enhancing your practice or planning your own brand, this course gives you the knowledge and tools to move forward.
Outcome for Diploma Candidates
Study at Your Own Pace — Earn Credit Toward the UKTATM Diploma
Thinking of going deeper into herbal medicine? You can take this course as a credited module toward the UKTATM 2-Year Diploma in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
This course is a perfect first step if you’re preparing for a career in herbal medicine or exploring a new path in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Outcome For Practicing Herbalists / Acupuncturists
Master Herbal Safety, Quality, Regulation, and Product Formulation
Master herbal safety, quality, and regulation, while gaining hands-on experience in creating products like ointments, creams, and tinctures.
Whether you're launching your own brand or enhancing your clinic, this course gives you the confidence and skills to create with precision.
How You’ll Learn
The module combines lectures, practical workshops, and tutorials to cover theory, medicinal plant study, and product making.
In addition to guided study, students will join an interactive forum to discuss pharmacognosy topics with teaching staff. You'll also have the opportunity to collaborate with peers on group work and access self-directed study materials, including background reading and theory consolidation.
Students receive herb samples to classify and organize by Chinese medicine, botanical, and phytochemical categories, building their own herbarium. Herb identification and product making can be learned through either in-person classes or online.
Total Student Learning and Teaching Hours
(40 hours of contact teaching and 160 hours of home study)
200 Hrs
Lectures
Tours and conferences (online or in-person)
Online attendance at one or more of the following: Species and Medicinal Conference (UCL), Kew Gardens Ethnobotany Lecture, or Bristol Chinese Herb Garden Virtual Tour.
Course fee
The cost for the entire module is £900. If you'd prefer to take individual days, the price is £180 per day.
Finance Options
Discover the Science and Safety Behind Herbal Medicine, Plus Hands-On Product Creation
Meet Your Instructor
Dr Tony Booker
Dr. Tony Booker, PhD, MRCHM, is a leading expert in Chinese Herbal Medicine. With a deep commitment to improving the quality of herbal remedies, he combines academic knowledge with practical experience. A former president of the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM), he now directs courses at UKTATM and serves as a senior lecturer at the University of Westminster, specializing in ethnopharmacy and pharmacognosy.
Why Learn from Dr. Tony Booker?
Dr. Tony Booker is the perfect guide to dive into the world of ethnopharmacy. As the founder of UKTATM and former RCHM President, he mixes traditional herbal wisdom with modern science. With years of experience in herbal quality and safety, Tony gives you the know-how to confidently work with medicinal plants and create your own herbal products. Learn from one of the best in the field and take your herbal practice to the next level!"