Are you hungry to learn how to take care of your own health with more confidence?

Our basic family herbalism course, Ditch the Drugstore, is perfect for those who want the herbalism skills to work with their immediate family for common ailments we all experience, saving hundreds to thousands of dollars in the process!

With the upgrade to the Family Herbalist Certification program, you'll learn EVERYTHING in the Ditch the Drugstore program PLUS additional herbal and essential oils skills and knowledge that will make you capable to work with your extended family AND your community. You'll also earn a certificate.

Having taught hundreds of students over the years, I've seen first hand how having an herbal certification can be a real confidence booster. It can also help you obtain insurance in case you decide to begin an herbalism business at some point in time. Some of our certification students have gone on to work with clients, sell products, and be a blessing to their community.

In full disclosure, remember, herbalism is not regulated in the United States, so herbalism certifications are generally not necessary to be an herbalist, and there are no recognized titles for herbalists (like certified herbalist or "master" herbalist). Students do tell me certifications help them feel more legitimized, and they can say they received a certification from an herbalism school.

Here's a review of what is included in Ditch the Drugstore, the basic family herbalist program, and then just below that is a list of the ADDITIONAL learning modules and expectations for the Family Herbalist Certification option:

REMEMBER:

Ditch the Drugstore is included in the Family Herbalist Certification Program.

First, here's a quick review of the Ditch the Drugstore Program

It's a proven step-by-step system for quickly mastering important herbal foundations while planning and creating products your unique family needs. No generic herbalism here...

Most people are overwhelmed with all the conflicting herbal information and choices to make. Dealing with and improving discomfort from common ailments is fairly simple, but many times it's taught in a very complicated way.

Not Ditch the Drugstore!

My approach is a no-nonsense, no-fluff, step-by-step course to help you choose, plan, and create natural remedies you actually need for YOUR unique family AND that are safe, effective, and usually easy. They're definitely much better for your body than the toxic drugs most of us are used to in our modern society.

Another issue with most online herbalism courses is the teacher isn't present. At all. There's usually VERY little support and no way to get answers......

But not with us. I'm here for you every step of the way for the entire six to eight weeks of each open cohort! I care so deeply about your success that I'm here for you, live and in person on our weekly chats and also in the student group to help support you. Plus, our herbal village (the student community) has experienced herbalists and aromatherapists to help you out too.

Here's a Recap of Ditch the Drugstore course:

-PHASE ONE-

The Foundations: Herbal and Aromatic Safety

First, you'll learn the safety foundations for using herbs and essential oils so you don't need to worry about making a mistake.

I've included valuable resources for dosing, dilution, and safety for you to refer back to as well.

If you're brand new to herbal medicine, you'll also learn basic preparation methods in this phase.

Lots of questions come up in this first phase, and our live Q&A chats are amazing. All replays are also available to you, and these are searchable....with optional transcripts!

-PHASE TWO-

Learn Plant Medicine-Making and Plan Your Apothecary

The second step seems easier than it really is, but this is the part that causes most people to quit when they're doing this on their own because all the information out there causes overwhelm and confusion.

That's why I've created your Family Home Pharmacy Workbook to help you make sure you've covered all your bases and have a workable plan that will truly meet your unique family's needs.

Your family is not like my family. We're all different! The home medicine chest you'll put together is going to be unique to your needs.

-PHASE THREE-

Create Your Personalized Remedies

This is the FUN part!

In Phase Three of Ditch the Drugstore, you'll start creating your herbal remedies, write the important things to know about each of them at a glance on your Reference Guide for each remedy, and have a plan for use.

You'll also start considering your organization and be able to share with other students. Our combined ideas are so powerful!

This is the fun phase, and also where you'll start loving your home apothecary--and so will your family.

So what's the big difference?

Our Family Herbalist Certification Program is Ditch the Drugstore on Steroids!

I developed the Family Herbalist Certification Program because students kept asking me for a certification option. You asked. I answered.

The upgrade includes these additional learning opportunities ON TOP of everything (bonuses included) you get inside the Ditch the Drugstore course for a powerful Family Herbalist Certification program. You'll learn phytochemistry, aromatic science, understandings of energetics, some formulation, and MORE!

Here are some of the additional skills and knowledge you'll learn with the certification option :

Materia Medica Masterclasses for Medicinal Herbs, Quizzes, and a Special Project:

Fifteen complete herbal masterclasses EACH with videos, a 30 to 80 page fully researched book on each plant, including phytochemistry, growing/foraging/preparing, recipes, and more! As a certified family herbalist, you'll have a deeper knowledge of medicinal plants, energetics, how they act on the body, and why these special fifteen plants are valuable in your family apothecary.

You'll learn deeply about:

Calendula (Calendula officinalis)
Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)
Comfrey (Symphytum officinale)
Echinacea (Echinacea spp.)
Elder (Sambucus spp.)
Garlic (Allium sativum)
Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
Holy Basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum)
Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)
Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis)
Mullein (Verbascum thapsis)
Plantain (Plantago spp.)
Sage (Salvia officinalis)
Willow (Salix alba)
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

In addition, you'll be taking quizzes throughout the course materials so you can check your knowledge.

Certification requirements include completing the course materials, passing the herbal safety & dosing, essential oil safety & dilution, herbal foundations & actions, medicine making, basic formulation, and plant information quizzes.

Optional: You'll also create a special project to share in the student group (this is so fun).

Total Value: $1297

Aromatic Materia Medica Data Sheets (Essential Oils)

Twenty-five complete essential oil data sheets for essential oils every family should know how to work with safely along with whole plant herbs. These data sheets will expand your knowledge about how to work with them for your family's health. Phytochemistry and therapeutics, energetics, and aromatic notes for fragrance are included.

Data sheets include information on:

Black pepper EO (Piper nigrum)
Black spruce EO (Picea mariana)
Cardamom EO (Elettaria cardamomum)
Cedarwood EO (Juniperus virginiana)
Chamomile, Roman EO (Chamaemelum nobile)
Chamomile, German EO (Matricaria recutita)
Clary Sage EO (Salvia sclarea)
Cypress EO (Cupressus sempervirens)
Eucalyptus EO (E. globulus)
Frankincense EO (Boswellia spp.)
Geranium EO (Pelargonium graveolens)
Ginger EO (Zingiber officinale)
Helichrysum EO (H. italicum)
Juniper EO (Juniperus communis)
Lavender EO (Lavandula angustifolia)
Lemon EO (Citrus limon)
Lemongrass EO (Cymbopogon citratus)
Mandarin EO (Citrus reticulata)
Sweet Marjoram (Origanum majorana)
Orange EO (Citrus sinensis)
Peppermint EO (Mentha x piperita)
Rosemary EO (Rosmarinus officinalis)
Tea Tree EO (Melaleuca alternifolia)
Thyme ct linalol EO (Thymus vulgaris ct linalol)

Total Value: $297

MORE BONUSES!

Course: Your Invisible Army: A Study of Your Immune System (includes videos, book, and recipes)
Course: Stress management in the 21-Day Natural Joy Experience. Stress management plays a major role in wellness. Retrain your "happiness set point" to help you with feelings of overwhelm, negativity, and more.
A special discount for ongoing savings in the Confident Herbalist Tribe
And of course, your beautiful certificate mailed to you on parchment paper with a wax seal. You'll be so proud of this accomplishment!

Total Value: PRICELESS

And there are even more bonuses!

Besides the additional coursework that includes:

15 additional masterclasses with video, complete texts, and more recipes
Phytochemistry of the plants
Herbal Materia Medica for 15 plants
Herbal preparation methods for each plant
Folklore and history of traditional use for 15 plants
Scientific research for 15 plants
Aromatic Materia Medica for 25 essential oils and more recipes
Information on harvesting and growing the herbs
Quizzes for each section of the program
A fun project to complete (most students choose an herbal case study to present, but this is variable and of interest to you)

PLUS, YOU'LL ENJOY THESE ADDITIONAL BONUSES!

BONUS: The 21-Day Joy Experience--- Because mental wellness plays a vital role in holistic herbalism, we've added this course.
BONUS: Your Invisible Army: Your Immune System---This is a deep dive into your immune system that includes a complete text with recipes and the workshop video and slide deck.
BONUS: A 25% discount for the Confident Herbalist Tribe if used within eight weeks of purchasing the Certification program.

"It's worth every penny spent and time invested....!"

"One of my biggest take-aways from taking Ditch the Drugstore is knowledge about the immense use of tinctures & infused oils that can be combined for different reasons. So powerful. I so enjoyed every part of it & especially gleaned from the weekly chats- the workbook- invaluable. The course itself is now my reference point for so many other things. It's worth every penny spent & time invested in the learning because it lets you take control of your health"

"This course has changed my life!"

"I now have preparations in my apothecary that not only support symptoms of common ailments, but actually have healing and restorative benefits as well. Getting through things such as the flu will no longer require a chemical s@#! storm (excuse me). We will actually be nourishing our bodies in the process. This course has changed my life! Taking Ditch the Drugstore accelerated the building of my apothecary and increased my confidence. You'll be astonished at what you can accomplish!"

"Ditch the Drugstore is amazing!....100% WORTH IT"

"Ditch the Drugstore is amazing! It really helped me grasp the concept of "putting herbs together " for specific purposes. Sure this herb is good for.....but this herb combined with these others makes the end result amazing! Until I took DTDS I just couldn't wrap my head around that! I get so much more out of learning about herbs and putting them together now. I'll be jumping in for this round too! It will be my third. 100% WORTH IT"

--Kellie McKay, DTDS Student

Hi! I'm Heidi Villegas.

I've taught thousands of people since 2012 to use herbs and essential oils so they experience:

Improved health and wellness
Speedy and healthy recoveries from cold, flu, and more
Enhanced immune systems
Better sleep
Peace of mind about what they're putting in their own and their family members' bodies
Confidence in being prepared for health needs and common ailments
Empowerment and greater self-sufficiency in health choices
And SO much more....

I can help YOU have these things too!

I'm a community and clinical herbalist; certified professional level aromatherapist, grandmother, and homesteader. I've been using herbs and essential oils for wellness for over 20 years and exclusively (no prescriptions or over-the-counter medicines) for well over ten years now.

"I'm so GLAD I jumped in to learn herbalism!"

"One of the biggest victories aside from the breathing problems is that we no longer buy 1-2 boxes of Sudafed EVERY MONTH! We don't use ibuprofen every day like we used to, either! I don't remember the last time we used it! This is all MAJOR. I use only herbal expectorants now! My last bottle of Robitussin is on the shelf, expired! And for pain relief: This has been a stubborn condition and to get through it without drugs is amazing! I am SO encouraged!

I also have to say that we have just not been sick since we started using herbs regularly! I can't thank you enough for giving me the practical instruction and encouragement that I needed to jump in to all of this after hesitating for so, so long!"

"Ditch the Drugstore stopped the paralysis by analysis!"

"Ditch The Drug Store is a wonderful course for someone who is ready to get their home apothecary going. The workbook helps you create a personalized plan for your family's apothecary. With Heidi's guidance and knowledge you will be amazed at how many over the counter medicines you can replace with a much safer herbal or essential oil alternative. I would recommend this course to everyone. My greatest take away is that the course stopped the paralysis by analysis and I actually made many things."

"This knowledge is priceless!"

"A lot has been happening, in regards to putting to use what I have been learning in Ditch the Drugstore. With Covid going around I started some tinctures. I was exposed to Covid last Thursday and started feeling crummy 2 days later. I started using some of the herbal remedies I made that you suggested, and that evening I was feeling pretty good...the tinctures kicked it out of my system immediately. So WOW IMPRESSIVE! Heidi, I am so grateful to have already applied what I have been learning to help my family. This knowledge is priceless...

"I can't think of any OTC medication I would walk into a drugstore for that wasn't covered."

"I highly recommend this course. I have taken a similar course before and even had already made some of the recipes, yet the experience of going through this course live was invaluable. This course helps you to organize and prioritize your family's specific needs while you assemble a cabinet full of the most practical herbal preparations that you will want to have on hand and gives you the confidence to use them appropriately when needed. I learned so much having direct access to Heidi in the live classes as well as the other people in the student group. Also: I can't think of any OTC medication I would walk into a drugstore for that wasn't covered in this course.

--Jenn Vitkauskas, Student

"Herbs are helping my husband and I get healthy."

"I found a new world of natural medicine thanks to Heidi... I have been able to replace my inhaler (which I took twice daily) for a simple, safe tincture.That being said I have NOT had to take my inhaler for a year now! This has not only helped me NOT put harmful steroids in my body, it has also saved me $135 a month. There are herbs I now know how to use that have helped me go from 2% away from stage 5 kidney failure (which requires dialysis). I am now stable in stage four and there is no talk of dialysis! There are other changes I have made too. Needless to say, herbs have changed my life and are helping my husband and I get healthy. This journey is a blessing. Thank you so much Heidi!"

"I have such a better quality of life now."

"After taking the DTDS course my confidence in my new Herbal journey exploded!! I have tinctures, salves, oils, teas and many other medicinal preparations ready to go when needed. I have been so happy to be able to just go to my own "Drug Store" and have natural healing medicine that is not full of chemicals....I have been able to share some of my herbal preparations with others and have had wonderful feedback from those I've had the pleasure to share with. I have such a better quality of life now and only see new ways to improve my self physically, mentally and spiritually in the future as a result of an amazing teacher and the great community here. Thank you Heidi you are truly a blessing to anyone's life that you touch!!

How do I know it's for me?

Although herbalism certifications are not recognized in the United States, many insurance companies require a certification from an herbalism school. In addition, achieving a certification that takes effort and time provides you with greater legitimacy in your herbalism skills. No, a certification isn't necessary to be an herbalist, BUT learning the additional information in the certification program will increase your community and family herbalism experience exponentially.

How is the Family Herbalist Certification Different from Ditch the Drugstore?

The Ditch the Drugstore program is a part of the Family Herbalist Certification Program. The certification program greatly expands what you'll learn---deep dives into 15 plants a family herbalist should know well including phytochemistry and additional recipes, 25 essential oils that can form the basis of a home apothecary, and much more. Mental wellness support is also addressed because the root of much illness is stress, and holistic herbalism takes this into account. Besides the additional courses, materials, and support, quizzes and feedback are also part of the certification, and there is a project involved (which most people have fun with!) Best of all, your confidence as an herbalist will be sky-rocketed!

How much do I have to participate?

It's totally up to you. Some students go through the course on their own timeline, and this is fine! Some decide not to join in the student community and approach the course completely self-study. Others take advantage of all the support and community, the additional lessons and live Question/Answer chats during the open enrollment periods. Everyone can take advantage of the searchable replays with optional transcripts any time. You get to decide what's best for you! Either way, we're still here to help and make sure you get your home apothecary going!

What is Graduation Day?

So glad you asked! Graduation is a celebration we have on the last day of each "open round" or cohort, of students. We have these three times a year with an open enrollment period for students. Six to eight weeks later, after all of the live Q&A's, the student support, getting your questions answered, making friends in the community, we have a special Zoom call for the Graduation! You may even earn a prize for being there and sharing your apothecary. ALL students are welcome, even those who've been through the program multiple times already (and there's no additional cost for this). And guess what? You can graduate as many times as you want.

"Be ready for life-changing results!"

"Everything about the course was fantastic… The course changed my life in many ways. I haven’t taken any allergy meds in 6 weeks, and I was a 2 a day Zyrtec-D person for the last 5 years. I also had a follow up with my doctor about my BP and he said with the progress that I have made I do not need to go on any meds. Mullein and marshmallow root and hawthorn berry and flowers are my daily tinctures. Keep an open mind and be willing and ready for life changing results. Don’t be over whelmed any questions or concerns are always answered and point you in the correct direction to find the answers you need."

--Matt Wiedyk, Student

"There is so much peace of mind knowing I have the tools to keep my family healthy naturally."

“My greatest takeaway from Ditch the Drugstore is the feeling of being in control. I love knowing I have to tools at my fingertips (hoping some to be from memory) to take care of most of my family's heath and wellness needs. Heidi genuinely wants her students to learn as much as possible and has been there for us via zoom meetings a couple times a week as well as in the online student group all week long. This course is jam-packed with detailed information and herbal recipes for our home apothecary. There is so much peace of mind in knowing I have the tools to help keep my family heathy naturally. Thank you, Heidi!"

"It's a solid confidence builder..."

Even though I've been in the Confident Herbalist Tribe now for two years, I don't regret taking DTDS. It has enhanced & honed my herbal journey. The recipe book is fantastic & I love that it also covers essential oils as well as herbs. DTDS is so much more than a course, it's hard to explain & translate into words. It's a very personal experience & journey that you go on, when you start learning how to tailor your own home apothecary. It's a solid confidence builder. Our medicine box of over the counter products has been completely transformed 🦋

"My family uses them too, and my neighbors love the salves."

"Heidi, Not only do I use the things I have made but my family has started using them too. I put together a small apothecary for 2 granddaughters going to college. My son is a respiratory therapist so now takes fire cider every day as he is exposed to covid all the time. My neighbors have loved the salves and things I have given them to try. Thank you so much for the DTD course and all the other courses you have made available in the " Confident Herbalist Tribe Group too.

Disclaimer and Disclosure: I'm NOT a medical doctor. I'm an experienced herbalist and aromatherapist. In no manner, stated or implied, is any statement here or that I make on any platform meant to cure, treat, diagnose, or prevent any disease or illness. Please be sure to check with your healthcare provider for advice on your medical conditions before using herbs and essential oils. Herbalism is unregulated in the U.S., so the FDA hasn't evaluated any information on any herbal platform or on herbal products for efficacy. Ditch the Drugstore is a course focused on common ailments most of us have. This is no promise or statement of cure. Again, it's important to keep your doctor apprised of any herbal uses especially if you're taking medications or are pregnant/nursing. No part of this course is meant to replace the advice of a medical professional. I'm not liable for any injuries, misinterpretations, improper use, possible side effects, or any adverse consequences. It's up to each individual to do their own research on herbs and essential oils. As with all things, our bodies react differently to foods, medications, and herbs. With this said, herbs and essential oils are generally very safe when used appropriately and with safety understanding. Always do your own additional research on herbs and essential oils, and choose sources from experienced herbalists and aromatherapists.

Ditch the Drugstore is included in the Family Herbalist Certification Program.

-PHASE ONE-

-PHASE TWO-

-PHASE THREE-

Our Family Herbalist Certification Program is Ditch the Drugstore on Steroids!

Materia Medica Masterclasses for Medicinal Herbs, Quizzes, and a Special Project:

Aromatic Materia Medica Data Sheets (Essential Oils)

MORE BONUSES!

Course Comparison:

Ditch the Drugstore Herbal Apothecary Program: $497

"It's worth every penny spent and time invested....!"

–Alicia DeVore, Student

"This course has changed my life!"

–Courtney Cocke RN, Student

--Kellie McKay, DTDS Student

–Sandy Judy, Student and Herbalist

"Take the course! It is VERY empowering to realize you can provide safe and effective medicine for your family that you made yourself. Heidi is a great teacher and makes you excited about learning more about what our grandmothers knew and has been lost."

–Lou Clark, Student

–Ann Gaquinto-Scott, Student

–Deb Huddleston, Student

"Herbs gave us more control over our health care."

–Heather Niemi Savage, Student

"I can't think of any OTC medication I would walk into a drugstore for that wasn't covered."

"Herbs are helping my husband and I get healthy."

–Amy Balser, Student

"I have such a better quality of life now."

–Cindy Prickett, Student

We've got A's for your Q's

"Be ready for life-changing results!"

"There is so much peace of mind knowing I have the tools to keep my family healthy naturally."

–Karen Herrman, Student

"It's a solid confidence builder..."

–Shell Smith, Student

"My family uses them too, and my neighbors love the salves."

–Norma Steiner, Student

–Mary Woita, Boots and Hooves Homestead