Online and home-based herbalist consultations

Adults looking for complementary support alongside their usual healthcare, often found through word of mouth, local wellness groups and social media.

Fees for first and follow-up consultations, plus the sale of remedies or packages of several sessions. Some herbalists add paid workshops or short email programs.

• Solid herbal knowledge from formal training
• Listening and asking good questions
• Clear record keeping
• Knowing when to refer clients to a doctor

• Herbalism is not regulated the same way in every province, so check your provincial rules on what titles you can use (such as naturopath or traditional Chinese medicine practitioner)
• Products sold may need Health Canada natural product approval, and health claims are restricted, so check the Natural Health Products rules before selling remedies
• Never promise to cure or treat disease, and avoid advising clients to stop prescribed medication
• Professional liability and product liability insurance, check what your insurer covers for herbal advice and remedies
• Privacy rules for client health information, check your province's requirements
• Home-based business licence rules from your municipality, if you sell or meet clients from home
• Collecting GST/HST once revenue passes the small supplier threshold, and check whether your services are exempt

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $500 to $3,000, depending on your setup, supplies and how you source remedies. Insurance that covers herbal advice and remedies is worth checking with your insurer as part of your budget.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $400 to $3,000, depending on how many clients you see and how often. Many herbalists build up gradually through word of mouth, local wellness groups and social media.

Check your provincial rules on which titles you can use, such as naturopath. Check Health Canada's Natural Health Products rules before selling remedies, since health claims are restricted. Also check privacy rules for client health information and municipal home-business licensing.