Online herbal consultations

Adults across the UK who want a herbalist but have none nearby, or who like the convenience of remote appointments.

Consultation fees plus a charge for the remedies and postage. Follow-up appointments and repeat orders bring in steady income.

• Solid herbal medicine training
• Confident on video calls
• Clear written advice and follow-up notes

• Custom herbal blends are regulated as medicines. The exemption for practitioner-made remedies has conditions, and it may not cover remote consultations, some restricted ingredients or ready-made products, so check the MHRA position before supplying anything by post. If you fall outside the exemption you may need a licence or registration
• Health claims on your website and social media are covered by advertising rules, so check ASA and CAP guidance
• Client health data must be stored securely under data protection rules, so check whether you need to register with the ICO
• Professional indemnity insurance that covers remote consultations and supplying remedies by post
• It is harder to assess someone by video, so be clear about when you refer clients to a GP

Startup costs are estimates, typically around £500 to £3,000, depending on your website, video tools, herbs, packaging and insurance. This is the lowest-cost herbal route, but check the rules on supplying remedies by post before you plan stock.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around £300 to £2,500, depending on how many clients you see and what you charge. Allow at least around 6 hours a week for consultations and follow-up.

Custom herbal blends are regulated as medicines. The practitioner exemption has conditions and may not cover remote consultations or some ingredients, so check the MHRA position and whether you need a licence. Also check ASA and CAP advertising guidance, ICO data protection and insurance.