The LICQual Level 3 Certificate in Natural Products and Herbal Medicine (Cert Natural Products and Herbal Medicine) is a comprehensive qualification designed for learners who wish to gain in-depth knowledge and practical skills in the use, preparation, and application of natural products and herbal remedies. This course equips learners with the expertise to evaluate the therapeutic properties, safety, and efficacy of herbal medicines, enabling them to integrate natural therapies into professional practice safely and responsibly.
This qualification is aimed at professionals who wish to enhance their career prospects, expand their knowledge, and strengthen their Continuing Professional Development (CPD). Learners will explore a range of topics including classification and properties of natural products, formulation techniques, pharmacological actions, safety guidelines, ethical considerations, and evidence-based evaluation of herbal therapies. By combining theoretical study with practical application, the course ensures learners are well-prepared to make informed decisions in healthcare, wellness, and alternative therapy settings.
Centres delivering this qualification must ensure that competent and qualified staff, along with access to up-to-date learning resources, herbal reference guides, practical tools, and digital platforms, are available to provide a high-quality learning experience. Structured guidance, access to research materials, and practical support enable learners to achieve their learning outcomes effectively and confidently.
Completing the LICQual Level 3 Certificate in Natural Products and Herbal Medicine provides learners with a recognised qualification that enhances professional competence, supports safe and ethical practice, and opens pathways for career progression in herbal medicine, wellness consultancy, alternative therapies, and healthcare support. This course is ideal for learners committed to advancing their expertise and delivering evidence-based natural and herbal solutions in professional settings.
Course Overview
Qualification Title
LICQual Level 3 Certificate in Natural Products and Herbal Medicine (Cert Natural Products and Herbal Medicine)
Total Units
6
Total Credits
60
GLH
240
Qualification #
LICQ2201149
Qualification Specification
To enroll in the LICQual Level 3 Certificate in Natural Products and Herbal Medicine (Cert Natural Products and Herbal Medicine), applicants must meet the following criteria:
|
Qualification# |
Unit Title |
Credits |
GLH |
|---|---|---|---|
|
LICQ2201149-1 |
Introduction to Natural Products and Herbal Medicine |
10 |
40 |
|
LICQ2201149-2 |
Classification and Pharmacological Properties of Herbal Medicines |
10 |
40 |
|
LICQ2201149-3 |
Preparation, Formulation, and Dosage of Herbal Remedies |
10 |
40 |
|
LICQ2201149-4 |
Safety, Toxicology, and Quality Control in Herbal Medicine |
10 |
40 |
|
LICQ2201149-5 |
Evidence-Based Practice and Research in Natural Products |
10 |
40 |
|
LICQ2201149-6 |
Emerging Trends and Continuing Professional Development in Herbal Medicine |
10 |
40 |
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
Unit 1: Introduction to Natural Products and Herbal Medicine
Learners will be able to:
- Understand the historical and contemporary use of natural products and herbal medicines.
- Identify key concepts, terminology, and classifications within herbal medicine.
- Analyse the role of herbal medicines in healthcare, wellness, and alternative therapies.
- Demonstrate awareness of professional and ethical considerations in the use of herbal products.
Unit 2: Classification and Pharmacological Properties of Herbal Medicines
Learners will be able to:
- Classify natural products and herbal medicines according to therapeutic use and pharmacological activity.
- Explain the mechanisms of action and biochemical properties of common herbal remedies.
- Evaluate the efficacy of herbal medicines based on scientific evidence.
- Compare different classes of herbal products and their applications in healthcare.
Unit 3: Preparation, Formulation, and Dosage of Herbal Remedies
Learners will be able to:
- Apply principles of formulation for the safe and effective preparation of herbal products.
- Determine appropriate dosage forms and routes of administration for herbal medicines.
- Demonstrate practical skills in the preparation and handling of herbal formulations.
- Assess the impact of preparation methods on the stability and effectiveness of herbal remedies.
Unit 4: Safety, Toxicology, and Quality Control in Herbal Medicine
Learners will be able to:
- Identify potential safety concerns, toxicological risks, and contraindications in herbal medicines.
- Apply quality control measures to ensure the safety and efficacy of herbal products.
- Understand regulatory standards and best practices for herbal medicine safety.
- Evaluate case studies to identify and mitigate risks associated with herbal therapies.
Unit 5: Evidence-Based Practice and Research in Natural Products
Learners will be able to:
- Critically appraise research studies related to natural products and herbal medicine.
- Apply evidence-based findings to support safe and effective practice.
- Develop research questions and design simple research projects in herbal medicine.
- Interpret and communicate research findings to support informed healthcare decisions.
Unit 6: Emerging Trends and Continuing Professional Development in Herbal Medicine
Learners will be able to:
- Identify current trends, innovations, and challenges in herbal medicine and natural products.
- Understand the role of digital tools, databases, and technology in modern herbal research and practice.
- Develop strategies for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to enhance knowledge and skills.
- Demonstrate reflective practice to support ongoing professional growth and evidence-based application of herbal therapies.
The LICQual Level 3 Certificate in Natural Products and Herbal Medicine is designed for learners who wish to develop specialist knowledge, practical skills, and professional competence in herbal medicine and natural therapies. This course is ideal for:
- Healthcare professionals seeking to integrate natural products and herbal remedies into patient care safely and effectively.
- Herbalists and alternative therapy practitioners aiming to enhance their knowledge and expand their professional practice.
- Pharmacy technicians and assistants interested in natural product applications and evidence-based herbal medicine.
- Learners committed to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and seeking a recognised qualification to support career advancement.
- Graduates or professionals in healthcare, biology, or life sciences looking to specialise in natural products and herbal medicine.
- Wellness consultants and complementary therapy practitioners wishing to improve their understanding of herbal formulations and safety standards.
- Individuals aspiring to leadership or advisory roles in herbal medicine, natural product development, or integrative healthcare services.
This qualification equips learners with the knowledge, practical skills, and professional competence to confidently apply natural and herbal therapies in professional healthcare and wellness settings, ensuring safe, ethical, and evidence-based practice.
Centres delivering the LICQual Level 3 Certificate in Natural Products and Herbal Medicine (Cert Natural Products and Herbal Medicine) must meet high standards to ensure learners receive quality training, effective support, and compliance with international best practices. Key requirements include:
- Qualified and Experienced Staff: Trainers and assessors must hold relevant qualifications and professional experience in herbal medicine, natural products, healthcare, or related life sciences.
- Comprehensive Learning Resources: Centres must provide access to up-to-date textbooks, herbal reference guides, research journals, case studies, and digital resources relevant to natural products and herbal medicine.
- Facilities and Equipment: Centres should ensure classrooms, laboratories (if practical work is included), IT infrastructure, and online learning platforms are adequately equipped to support effective learning delivery.
- Assessment and Quality Assurance: Centres must implement robust assessment procedures, internal verification, and quality assurance systems to maintain high academic and professional standards.
- Learner Support Services: Academic guidance, mentoring, and career development support must be available to help learners achieve successful outcomes.
- Access to Technology: Learners must have access to computers, reliable internet connectivity, and online databases to support research, assignments, and practical projects.
- Compliance with Standards: Centres must adhere to LICQual policies, ensuring ethical training practices, learner safety, and regulatory compliance.
Meeting these requirements enables centres to deliver a high-quality learning experience, ensuring learners gain the knowledge, practical skills, and professional competence required to excel in herbal medicine, natural product therapy, and evidence-based healthcare practice.
Assessment and Verification
All units within this qualification are subject to internal assessment by the approved centre and external verification by LICQual. The qualification follows a criterion-referenced assessment approach, ensuring that learners meet all specified learning outcomes.
To achieve a ‘Pass’ in any unit, learners must provide valid, sufficient, and authentic evidence demonstrating their attainment of all learning outcomes and compliance with the prescribed assessment criteria. The Assessor is responsible for evaluating the evidence and determining whether the learner has successfully met the required standards.
Assessors must maintain a clear and comprehensive audit trail, documenting the basis for their assessment decisions to ensure transparency, consistency, and compliance with quality assurance requirements.
