Discover the Green Heart of Our Community

Located in Old Town Lafayette, the Colorado School of Clinical Herbalism (CSCH) serves as a center for plant lovers, wellness seekers, and lifelong learners. Formerly known as The North American Institute of Medical Herbalism, CSCH has been nurturing minds and bodies for over 25 years. Today, under the leadership of John Whiteman and Lindy Reinhardt, CSCH not only upholds its commitment to quality education but is also preparing to roll out new initiatives that promise to expand its educational impact.

Get to Know the Owners

Lindy Reinhardt’s path to herbalism started with a curiosity sparked by a magazine called Willow and Sage. This curiosity turned into a shared passion with her daughter. Together, they began crafting their own herbal products and remedies. The encouragement of friends, combined with the school’s relocation to Old Town Lafayette, led her to take her first class at CSCH. “Walking into that first class, I immediately felt at home,” Lindy reminisced. “It was an unbelievable experience that just confirmed I was where I needed to be. Little did I know the depth and complexity of herbalism and the CSCH program.”

John Whiteman brings his diverse background to the Colorado School of Clinical Herbalism. His educational background in plant science led him through various roles in agriculture and horticulture, eventually transitioning to economic development planning for communities nationwide. Reflecting on his journey, John says, “I’ve always been interested in business development,” a passion that aligned with the opportunity to join forces with Lindy Reinhardt and take over CSCH from its previous owner, Lisa. “Seeing our students progress and make a difference in the world is incredibly rewarding,” John observes, highlighting the deep sense of fulfillment and shared purpose that support their collaborative leadership.

About the Colorado School of Clinical Herbalism

The Colorado School of Clinical Herbalism (CSCH) is founded on the principles of the Vitalist tradition. This holistic approach to health and healing emphasizes the inherent wisdom and vital force within all living beings. It believes that the body has an innate ability to heal itself and that health is a state of balance between the body, mind, and spirit. This tradition focuses on supporting the body’s vital force through natural means such as herbs, nutrition, and lifestyle changes. The Vitalist curriculum at CSCH incorporates all aspects of science, especially physiology and pathophysiology, but equally values knowledge from traditional medicine, empirical observation, instinct, and intuition.

CSCH is approved and regulated by the Colorado Department of Higher Education, Private Occupational School Board, and is a Member School of the American Herbalists Guild. This accreditation assures that CSCH upholds the highest educational standards, offering a curriculum that is not only thoroughly vetted but also continuously monitored to ensure excellence in herbal and holistic health education.

How to Get Involved at CSCH

Getting involved with the Colorado School of Clinical Herbalism (CSCH) opens up a world of opportunities for anyone interested in deepening their understanding of herbal medicine and natural wellness. Enrolling as a student in their Fundamentals of Medical Herbalism program is the first step toward a certified path in herbal education. This 370-hour introductory program is thoughtfully structured to provide students a thorough understanding of the theory and practice of herbal medicine, anatomy and physiology, botany, nutrition, and flower essence practice.  

For those not ready to commit to a full program or who are just interested in learning more, CSCH also welcomes the community to participate in their workshops. These sessions are led by experienced clinicians and cover a wide range of topics, from “Understanding and Finding Joy in Transitions” to “How to Elevate Your Cognitive Functions with Herbs and Nutrition.” The workshop topics are always changing, reflecting the interests of clinicians and the community. To stay updated on the subjects being explored, you can find a list of their upcoming workshops on their website. This flexibility and variety ensure that anyone can find a way to engage with and benefit from the rich educational experiences offered by CSCH.

Bringing the CSCH Curriculum Online

John Whiteman and Lindy Reinhardt are spearheading an exciting development at the Colorado School of Clinical Herbalism (CSCH) as they expand their curriculum to include online courses. Recognizing the increasing demand for flexible learning options, they are currently in the process of filming and editing 370 hours of online content. Their first introduction into online education is set to debut in April 2024 with a module focused on skincare. This initial offering is intended as an introduction to the comprehensive CSCH online learning experience, providing a preview of what students can anticipate. The online curriculum will include a variety of learning materials, including video lectures, live webinars, interactive discussions, and practical assignments, to ensure that online students gain the same level of knowledge and practical experience as those attending classes on campus. To stay updated on the latest developments, be sure to follow CSCH on their social media channels.

People from all walks of life join CSCH, from those fresh out of high school with a passion for plants, to mid-career professionals including physicists, lawyers, and tech experts, as well as healthcare practitioners like nurses, doctors, and pharmacists. Whether you’re a local Lafayette resident or a visitor from afar seeking knowledge, the Colorado School of Clinical Herbalism invites you to explore, learn, and grow.