Dominion Herbal College was founded in Vancouver, Canada in 1926 by naturopathic physician Dr. Herbert Nowell. Dr. Nowell taught Botanical Medicine to medical doctors prior to 1918 when such medicine was accepted and practiced by the medical profession. Dr. Nowell’s knowledge in Herbal Medicine was admired and appreciated by doctors in England, Canada and the United States.

In 1962 Ella Birzneck, RMT, MH, EP, who apprenticed with Dr. Nowell, continued the tradition and spirit of Dr. Nowell’s love of herbs and natural healing by resurrecting and reorganizing Dominion Herbal College and making the Chartered Herbalist and Master Herbalist Diploma Programs available for study by anyone with a sincere desire to gain real knowledge in the field of Herbal Medicine. Since 1987 members of Ella Birzneck’s family have worked to ensure that the original purpose of the College is maintained.

Dominion Herbal College was the first school of Herbal Medicine to offer clinical level studies in North America.  In 1989, in order to meet the growing demand for advanced herbal studies, the Clinical Herbal Therapy Diploma Program – 3 Year In-class was introduced and in 1993 the Clinical Herbal Therapy Diploma Program – 4 Year Distance Learning was established. These programs were developed to enable individuals with a strong sense of vocation to practice as a Clinical Herbal Therapist.  Also introduced at this time was the Clinical Herbal Therapy Diploma Program Specially Structured for Health Care Professionals at the Physician Level – 2 Year Distance Learning.

In 2003 the Herbal Consulting Diploma Program – 1 Year Distance Learning was designed for individuals, employed or seeking employment in the herbal industry, to upgrade and become competent Herbal Consultants.

Dominion Herbal College continues to offer Field Experience as well as provide resource people for radio, television and community requests for information.

Mission Statement

To Preserve and Nurture the Study of Herbal Medicine 

By striving to provide the best possible source of Herbal Studies from the basic to clinical levels, educating students to become competent in the field of Herbal Medicine and fostering alliances with other health care professionals.

Accredited by the Private Career Training Institutions Agency
Institution #283