For those who believe in a holistic and sustainable approach to health and wellness, the Scottish School of Herbal Medicine (SSHM) presents a unique educational opportunity that’s deeply aligned with vegan values. Located on the Isle of Arran, this institution is more than a school; it is a living sanctuary and a testament to the power of veganic principles, connecting students with the natural world.
Rooted in Vegan Values
Founded in Glasgow in 1992 and now based at the Drimlabarra Herb Farm, the SSHM has been a pioneer in promoting a vegan organic way of life. The school’s core philosophy is a direct reflection of its founder’s values, emphasizing the interconnectedness of human health, planetary well-being, and a deep respect for all life. This isn’t just about a plant-based diet for personal health; it’s about a world outlook that extends to how we grow our food and medicine, and how we interact with the natural world.
The farm describes itself as a “vegan sanctuary and retreat center,” where students and visitors can immerse themselves in a growing environment that’s free from animal-derived inputs. This commitment goes beyond the dinner plate and into the very soil where the herbs are grown, creating a truly nonviolent and sustainable environment.
Veganic Growing Standards
The SSHM is a proud member of the Vegan Organic Network, and its Drimlabarra Herb Farm operates on veganic and stockfree principles. This means that the farm’s cultivation methods are entirely free from animal inputs, including manure, blood meal, and bone meal. Instead, the school focuses on creating on-site soil fertility through a rich tapestry of plant-based methods. These include:
- Cover-cropping: Using specific plants to protect and enrich the soil
- On-site composting: Transforming plant-waste into nutrientrich humus
- Live mulches: Using living plants to suppress weeds and maintain soil moisture
This veganic approach fosters a healthy, biodiverse ecosystem. The farm is dedicated to researching planetary health, and its veganic standards are a core part of this mission. By demonstrating that a vibrant, productive herb farm can thrive without the use of animal products, the SSHM provides a powerful model for a more sustainable future.
Educational Offerings that Cultivate Connection
The school offers a range of educational programs designed to connect students with plants on multiple levels—intellectual, practical, and intuitive. Their curriculum is known for its rigor and its emphasis on a holistic, energetic approach to herbal medicine.
- Distance Learning Course: The one-year correspondence course is a flagship program that allows students from around the world to delve into the principles of herbal medicine, combining ancient wisdom with a contemporary, contemplative science approach.
- Practical Courses and Apprenticeships: For those who wish to get their hands dirty, the school offers immersive short residential courses and an apprenticeship program on the Isle of Arran. These programs provide hands-on experience in identifying, growing, harvesting, and processing herbs.
- Goethean Science Methodology: This approach encourages students to engage with plants through a seven-step process of deep observation, moving beyond mere intellectual understanding to a more intuitive and experiential connection with the plant’s character.
The Scottish School of Herbal Medicine is a beacon for those seeking a holistic and sustainable path in herbalism. By combining a deep commitment to veganic principles with a rich and rigorous educational program, the school is training the next generation of herbalists to be a part of healing not just individual people, but the planet as well.
