What Is Herbal Tourism?
- victoria ward
- Sep 30
- 4 min read
As the 'Nomadic Herbalist' name suggests, I love to travel. Herbalism has driven my desire to explore several countries where herbal medicine is a highly visible and important cultural detail, integral to daily living for millions of people worldwide.
Often I find in my own country that many people do not understand herbal medicine, I have on many occasion had to explain what it is as it has become quite marginalised with low visibility in our society. In contrast, when I have visited several other countries explanations only serve to educate tourists. In many cultures, herbal medicine comes as second nature, connections to the practice are shared and preserved through the generations, and medicinal plants are highly valued.
One of the main aims of this website is to inspire others to incorporate herbal tourism into their journeys. By celebrating herbal medicine we are supporting those that are striving to preserve ancient cultural traditions and helping bring income to often impoverished rural areas. Herbal tourism is sustainable and helps reduce development valuing green space where both plants and businesses can flourish.
Types of 'Alternative' Tourism
Alternative tourism is considered as an alternative to 'mass' tourism in that it is more consistent with the natural, social and community values of both hosts and visitors. It is considered to preserve and resist cultural and historical change and respect the natural environment.
Eco-tourism
Eco-tourism is broadly defined as travel to support conservation efforts, here is a definition from 'The International Ecotourism Society'
"responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment'
What Is Herbal Ecotourism?
Combining the principles of ecotourism with exploration of medicinal plants and traditional herbal knowledge, herbal ecotourism has the following benefits-
Immersive experiences
Sustainability
Economic benefits
Examples of herbal ecotourism include-
Herb gardens and farms
Workshops
Retreats
Guided herb walks
Community-based tourism
What Is Cultural-tourism?
This is appealing to those who want to travel to explore and experience cultural heritage, arts and traditions. The benefits include-
Personal enrichment
Economic benefits
Cultural preservation
Cross-cultural understanding
What is Agritourism?
Agritourism describes a form of travel that involves visiting a farm or ranch to immerse yourself in the work and lifestyle there. This form of tourism supports rural economies and development, often minimising environmental footprints.
Traditionally, many agricultural workers in developing countries are female, out of this many female-led co-operatives have developed in countries including Morocco. Agritourism can help promote and support women's independence, argan oil co-operatives are great examples of this in practice- here the Berber women own and run these labour-intensive enterprises.
Examples of herbal agritourism include herb farms where herbs are produced, oil producers like the Argan co-operatives and spice plantations in India.
Exploring Herbal Heritage Worldwide
All countries and cultures worldwide have a commonality of herbal heritage, the language of plants is universal as people's relationship with plants is central to our very existence.
Cross-cultural understanding of this aspect of life can be a unifying point on which bonds can be built.
Ethnobotany is the study of how man and plants have existed together throughout time and is a combination of natural and social sciences. Please check my recommended resources to learn more about this fascinating subject.
Ethnobotany Websites
Ethnobotany Books
What Are The Best Destinations For Herbal Tourism?
As every country and culture has deep herbal roots, herbalism could be explored anywhere. What I have discovered is that the prominence and accessibility of herbs in some countries is a real highlight of travelling for the herbal enthusiast, there is always so much to uncover and these experiences are truly enriching.
Part of my herbal training was conducted in Kerala, India at an Ayurvedic retreat, this left a deep impression and I have since advanced my studies in ayurvedic therapies. I have so much affection for India and her deep connection with medicinal plants.
Sri Lanka has much to offer the herbal enthusiast, Ayurvedic medicine is hugely prominent from everyday household use to high-end luxurious retreats.Their fabulous, tropical climate enables them to grow and export many herbs and spices, as you'd expect, agritourism is a feature with many plantations and gardens.
My heart has recently been won over by Morocco, this mesmerising North African country is a sensual delight for those who love to bask in herbal exoticism, awash with colourful spices, sublime fragrances and cartloads of fresh mint.
My next herbal exploration journey takes me to Tunisia, another North African country that I haven't visited for thirty years. Here's looking ahead to my trip and I am currently researching potential herbal highlights of Tunisia including the famous, ancient Souq El Blat and am intrigued to learn more about Thalassotherapy which is widely available.
Do follow me and share in my latest herbal discoveries as I build my Herbal Travel Directory.
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