Herbal Medics Academy and Clinic - Taos, New Mexico

Lauren Bontrager

I have been taking classes through The Human Path/Herbal Medics Academy since 2018 and can honestly say, there is no comparison to the quality and competency in this entire school. These people really are the Special Forces team of herbal medicine training instructors. They cover such a wide range of medical and austere skills you would desperately want to have were higher care not available; or like many of us, if you want a more plant-medicine approach to integrate with western care for your own family.

Sam and Suchil and Staff are very attentive to all the small details of running a school with so many offerings. Their classes are LOADED with practical, real-world knowledge and skill development. If you’re just looking for theoretical, book-learning, this isn’t the place—all of their courses are designed with you being able to competently put your knowledge into immediate action. What good is a first aid kit if you don’t know how to use it?

They have such a high standard of excellence, quite literally, in everything they do: from the kind email that reminds you of an approaching deadline to sign up for a class during the “early bird tuition rate” period or sales bundle--- to the beautifully hand-wrapped package of supplies they mail out for a class where you’re making something together--- to having face-to-face Q&A calls with your instructors where you can ask any question about the material or real-life experiences you’re trying to learn from currently--- they have learned how to do both in-person and online learning very well and are masters at facilitating that learning.

Sam and Suchil and every instructor I have learned under through this team, not only blow your mind at their level of knowledge and real-world experience/skill, but every one of them has a heart that is for you as a student—they really want you to understand it inside-and-out, to become competent and confident in your knowledge and skills, and to truly carry the mantle forward where you live and in the lives you touch.

As for the herbal medicine clinic and consultations, with Sam’s guidance, my Mom was able to overcome a severe oral infection without the use of antibiotics (of which she is deathly allergic) by using plant medicine and my Dad overcame a debilitating period of gout in his hands with plant medicine. Our farm-hand cut his leg with a power saw, and thanks to the classes I’ve had with The Human Path/Herbal Medics Academy, I was able to respond quickly and competently. Our entire family has used the knowledge and plant medicines to stave off illnesses by supporting our immune system to do what it was created to do, and have shortened illness and quickened recovery with the knowledge I have gained from these classes. The relationships I hold most dear in my life have been preserved and their lives improved because of Sam and Suchil’s work through The Human Path/Herbal Medics Academy. How do you write a review for the impact of THAT on your own family and friends? The work they are doing and the school they are running, truly has changed my life for eternity.

Betsy Toombs

I love the Herbal Medics Academy and their ability to help others in their path to learn about the power held within the bounties of the earth. From survival and outdoor skills, austere medicine, to making powerful herbal remedies and learning the best route of getting the herbs to the area of concern, The Herbal Medics Academy is unparalleled in what and how it teaches. The school offers many courses and has very knowledgeable, trained instructors.

Sam and Suchil Coffman really care that you are taught every aspect of herbal medicine in a manner that not only teaches the what of herbal studies and the best way to extract the herbal constituents from plants, but also to the how of the body's physiology and the best route of delivery to aid the affected tissue. Every class (and there are many) taught by the Academy are well worth your effort and time.

Susan Breton

The Human Path/Herbal Medics Academy is THE place to study if you are interested in 1) helping yourself 2) helping others 3) Learning from the absolute best instructors who KNOW and LIVE what they teach. With a wide variety of subjects and several paths to take, anyone who is interested can find interests at this school. I have only taken online, but know there are some hands-on courses offered! I highly recommend Sam and Suchil and their instructors, the staff, and any of the courses. You will change your life here.

john gentry

I have been a student of HMA/The Human Path school for 8 years when I took the then (and still only to my knowledge) herbal based wilderness first responder course. and can confidently say these guys are awesome! In the years since I have taken and continue to take a smorgasbord of classes and programs with Sam,Suchil and the rest of the team. There is a high degree of intentionality and integrity in the VAST curriculum offered at this school. If your interested in learning practical herbalism related to everything from post disaster, to female and pediatric herbalism, to a thorough breakdown of each body system with herbal medicine focus, to solid wilderness medicine with an herbal twist, and really so much more, then this school is for you. Also if your interested in American Herbalism Guild certification the outline of the clinical program offered at HMA is streamlined to get you there.

I've always valued the integrity and vision of the instructors Sam and Suchil Coffman. I have taken Alot of classes all throughout the country in herbalism and survival and have seen sellouts, cons and folks of dubious motives who seek to commodify self reliance skills, this is not the case at all with this school! They truly do want to further humanity down a path of integrative health and sufficiency and it shows through in the content of each class offered as well as HOW it is offered. They have always been prompt in assisting me as a student whenever I have questions and take the role of mentoring seriously. Can't recommend them enough!

Cyndi Hughs

I have taken several courses from Sam and Suchil, including their very unique Wilderness First Aid Course. They are amazing instructors. Very knowledgeable and very patient, but, more importantly, able to inspire the passion they feel to their students. I always come away on fire!
I also have had the opportunity to use some of their products. I consider Sam and Suchil the finest herbal medicine makers out there. I have great results with their products.
I'm a nurse practitioner and have studied with various herbalists over the last 30 years, but this last week I came up with an issue I just didn't have the confidence to manage without turning to allopathic medicine, which I did not want to do. I reached out to the clinical herbalist in whom I have the most confidence. I was very lucky to get a telemed appointment. Sam did not disappoint.
Sam did a very focused but thorough intake. He quickly focused on the primary problem through my rambling. Even keeping the presenting problem on the front burner, he took a holistic approach. I felt very confident he had ferreted out what was going on and was very pleased with the final care plan.
Sam does an excellent job of seeing the pathophysiology and applying both TCM and/or Western Herbalism to come up with a plan that is very thorough and complete.
In my appointment, I experienced Sam as kind and patient as well as a brilliant herbalist. He let me know he would walk with me through this issue. These characteristics reinforced my confidence.
Whether you want to take a class or an entire course, purchase very fine medicine, or consult with an amazing herbalist, you can't beat Sam, Suchil and Herbal Medics.

Teresa Miracle

Sam and Suchil are wonderful teachers and hosts! I had the pleasure of attending an onsite botany class and had an amazing experience. The wealth of plant life and natural beauty was only exceeded by the expertise of the Human Path faculty. I am incredibly thankful to have found this school and the people in it.