Colleen
Hi, I’m Colleen, founder of Herb Nerd, herbal product formulator, educator, and lifelong nature-loving geek.
I’ve been obsessed with plants for as long as I can remember. I grew up wandering national parks with my family, learning to see landscapes not just as scenery, but as communities of living, breathing green things. That early curiosity eventually guided me into herbalism, though I didn’t realize it at the time. In my early twenties I wandered into Moonrise Herbs in Arcata, and that single moment set the course for a 15+ year journey as a herbal educator, product formulator, researcher, and self proclaimed Herb Nerd!
Today, Herb Nerd serves as my dedicated virtual classroom. My goal is to give beginner and intermediate learners the exact blueprint they need to advance their skills. We go far beyond basic recipes—from teaching you the math and ratios required to make incredibly potent herbal remedies, to giving you the skills to become a confident, master formulator ready to launch a values-led product line.
Meet
Her students know her for making herbalism accessible, fun, and crystal clear, blending her BFA in theatre with her Virgo moon sensibilities to keep classes engaging and practical. Whether you’re curious about making your own face cream or building a home apothecary, she’s here to help you nerd out on nature!
Herbal skincare was her gateway into this work. In 2013, she launched Poppy Botanicals, a cult-favorite brand and creative incubator for plant-based beauty before “green beauty” became mainstream. She’s also worked behind the scenes as a copywriter, formulator, education strategist, and DSHEA compliance/claims substantiation expert for national brands like Traditional Medicinals, The Synergy Company, Urban Moonshine, Dr. Morse’s, and Herbal Academy.
Colleen is a Certified Herbalist, natural product formulator, and educator with 15+ years of experience in the wellness space. She’s taught hundreds of students how to make herbal remedies from scratch, combining traditional wisdom with scientific insight. At herbnerd.com, her deep love of solubility, extraction, formulation and phytochemistry culminate in niche courses that deepen her students’ understanding of why and how plants heal.
Colleen's Story
Colleen Bingham is a lifelong nature-loving nerd and the founder of Herb Nerd. She started her herbal journey in 2010 thanks to the writings of Rosemary Gladstar and an introductory herbal program with Jane Bothwell at the Dandelion Herbal Center, later deepening her knowledge at the California School of Herbal Studies, where she became core faculty and taught for a decade.
"I know that with the training and explanations provided by Colleen I can reach my goals."
Herb Nerd Delivers
"We have been thoroughly impressed by your knowledge and expertise in the field of chemistry, and your ability to simplify complex concepts has been invaluable to us."
Frequently Asked Questions
You’ll walk away with practical, real-world skills—whether that’s creating your own herbal remedies, formulating skincare products, or understanding the “why” behind what you’re making.
Q. What will I actually be able to do after taking a course?
Most courses are self-paced so you can learn on your own time. Some programs may include live elements or be recorded and turned into evergreen content.
Q. Are the courses self-paced or live?
Not at all. Many of our courses are designed for beginners, while others go deeper for more advanced learners. You can start wherever you are and grow from there.
Q. Do I need experience to take these courses?
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Q. What kind of files do you deliver?
Curious about Herb Nerd but not ready to jump into a paid course yet? Start with one of these free resources and get a feel for the teaching style, approach, and product pathways.
Start Here for Free
Beginner Soap Making
An immersive soap-making experience that will transform you into a skilled soap maker
From foundational to scientific medicine making for the beginner and intermediate Herbalist
Intermediate: Formula Building Blocks
Demystify cosmetic chemistry & become a master formulator
Herbal Remedies Masterclass
Beginner: Botanical Lotion & Creams
Featured Courses
Hone your Herb Nerd skills anytime, from wherever you plant yourself.
Go from beginner to intermediate
lotion maker in one course
Let’s Build Something Thoughtful
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