'herbalist' originates from English, specifically formed from the adjective 'herbal' + the agentive suffix '-ist', where 'herbal' is ultimately based on the word 'herb' (from Latin 'herba').

'herb' came from Latin 'herba' into Old French 'herbe' and Middle English 'herbe'; English formed 'herbal' (adjective) and later added the suffix '-ist' to create 'herbalist' meaning 'one who deals with or uses herbs'.

Initially it could refer broadly to someone dealing in or using herbs (grower, seller, or user); over time it has come to be used especially for practitioners of herbal medicine (people who prepare and prescribe herbal remedies).