This study explores herbal medicinal knowledge of the people of the Shinasha, in north western part of Ethiopia. It is aimed at elaborating a general systemic overview of the medical tradition of the Shinasha. Resting on qualitative research approach, the study utilized primary and secondary data collection methods. Informal conversation with the residents, in- depth interviewing of herbalists, focus group discussion with herbalists and ordinary members of the community and systematic observation were the methods where firsthand field data were gathered. Secondary data were collected through critical review of related literature from books and electronic sources and from statistical documents. Primary and secondary data were organized and analyzed thematically, triangulating the data collected through the different techniques to increase the validity and reliability of the findings. The study found that for the Shinasha, herbal medicine is the ultimate medical knowledge and practice, where it is considered as the very gift of God for them. The study reveals that herbal medicinal knowledge is preserved and transferred from the senior/experienced herbalist to the junior/ prospected one orally. In the study area, official herbal medical practice is generally a male profession. The selection of the person who heirs medical knowledge is based on critical evaluation of the personality of an individual, which is usually from father to a favorite son. Medical knowledge acquisition is through longer period of apprenticeship and practice; and, it is finally officially transferred to the prospected person accompanied by a blessing ritual ceremony. The scope of the Shinasha herbal medicine is broad, which also includes wide range of herbal- magical arenas. Medicine for the Shinasha is holistic and exists almost in all aspects of the community. The Shinasha herbalists possess herbal medicinal knowledge for illnesses of natural, supernatural and personal etiology and for a wide range of herbal magical purposes. Generally, for the Shinasha, herbal medicine is wholesome, visibly manifesting in their individual, familial and social lives