The Living Earth Herbal Gathering

Join renowned herbalists Matthew Wood, MS and Lise Wolff, MSc, RH-AHG for an immersive four-day exploration of herbal medicine, our immune system, and the living intelligence of nature. This gathering brings together two complementary approaches to herbal learning: Matthew Wood’s deep exploration of herbal energetics, physiology, shamanism and the greater immune system, alongside Lise’s highly experiential approach to clinical herbalism, pulse testing, tongue observation, and direct relationship with plants

Each day will be from: 10am-4pm 

Please note, the schedule is subject to slight changes based on weather. We will have around a 1.25 hour break for lunch each day plus breaks from indoor classroom curriculum for plant attunement, tongue and pulse evaluation, and a plant walks. 

Class Schedule:

Thursday 

The Immune System and Immune Herbs with Matthew Wood 
Overview and introduction to the immune system. Immunity of the cells (molecular chaperones and antioxidants), Innate (one-size-fits-all), Adaptive (immune memory), and Thermoregulatory (the basis of old time herbalism, treatment of fever). Excess oxidation and low oxidation and the antioxidants. 

Plant Attunement with Lise Wolff 
One of the most common herbs, not understood as one of the greatest of immune herbs. 

Nature Wisdom, Herbs that Convey Wisdom with Matthew Wood 
Nature is alive and Nature is wise. Doctrine of Signatures, law of similarities and opposites, the healing crisis, homeopathy 

Friday 

Immune Constitutions with Matthew Wood 

Reading the Tongue with Lise Wolff 

Nature Wisdom and Herbs with Matthew Wood: Nature and Spirituality, Shamanism, Gnomes and Faeries, Specific Indications 

Saturday 

Immune System and Immune Herbs with Matthew Wood and Lise Wolff 
Focus will be on allergies (different for innate and adaptive) and herbs for successful pregnancy (depends in part on adaptive immune system) 

Learning to Listen Through the Pulse with Lise Wolff 

"Heritage Gift of the Great Female Remedies." Pregnancy & the dozen female remedies learned from the Native midwives 

Sunday 

Generational Transmission of Herbal Knowledge with Matthew and Lise 
In this class Matthew and Lise will talk about their teachers, what they learned from them and from their students - Indigenous Healing Traditions

Plant Walk and Herbal I.D. with Lise Wolff 

Sharing, questions and Answers.
Students lead the discussion. Ask anything you want about: herbal indications, the teachers' experiences, herbs, organs, systems, physiology, holistic evaluation, etc.

This event will take place at Mandala Springs outside Asheville, NC – There are ample hiking trails, a sauna, and a beautiful river running through it so please bring a bathing suit and items to enjoy the land during our break times. We also invite you to bring a chair or something comfortable to sit in the grass, as if the weather allows for it, we will likely be receiving some of the teachings outside. 🌞

Camping is available for an added fee (payment button to come- for now simply save your space for the curriculum)

Below is your registration link to sign up for the curriculum portion of the program. There are unlimited camping spaces available and organic meals will be available on site. You’re also welcome to bring your own lunch.

🎶 SATURDAY NIGHT: SAUNA, RITUAL TEA + LIVE MUSIC

And on Saturday evening, we’re gathering for something extra special.

After our day of herbal teachings, you’re invited to stay for an evening by the river with sauna, ritual tea service, acoustic music with Katrina Lilly of the Freedom Family Band, and a live concert with Sierra Marin at the Creekside Stage.

It will be a sweet opportunity to transition from learning into community, music, fire, water, and celebration together.

Early Bird tickets are just $20, and there are a limited number remaining.

Register for Saturday evening here

Join us October 1-4, 2026

FAQ:

How long will the days be?: We will begin around 10am and finish up around 4 – potentially longer if teachers desire.

What to Bring: Towels for the sauna, swim suit, camping chair

Meals: Organic meals will be available on site for purchase

Dogs & Children: We welcome both children and dogs and ask that folks only bring their dogs if they are well behaved and leashed at all times for the wellness of the container.

Teaching Space: If weather allows, the outdoor teaching space is stunning and is also 1/4 mile hike and quite steep from an accessibility standpoint. We will plan to have class indoors and if we decide to go outside it will be up to the teachers. 

** Note: there are no refunds within one month of the event – refunds end September 1st 2026