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

Classes/ What to Expect:

The Wisdom of Nature, Shamanism, and the Fairies

Entering into Relationship with the Living World

Nature is alive. Nature is intelligent. To dwell within living nature can become a lifelong source of beauty, wisdom, and transformation. Beyond simply observing plants, we can learn to perceive their language—the “tongues of trees, the books in brooks, and the sermons in stones.”

In this exploration, we’ll enter the more intuitive dimensions of herbal medicine, where dreaming, imagination, intuition, and direct relationship with nature become part of the journey. On the shamanic path, we first encounter our animal nature—and then, perhaps, we make an appointment with the faeries. Together we’ll explore the many dimensions of this relationship and the plants that can accompany us along the way, including:

Mullein • St. John’s Wort • Goldenrod • Elder • and many more

🦋🪶🐉

The Greater Immune System:

Beyond Innate & Adaptive Immunity

Conventional medicine generally describes two branches of the immune system: innate and adaptive immunity. But what if the story is much larger?

In this class, we’ll explore two additional dimensions of immunity: the cellular immune system, involving antioxidants and molecular chaperones, and the immunoregulatory system of warm-blooded animals. Together, we’ll explore the greater immune system and the herbal remedies and therapies that support its many dimensions. Of particular interest will be the energetics of the cell and the thermoregulatory system—and their responses to hot and cold, damp and dry, and other qualities that beautifully mirror traditional herbal energetics.

We’ll also explore how modern biomedicine itself recognizes energetic relationships within the immune system, including the shifting dominance of innate and adaptive immune responses.This is an invitation to bridge traditional energetics and modern biology, creating a more expansive understanding of how the body protects, adapts, and heals.

This class invites us to experience plants not merely as substances, but as teachers, allies, companions, and living intelligences—opening a deeper relationship between the human being and the natural world.

Pulse Testing: Learning to Listen Through the Pulse 🪷

Pulse testing is a technique for narrowing down the choice of a remedy—whether herbal, homeopathic, flower essence, or supplement—by observing the effects different remedies have on the pulse.

In this hands-on class, Lise will introduce the basics of pulse testing and then invite us to practice together, testing various remedies and learning to discern the subtle differences in pulse reactions.

It’s a practice that develops through attention, sensitivity, and experience—and one that can open an entirely different way of listening to the body.

“The most impactful, accessible, beautiful way of practicing herbal medicine I’ve ever studied.”

— Mellie Artema, student of Lise Wolff

Reading the Tongue: Seeing Tissue States

The tongue can offer a fascinating window into the body’s tissue states and energetics.

In this interactive session, Lise will introduce the basics of tongue observation and we’ll learn together by looking, comparing, and discussing what we see: hot and cold, wet and dry, tense and flaccid, and other patterns that can help us understand the body’s current state.

Rather than simply hearing about energetics, we’ll have the opportunity to see it and talk about it together.

Plant Walk: Meeting the Plants Where They Live

We’ll also step outside for a plant walk and spend time getting to know the plants growing around us.

Through touching, observing, and—where appropriate—tasting the plants, Lise will demonstrate ways of developing an understanding of their energetics, virtues, and relationships with the human body.

This is herbalism as direct experience: learning to slow down, pay attention, and let the plants themselves become part of the teaching.

🦋🐆🪷

This 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