In-Person, Immersive 7-Day Course
Foundations in Herbal Medicine: Rooted in Vitalism & Medicine Making
February 19-25 2025
Exploring all the most important parts of herbal practice, we focus on the basics and go deep into herbal energetics, constitutional theory, and medicine-making. A little bit of everything, this is an amazing introduction to the rich traditions that make up the world of herbal medicine with a heavy focus on real-time medicine making in the Casa Curativa lab.
Foundations are everything.
Our philosophy is simple: We want to give our students an energetic model for understanding the patterns in nature in within the human body. This way you begin to see nature through the lens of a healer.
WHAT WE COVER
Vitalism -
Alchemy & Spagyrics -
Medicine Making -
Plant ID -
Materia Medica -
Organ Systems -
Herbal Actions -
Foraging -
Vitalism - Alchemy & Spagyrics - Medicine Making - Plant ID - Materia Medica - Organ Systems - Herbal Actions - Foraging -
What You Will Learn
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History and Tradition
• Explore the rich traditional history of using medicinal plants from an anthropological perspective.
• Gain a holistic understanding of the diverse ways plants have been used throughout history.
• Dive deep into the cultural and historical contexts of plant medicine across different societies.
• Conceptualize the complexity and diversity of medicinal plant traditions worldwide.
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Tissue States and Organ Systems
• Study anatomy and physiology to understand how the body functions and responds to illness.
• Learn how tissue states manifest in common disease patterns.
• Discover how to pair herbal remedies with specific tissue states and disease profiles.
• Develop the skills to match herbs with the body's unique healing needs.
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Medicine Making 101
• Learn to prepare dozens of traditional herbal medicines in this hands-on crash course.
• Enjoy fun, interactive lab sessions where you'll apply your skills.
• Create your own herbal medicines, tailored to your learning.
• Take home the medicines you've made yourself, ready to use or share.
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Herbal Actions and Energetics
• Understand how plants express energetic actions and affinities through their taste, appearance, and growing environment.
• Learn the terminology essential for thinking and speaking like an herbalist.
• Develop the ability to interpret plant characteristics to enhance your herbal knowledge.
• Gain a new perspective, allowing you to see the plant world with fresh eyes.
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Plant Spirit Medicine
• Deepen your herbal practice by incorporating a rooted spiritual understanding of herbal medicine.
• Learn how to connect with plants from a place of humility and respect.
• Explore the wisdom and guidance that plants offer through plant spirit medicine.
• Cultivate a deeper, intuitive relationship with plants, enhancing both healing and personal growth.
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Botany and Wildcrafting
• Learn how to properly identify plant families in the wild.
• Discover best practices for harvesting plants sustainably.
• Understand the art of propagating wild plants to ensure future abundance.
• Gain knowledge that contributes to the thriving of plant medicines in the wild.
OUR DAILY FLOW
9-10 Am
Movement & Practice
10:30-1 Pm
Morning Lecture on the Yoga Platform
1 Pm
Lunch at the Lodge
2-5:30 Pm
Afternoon Medicine Making in the Lab
5:30-7
Optional Evening Activity
(Sauna, Fire, Etc)
What is Vitalism?
In this ancient tradition, each plant is a unique expression of life, a repository of wisdom that has been shaped over millennia. To engage with herbs in a vitalistic way is to enter into a relationship—not a transaction, but a communion—with the plant, where healing is not simply a matter of chemistry but of spirit, energy, and intelligence.
Meet Your Teachers
Herbalist, Mother, Teacher, Birth & Postpartum Doula, & Steward of Casa Curativa
Julia Bentley, originally from Tennessee (ancestral territory of the Cherokee people), found her path into herbalism through her own healing journey from eczema and psoriasis. After studying with Sajah Popham, Julia moved to Lake Atitlán, Guatemala, where she founded Casa Curativa, a sanctuary where people from all over the world can connect with the healing power of plants.
A humorous and engaging teacher, Julia blends lightheartedness with deep wisdom, encouraging students to laugh and find humility in their practice. Her lectures on alchemy and the spagyric arts invite exploration into the more mystical aspects of herbal medicine. Julia’s entrepreneurial spirit shines through in her work, as she has cultivated Casa Curativa into not only an educational hub but also a thriving herbal brand, focused on quality, ethics, and community.
Living onsite at Casa Curativa with her son Emmitt, Julia continues to steward the sanctuary, nurturing both the plants and the community that surrounds it. Her teaching inspires students to embrace both the practical and the profound in their herbal practice, empowering them to create their own path in the world of herbalism.
Julia Bentley
Ashley McDonell
Herbalist, Master Natural Builder, Full-Spectrum Doula
Ashley McDonell, a native of Minnesota (ancestral Dakota and Anishinaabe land), has been a dedicated herbalist for over a decade. She studied under Kiva Rose and Matthew Wood, learning to connect deeply with the plants and the land. Ashley is also a master natural builder and full-spectrum doula, blending her knowledge of herbalism with a holistic approach to life and healing.
Known for her engaging teaching style and thought-provoking "soapbox rants," Ashley’s classes challenge students to think critically and connect deeply with the plants, the earth, and themselves. She invites students to see herbalism as more than just a practice—it’s a way of being in relationship with the natural world.
Ashley’s approach to healing is grounded in the belief that plants hold wisdom that extends beyond their chemical properties, and her teaching inspires students to explore both the science and spirit of herbalism.
Lindsay Chestnut
Herbalist, Apothecary Manager, and Astrological Guide
Lindsay Chestnut hails from Michigan, land traditionally stewarded by the Anishinaabe peoples, where her journey into herbalism began. Lindsay moved to the Tzununa valley of Lake Atitlán in 2020, finding both community and purpose during a time of global uncertainty. While studying with Sajah Popham, she quickly recognized the need for help at Casa Curativa and stepped in, bringing her sharp organizational skills and a deep passion for herbalism. Lindsay’s entrepreneurial spirit and talent for creating systems have been vital in transforming Casa Curativa into a flourishing herbal brand.
Her commitment to quality control and ethical practices ensures that the apothecary’s medicines remain potent and reliable. Lindsay has also played an integral role in shaping the apothecary’s production process, learning firsthand alongside Julia Bentley to create standardized, effective herbal remedies.
With a passion for astrology, Lindsay integrates planetary wisdom into her herbal teachings, helping students make connections between plants and cosmic cycles. Her love for permaculture and landscape design also informs her work, finding peace in the daily harvests that fuel the apothecary. Lindsay’s teaching style is animated and engaging, blending humor and structure to help students grasp both the science and the artistry of herbalism.
What our students are saying…
Wanna talk to a human?
We love discovery calls with future students, so click the link below to schedule a time to speak to one of our facilitators.
FAQs
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During this immersive retreat, you will gain foundational herbalism skills, including:
Medicine-Making: Prepare tinctures, salves, and herbal teas.
Plant Identification: Learn to identify and sustainably harvest medicinal plants.
Herbal Energetics: Understand the healing properties of herbs and how to use them for specific ailments.
Hands-On Experience: Learn to create herbal medicines that you can easily integrate into your daily life.
Personalized Attention: With small course sizes, you'll receive tailored guidance from our experienced instructors.
Immersive Setting: Enjoy learning in the natural beauty of Guatemala, where the environment enhances your experience.
Build Connections: Form meaningful relationships with a supportive global community of herbal enthusiasts.
Practical Skills for Life: Gain confidence in using herbalism to support both personal and community well-being.
These skills will empower you to create natural remedies for yourself and your community, building confidence in your ability to integrate herbalism into everyday life.
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If you’re unable to join us in December, don't worry! We offer a full season of in-person retreats and courses at Casa Curativa.
Foundations in Herbalism:Secure your spot now, join us in Guatemala, and build your herbalism foundations.
If you are interested in other In-Person Herbalism Courses at Casa Curativa: Explore our other courses, here. -
This training is an intimate in-person container happening on beautiful Lake Atitlan, Guatemala at Casa Curativa in the tiny Lake town of Tzununa.
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You will be flying into Guatemala City’s Aurora Airport. From the airport, the Lake is a 3.5 hour drive depending on traffic. Recommended to arrive late in the day, and perhaps even plan to spend a night in nearby. Antigua, before coming to the Lake to break up the trip a little bit.
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We have private car we can arrange for you for $100 USD, or you can take a public shuttle from the airport/anywhere in Guate City or Antigua. We will send you all the info you need for the public shuttle, its a simple message. sent through WhatsApp and they will come pick you up at your location.
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Lake Atitlan, Guatemala is similar in altitude to Boulder, CO yet enjoys a temperate tropical climate year round. Temperatures rarely exceed 85 F/25 C. This is basically the land of eternal spring.
Bring long pants and socks (there are tiny biting bugs), and long sleeve shirts and a sweater for the evening. It can get a little chilly in the evenings.
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If you're interested in exploring additional in-person herbalism courses at Casa Curativa, we offer a variety of transformative experiences. Discover other immersive retreats and workshops that align with your interests and goals.
If you are interested in other In-Person Herbalism Courses at Casa Curativa: Explore our other courses, here.
Ready to Book your Course
and Accommodations
at Casa Curativa? Space is Limited!
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Shared Accommodation
The Lodge House
Course: $850 | Lodging: $300 (6 Nights)
TOTAL: $1,150
The Lodge is our newest and most luxurious set-up. Its a two bedroom house with twin beds inn each room, a desk, and private balconies. The large kitchen and living room downstairs make it a perfect place to gather groups as well, so we always host our lunches and indoor classes downstairs.
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Private Studio
The Honeycomb Cabin
Course: $850 | Lodging: $450 (6 Nights)
TOTAL: $1,300
This 12 sided rounded cabin is a lovely respite full of cozy vibes and its totally private. Queen sized bed, and a small kitchenette allow for you to cook your own simple meals. Our friendly cat, Mapacho, also loves to visit and snuggle whomever is staying here.
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Private Studio
The Riverside Cottage
Course: $850 | Lodging: $450 (6 Nights)
TOTAL: $1,300
This little cabin sits right next to the River, and you can hear the white noise all the time. It features a kinng sized bed inside, a small outdoor kitchen and living space, and a rustic yet stylish appeal.
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Private Home
The Zome Home
Course: $850 | Lodging: $600 (6 Nights)
TOTAL: $1,450
This lofty geometric home is one of our most popular rentals. Its quite a unique place to stay. There is a king sized bed upstairs, a large kitchen and living room, and a private bathroom. The front porch is super comfortable and full of Lake Views.
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Staying Offsite?
Find yourself an airbnb and commute to the site
Course: $850 (Includes daily lunch)
If for whatever reason you need to find another place to stay, its all good! There are plenty of places in the town of Tzununa where Casa Curativa is located that you can book for yourself. We recommend staying here in Tzununa or in the nearby town of San Marcos. Please be aware if you stay in San Marcos that you will need to factor in extra time for your morning commute as the drive is about 15 min.
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Garden Tent
Book a private tent and wake up in the garden
Course :$850 | Lodging $240
TOTAL: $1090
Camping onsite in one of our private tents is our most economic option for students. Each tent comes equipped with a thick foam mattress, warm bedding, and pillows. The bathhouse is nearby, with hot showers and flush toilets. Wake up among the herbs and the bird songs in your very own tent.
Staying offsite?
$850.00
Course Price only
Pays for your course and a daily lunch.
If you want to stay onsite with Casa Curativa, accommodations are booked with the links above, this price point is the course only.
