In-Person, Immersive 5-Day Course
Wise Womb Way: Herbalism for
every era of a woman’s life
December 17-21 2024
Herbalism for every era in a woman’s life
Celebrate the cyclical nature of the female form in our immersive course that explores the depths of the feminine archetype. Discover how to navigate your monthly cycles with enhanced body awareness and herbal knowledge, empowering you to support yourself and your fellow women during their times of need. It's time to come together, gather your sisters, and dance in the richness of herbal abundance. Join us for this transformative journey and unlock the well of wisdom that is womanhood.
WHAT WE COVER
Women’s body literacy | Cycle Health | Fertility Awareness | Organ Systems | Herbal Actions & Energetics | Materia Medica | Maiden | Mother | Crone
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
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• Explore the feminine character arc of Maiden, Mother, and Crone: Use these archetypes as a lens to study herbalism in women's health.
• Daily themes focused on each archetype: Immerse in the unique lessons and wisdom of each phase.
• Cultivate body literacy for every stage: Learn herbal remedies that support the distinct needs of each phase.
• Recover lost parts of ourselves: Reclaim your identity and prepare to celebrate the eras to come.
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• 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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• 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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• Understand Diet Culture's Impact: Explore how societal norms contribute to women’s disconnection from their body’s power.
• Learn Nutritional Needs by Life Phase: Study the unique dietary requirements during birth, postpartum, and menopause.
• Discover Nourishing Foods: Identify key foods and herbs that support hormonal balance.
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• 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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• Explore the Power of Ceremony: Understand how rituals can honor life's transitions and connect us to our deeper selves.
• Learn Traditional Songs: Discover songs that celebrate the Maiden, Mother, and Crone, and their significance in women’s health.
• Create Personal Rituals: Design meaningful ceremonies to mark important life phases and milestones.
Meet Your Teachers
Julia Bentley
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.
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.
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 Pm
Optional Evening Activity
(Sauna, Fire, Etc)
What our students are saying…
WANT TO 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.
JOIN US IN DECEMBER
OFF-SITE ACCOMMODATION
$850
limited availability
Full course
Daily lunch
Yoga, sauna & cold plunge
Accommodation not included*
TENT ACCOMMODATION
$1090
4 spots available
Full course
Daily lunch
Yoga, sauna & cold plunge
Private tent with thick foam mattress & bedding
SHARED ACCOMMODATION
$1150
6 spots available
Full course
Daily lunch
Yoga, sauna & cold plunge
Shared accommodation in dorm
PRIVATE ACCOMMODATION
$1350
3 homes available
Full course
Daily lunch
Yoga, sauna & cold plunge
Private home in either the Zome, Riverside or Honeycomb
(First come first serve)
FAQs
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Women’s Herbalism Retreat: Foundational Skills for Empowerment
During this immersive retreat, you will cultivate essential herbalism skills, including:
Medicine-Making: Prepare tinctures, salves, and herbal teas to support your health.
Plant Identification: Learn to identify and sustainably harvest medicinal plants in their natural environment.
Herbal Energetics: Understand the healing properties of herbs and how to effectively use them for specific ailments.
Hands-On Experience: Create herbal medicines that seamlessly integrate into your daily life.
Personalized Attention: Benefit from small course sizes, ensuring tailored guidance from our experienced instructors.
Immersive Setting: Enjoy the natural beauty of Guatemala, where the vibrant environment enhances your learning experience.
Build Connections: Form meaningful relationships with a supportive global community of herbal enthusiasts.
Practical Skills for Life: Gain confidence in using herbalism to nurture your well-being and support your community.
These skills will empower you to craft natural remedies for yourself and others, fostering a deeper connection to herbalism and enhancing your everyday life.
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If you’re unable to join us in December, don't worry! We offer this course again
January 14- 18 2025 -
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.
Book your course & accommodations at
Casa Curativa
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Private Home
The Zome Home
Course: $650 | Lodging: $400 (4 Nights)
TOTAL: $1,150
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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Private Studio
The Honeycomb Cabin
Course: $650 | Lodging: $300 (4 Nights)
TOTAL: $950
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: $650 | Lodging: $300 (4 Nights)
TOTAL: $950
This little cabin sits right next to the River, and you can hear the white noise all the time. It features a king sized bed inside, a small outdoor kitchen and living space, and a rustic yet stylish appeal.
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Shared Accommodation
The Lodge House
Course: $650 | Lodging: $200 (4 Nights)
TOTAL: $850
The Lodge is our newest and most luxurious set-up. Its a two bedroom house with twin beds in 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.
Staying offsite?
$650.00
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 below, this price point is the course only.
