Natural Medicine, Botanical & Environmental Health Programs
First, who have Green Wisdom students been in the past 3 decades? What do they have to share with you?
Students come from many different life and career pathways. They have been nurses, physicians, pharmacists, physical therapists, chiropractors, pharmacists, massage therapists, midwives, doulas, acupuncturists, organic gardeners, farmers, parents, personal coaches, physical trainers, therapists, teachers and business people. Not to mention naturalists, environmentalists, community organizers and activists! Some of our most dedicated students engage in our natural medicine programs for their own individual and family's health and wellness.
Consider joining the powerful tribal circle of earth healers and community herbalists!
"My heart was in herbalism--without the knowledge! Taking classes with Gigi Stafne, Master Herbalist, gave me the substance and information needed in using herbs in the practice of herbalism. Identification and usage are extremely important. I finished the course with the knowledge of both. The classes were deliberate, intense, knowledgeable, fun and filled with information. Recommend it to anyone who is serious in staying the course, it is not for the weak-hearted. You must be motivated."
~Kathleen Miller, 5 Mile Herb of Chetek, Wisconsin
"Thank you for the Materia Medica...that was one of the best take aways from the class for me. I work so well by example, and I had not had as good an example for how to compile (herbal) information until taking your class...my scientific mind always wants the empirical aspects of the work--the research, the data, the results others have experienced. I like this way of collecting information and personalizing it for my own use!"
"The Master's in Herbalism Program with Gigi Stafne was inspirational, uplifting, thought provoking and extremely informative. This program changed my life for the better. After attending Gigi's classes I would feel extremely good about myself. I highly recommend this program."
~Betsy Wacker, MH, PA-C in the Chippewa Valley, Wisconsin
What Green Wisdom students and graduates have to say...
"Gigi brings all the elements together in her courses. I gained an understanding of botanicals, explored traditional rituals & celebrations, and picked up the tools to continue on my path of discovery, sharing botanical wisdom."
~Rachael Stanze, Duluth, Minnesota, now Alaska, USA
"The most valuable thing I learned in Clinical Herbalism class series was to just go outside and begin working with plants. The plant walk was very valuable to me when you had us "read" the land and try to determine what the plants were "doing" in that space. I remember you asking us for our interpretation about their potential medicinal qualities... Thank you for playing an important role in my plant medicine journey...so many things tie together from that class to my journey now."
~Kerri Kiernan, Herb Pharm, Williams, Oregon--now River Prairie Herbs, Eau Claire, Wisconsin
"Here is what I discovered during the Materia Medica unit of our Master Herbalism Program: A great deal more confidence, getting to know the herbs in a different more objective way gives a lot more confidence to me because I like to know how things work. I discovered that I am really interested in the energy of herbs. I have taken classes on herbal energetics and was kind of ho-hum about it all until I dove deeper into the background and the system of TCM. I like systems and seeing patterns. I discovered how amazing and powerful herbs and herbal medicine is on SO many levels. Levels that just employing my intuition wouldn't reach. I learned my intuition about some herbs was right on the money and why. I feel so much more ready for clinical work. So much more confident."
~Donna Bass, MH, Owner-Operator, Mama Moon Herbals, Iowa
Our Instructors, Guest Lecturers and Internship Supervisors include inspiring teachers, assistants and interns whom are herbalists, healers, nurses, organic growers, alternative energy & sustainability specialists, wilderness medicine experts and outdoor educators. With new guest speakers each year.
Next, Our Certificate Level Programs...
Beginner Herbalism Level One
Students enjoy studying all aspects of Herbalism in several convenient formats, a weekend intensive course or online course that may be completed within 6 months. Courses are taught by Gigi Stafne, Master's of Herbalism and Naturopath, who has 3 decades of full time clinical and teaching experience. The weekend intensives are held in various locations at schools and centers around North America. To learn more about BOTANICA, the equivalent online course visit:
Beginner Herbalism Apprentice or BOTANIC is a prerequisite course for both Intermediate Herbalism Summer School Field Study Program (aka SUMMER HERB CAMP) and the advanced Clinical Botanical Medicine Program-Master Herbalism Program which are all listed below.
LEVEL ONE: Beginner Herbalism Apprentice Course
Introduction to Natural & Botanical Medicine Naturopathic Principles Philosophies, Foundations & History of Herbalism Western Herbalism, Melting Pot Medicine Art & Science of Herbalism Cross Cultural & Indigenous Medicine Topics Herbs for the Life Cycle, Pregnancy to Wisdom Years Top Herbs in North America Herbs for Contemporary Issues: Stress, Anxiety, Depression, Trauma Herbs for Environmental Health, Chronic Pain, Cancer CAM Professional Practice Ethics, Legal Issues Seminar Hands-on Green Medicine Making component that everyone loves ...with teas, botanical tincture making, herbal oils, flower essences
Students prepare sundry natural~botanical products to take home to use and enjoy
Intimate course sizes, generally 7-15
Tuition: Generally $225-$300+ depending upon hours and host site tuition. (periodic discounts & early birdspecials). Questions please reach our school: [email protected]
As mentioned above, Gigi teaches this course in numerous locations in North America. If you would like to host this course, invite, and register a minimum of 7+ others. As the host organizer, you participate free of charge. Inquire directly: [email protected]
Locate Beginner Herbalism Apprentice Certificate Course Near You... Or host a class!
March 15-16, 2024 (9:30am-4:30pm, Friday-Saturday) Hosted by the Hennepin County Technical College (MN),Photosynthesizers! For more info contact: [email protected] or Tiffany-Jo: [email protected]
Clinical Herbalism Course Dates: Thursday-Friday, April 4-5, 2024 Green Wisdom's Chippewa Valley Satellite Clinic/Classroom, Eau Claire, WI. This particular certificate course is designed for health care, mental health, allied health workers, and CAM-Complementary Alternative Medicine providers. However, if you've been trying to get into the other classes this one may work for you. Registration, questions, please reach Gigi directly: [email protected] Tuition: $195 (+Materials fee: $25)
April 19-21, 2024, North House Folk School, Grand Marais, MN, North Shore of Lake Superior. Register directly via NHFS: [email protected] www.northhouse.org Tuition: Visit North House Folk School site.
May 3-5, 2024 (full days), North House Folk School, Grand Marais, MN, North Shore of Lake Superior. Register directly via NHFS: [email protected] www.northhouse.org Tuition: visit North House website.
Weekend of May 31-June 2, 2024 at Anchored Roots Minnesota, 18 Division Street, Buffalo, MN 55313. Friday's class is optional, but fun! "Take a Walk on the Wild Side!" May 31st, 3-5:30/6pm. Beginner Herbalism Apprentice Intensive Weekend Course is June 1-2, 2024 9:30am-3:30pm. Questions and registration reach: Amy Saylor at [email protected]
July 26-28, 2024 Golden Light Healing Center, near Green Bay, WI/Lake Michigan region. Register directly via Golden Light with Amy: [email protected] Tuition and optional lodging visit: www.goldenlighthealing.net Special Note: Friday 6-8:30pm, July 22nd is an optional guided herb identification walk with instructor Gigi Stafne, "Take a Walk on the Wild Side!" Saturday-Sunday is the main course--9am-3pm Central both days.
August 24-25, 2024 (full days), Duluth Folk School, Duluth, MN, Lake Superior region. Register directly through Duluth Folk School for this certificate course: www.duluthfolkschool.com Office: 218-216-6929 or [email protected]
September 27-29, 2024 (full days), North House Folk School, Grand Marais, MN, North Shore of Lake Superior. Register directly via NHFS: [email protected] www.northhouse.org Tuition: visit North House website.
October 26-27, 2024 Green Wisdom's Chippewa Valley Satellite Classroom, Eau Claire, WI. Open to students, patients, and the public. 9:30-3:30 daily. Tuition $195 (+materials fee: $25) Register via: [email protected]
Other 2024 Teaching Locations Dates/Times TBA as they are confirmed in North America
Consider visiting this website page periodically. Various schools and organizations invite Gigi to teach regularly. These are added as the host sites plan details. We encourage you to register early for the Beginner Herbalism Apprentice weekends, as they fil fast and usually have waiting lists. Thank you.
None of the above options work for you? Consider BOTANICA! Our online equivalent eCourse with instructor, Gigi Stafne. Email instructor Gigi Stafne, MH, ND directly first for any individual academic questions or help: [email protected]
Check this list and Special Course Offerings Page frequently as new sessions are added. Or consider hosting a course in your region! Questions? Email us: [email protected]
BOTANICAL MEDICINE LEVEL TWO
Intermediate Herbalism Summer School Field Study Program June 17-23, 2024 aka SUMMER HERB CAMP! One opening left and then waiting list!
Experience nature immersion and passionate plant studies! Dive into this nationally popular program offered during one full week each summer in the Upper Midwest United States--meanderings from Lake Superior to the Upper Mississippi River.
Do you have a passion for the plants? This intermediate level certificate course has been taught for 3 decades years, evolving each year as new environmental and sustainability issues arise. Pack your medicine bags! Trek to exciting field sites for hands-on learning in herbal, environmental and sustainability issues.
Save these dates for next year! June 17-23, 2024
Hike, paddle, plant...engage in wild nature studies from the boreal forest to wetlands, even from the vantage point of kayaks and canoes in the Glacial Rivers & Lakes region of Wisconsin.
Green Wisdom's summer program is much more than an herbalism class. Our past students at it is a hybrid of herb school, summer camp, a vacation and more, dubbing it SUMMER HERB CAMP. Definitely an exciting adventure! Explore native, medicinal and cultural plants, attune to your authentic wild self and our precious natural environment. This class is an essential experience for continuing herbalism apprentice students, too.
~Intermediate Summer Program & Beginner Herbal Apprenticeship are prerequisites for our Green Wisdom School of Natural and Botanical Medicine Advanced Clinical Herbalism Program~
Summer Experiences Include...
Overview and field trips to ecosystems in the Upper Midwest and Lake Superior
Earth ethics and ecological herbalism principles and practices
Climate change and emerging eco-herbalism topics
Biodynamic Principles and Permaculture for Herbalists
Herbalist's Botany Basics, Sketching and in Field
Plant pharmacology, herbal actions
The original "Plants & Paddling Kayak Eco Tours" in North America
Wild Medicine First Aid with Plants; Homeopathic Summer First Aid
Emergency Earth Shelter, Plant Materials
13 Daily herb, tree, shrub, fungi and lichen identification...70-100 in total this week!
Wild edibles, food foraging
Wild crafting and hands-on medicine making
Flower essences, flowers for foods and medicines
Endangered, At-Risk, To-Watch Herbs
Alternatives to 'invasive plants'
Bio and Phyto-remediation with herbs and fungi
Dermally toxic plants
Lyme Disease and insect unit
Plant Spirit Medicine and Magic
Careers in Herbalism! Plus visits to regional herbalists including: Herbal CSA, Herb Apothecary, Organic Farm, Art Gardens, Cidery, plus other herb businesses and surprises!
Lead instructor is Gigi Stafne Master Herbalist, Naturopath, with 3+ decades of teaching and practicing in natural medicine and herbalism, director of Green Wisdom School of Natural and Botanical Medicine, former longtime Executive Director of Herbalists Without Borders International.
AND, 12+ other AMAZING plant guides, teachers, lecturers...
Danielle Decock, Naturalist, Anna Demers, MH, Outdoor Educator, Jaime DeSmit, MH, Dr. Vicky Eiben, MH, Kris Eilers, Water Protector, Paige Haber, Community Herbalist-Healer, Kerri Kiernan, MH, Megan Mastel, Permaculturist and Community Herbalist, LMT, Celia Osorno, RN, MH & Fungi Expert, Janet Quaderer, MH, Nature-based Indigenous Youth Educator LCO, Gigi Stafne, Master Herbalist & Naturopath, Tammy and Brian Michelson of Maple Hill Farm, Sue Wille, MH, Wild Earth Eco Tours and others!
Tuition Structure for 2024 Intermediate Program: Early Bird pay before January 1st: $550 Pay Jan 2-April 30: $650 May 1st and after: $750
Some work study positions and scholarships open for this program that may help offset your tuition with discount. Reach Gigi directly: [email protected] Presently all scholarships have been awarded. We do have two kayak/canoe cleaning and handling positions open as work study credit hours.
Limited spaces (up to 15-20 only) in this inspiring nature immersion course. A unique program in North America, spaces fill quickly. We often maintain a Waiting List. All registrations and tuitions must be sent in no later than May 30, 2024.
This is an amazing one week intensive. Times approximately 8/9am-4:30/6:30pm daily depending upon our field trips, tours and explorations. Final Sunday, graduation day, we end early by noon to 1pm Central Time.
Tours/sessions times may vary slightly, students will know in advance. Locations: Central hub in NW Wisconsin about 2 hours from Minneapolis, MN. All trips in WI & MN sometimes extending beyond for field study trips. Assistance is available with camping, lodging and other recreational opportunities such as kayaking, hiking, swimming and other recreational activities in the north country. Students/participants must have the physical stamina to do light hiking and kayaking (kayaking is optional during the one day we paddle). All participants are required to include health issues on their medical form, must sign a disclaimer and sign the portion related to WI State Recreational Statue. If you have a special condition that would impact your ability to participate, please reach the school director below. There is another independent study option to accommodate students with special needs.
Questions? Contact our lead instructor about this program: [email protected] Request your registration form today: [email protected] Tuition Fee: PayPal, credit cards via PayPal, Zelle, checks or cash accepted. No refunds within this program after midnight April 30th/May 1st 2024, unless our school must cancel due to extreme changes with a pandemic or a natural disaster. You may find a replacement or substitute person to take your place in class and handle your tuition directly with that friend or colleague. If you withdraw from our summer program prior to May 1st, a $50 refund processing fee will be assessed due to our wait list and other factors. No tuition payment credits are granted for payments paid, this program. Also, visit our Q and A/Policy Page of this website. We hope you'll join us along the medicines trails in June! Thank you!
Some special people...
Green Wisdom Master Herbalism Graduates, 2013
LEVEL 3
Advanced Botanical Medicine Program Master's Graduate Program in Herbalism or Accelerated Advanced Master's of Herbalism Graduate Program
Add breadth and depth to your botanical and natural medicine education and career. Our Advanced Herbalism Program* is an advanced botanical medicine program taught for 3+ decades focusing on graduate level studies. Our program is designed for people who are dedicated to their visions and goals. Green Wisdom staff helps prepare graduates for professional positions and their own businesses. In 2024 we offer two options to select from:
A) The Accelerated Advanced Master's of Herbalism Program Applicants/candidates must have 1000 hours or relevant herbalism coursework, training, and or experience in order to apply for this program. This includes Beginner and Intermediate certificate programs or approved equivalents. This program is a convenient virtual format, open to students located anywhere. Program time frame is: Mid-July to Mid-December 2024. Reach advisor to receive special info document pertaining to this program. Tuition is: $5500 (Scholarships, Payment Plans available)
B) Our traditional Advanced Master's of Herbalism Program Applicants/candidates must have completed our Beginner and Intermediate Herbalism Certificate Programs or approved equivalents. This is a hybrid program with some virtual and some in person seminars. Program time frame is: Late August 2024-Early May 2025. Tuition is: $9500 (Scholarships, Payment Plans available)
Academic studies are a fusion design: online and tele-seminars, in person seminars, independent work, monthly 1:1 student-advisor meetings, student clinical practicum participation in either Free Peoples Clinics hosted by our school's official Chapter of Herbalists Without Borders or other community settings.
Advanced Master's of Herbalism Program Primary Units
CAM Foundations Apotheca Materia Medica (100+ plants) Seasonal Shifts & the Elements in Medicine Clinical Herbalism: Herbs for the Developmental Life Cycle, Botanicals for Body Systems Clinical Practicum Unit w/Clients (+guided Advanced Master's of Herbalism Supervision) Professional Ethics Botanical Business Advanced Master's of Herbalism Thesis Paper or Project Other content topics included Note: Above are main content realms, not the program syllabus
Upon graduation our students will have completed: Beginner Herbalism, Intermediate Herbalism, Advanced Herbalism certificate, CAM Foundations certificate, and Botanical Business certificate. Completion total: 1700-1900+ hours
~~~~~
A) Mid-July to Late December 2024 Full Tuition: $5500 Pay full tuition by July 15-30, receive $500 discount Payment plan option: 2 payments of $2750 each (contact school) Scroll down for scholarship and work study information
B) Late August to Early May 2025 Full Tuition: $9500 Pay full tuition by September 1st, receive $1000 discount or $1900 (5 payments at every 2 months intervals) or $1000 (monthly payment plan for 9 months; plus $500 in August) Scroll down for scholarship and work study information
A) Group Program Seminar Dates (these do not include our 1:1 times, online weekly work):
Monday, July 15, 2024 (lunch hour Zoom or tele-seminar orientation) Wednesday, August 14 (Zoom or tele-conference); times TBA September 11 (Z/T) October 9 (Z/T) November 13 (Z/T) December 11 (Z/T) December 12-27 (final thesis turn-in dates) December 30 (graduation & presentations via Zoom) Weekly online readings, assignments typically arrive on Mondays, Tuesdays.
B) Group Program Seminar Dates (these do not include our 1:1 times, online weekly work):
August 30, 2024 (lunch hour Zoom orientation) September 7, 2024 (IP) October 5, 2024 (IP) November 9, 2024 (IP) December 7, 2024 (Zoom) January 4, 2025 (Zoom) February 1, 2025 (Zoom) March 1, 2025 (IP or Z) April 5, 2025 (IP) May 3, 2025 (IP)
Prerequisites: Beginner and Intermediate Herbalism
1. Beginner Herbalism Course or Botanica Online This is a required/prerequisite course for our Advanced Master's of Herbalism Program. In some cases we accept equivalent alternative programs for Beginner and intermediate. Please plan ahead and schedule a time to discuss this with the program advisor. The beginner and intermediate course tuitions are totally separate from the Advanced Master's in Herbalism Program tuition.
2. Intermediate Herbalism Summer School Field Study Program Prerequisite 7 day field study course--view full description this page. This Summer School tuition is totally separate from the Master Herbalism Program tuition. Program is popular and offered only once annually. Some exceptions are made where sufficient previous experience has been accomplished.
To be added to our email list for details about this advanced herbalism 2024 or 2024-2025 program message us: [email protected]
LEVEL 4 Continue Your Education and Career with one or more of our: ADVANCED PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS
Clinical Herbalism for Health Care Professionals An accelerated professional botanical medicine program for those who have a desire to integrate holistic health within their current health and medical profession or are interested in pivoting into a CAM clinical practice. Foundations in herbalism/botanical medicine are reviewed, but the focus is on current patient and consumer trends, concerns, top herbs used by patients, precautions, contraindications, and dosing of those herbs, as well as sundry other timely professional topics. The instructor of this program is Gigi Stafne, MH, ND, who has daily been teaching and in clinical practice for three plus decades. She is committed to weaving together allopathic and natural medicine pathways to help others stay current and serve humanity in a deeper, meaningful way. This program is an essential for helping and health care professionals from nurses and physicians to mental health therapists.
April 4-5, 2024 located in the Chippewa Valley of West Central Wisconsin (Eau Claire satellite classroom). Tuition: $195, plus $25 materials fee This is a CAM certificate program.
Are you interested in hosting Gigi Stafne MH, ND at your clinic, hospital, or other organization for a special design? Reach her directly: [email protected]
Holistic Health & Wellness Certificate Program
A convenient, accelerated professional training program for those who have a desire to integrate holistic health, prevention education and general Complementary Alternative Medicine (CAM) concepts within a variety of professions. This certificate program is eclectic in focus, not embracing one particular philosophy, instead inclusive of many diverse health and healing pathways. Foundations in wellness concepts, exploration of diverse natural modalities from ancient healing pathways to contemporary clinical settings are part of this exciting two months. An essential for all helping and health care professionals! Instruction by experienced CAM professionals working for decades within the field.
This is a CAM certificate program. Program is all online in 2024. No need to be present online at a specific time for class. Readings, recordings, materials can be accessed anytime once enrolled. Many students complete this program in 4-8 weeks. Certificate program tuition: $495
Natural Botanical Medicine Business Certificate
There's so much to learn before you launch your botanical business, herbal CSA, healing center or clinical practice. Have you been struggling with understanding the requirements and regulations of herb product labels to which clinical forms cover informed consent? FDA regulations to commercial kitchens and local zoning...is your head swimming? What about marketing, finances? Let our experienced instructor team help you with these vital business matters. If you are dreaming on your vision, beginning to formulate your business plan or are well into your business looking to revamp, all of these and more are covered in this one of a kind CAM, Complementary Alternative Medicine business course.
Program is all online in 2024. No need to be present online at a specific time for class. Readings, recordings, materials can be accessed anytime once enrolled. On average students complete this program in one month. Certificate program tuition: $495 1:1 calls with advisor available Invitation to join all monthly lunchtime free business tele-call seminars
Learn more about our unique Business Services here: http://greenwisdom.weebly.com/business-services.html
CAM/Botanical Medicine Alternative Educator Certificate
A leading edge program designed for natural and botanical medicine students and professionals who are at the point of sharing their gifts and experiences via the pathway of teaching in the world. Now is the time to take the step to enroll and engage in this important, inspiring, Alternative Educator Certificate Program. This is a one-of-a-kind program in North America. Everything from ethics to group facilitation within difficult teaching realms are presented. Educator-student styles, values clarification, teaching techniques, curricula design, educational contracts, and much more are part of this accelerated program.
Prerequisites for applicants to this program: Beginner Herbalism, Intermediate Herbalism Summer School Field Study Program and Clinical Botanical Medicine Program or an Advanced Herbalism Degree. This specialized Educator Certificate program is an additional several months of education and experiential applications in teaching settings. CAM/Botanical Medicine Educator Certificate tuition: $1300
Program is all online and runs late July to early September. No need to be present online at a specific time for class. Readings, recordings, materials can be accessed anytime once enrolled. Please reach our school directly with questions: [email protected] Registration Deadline: July 1, 2024
1:1 appointments with advisor invited throughout this certificate program Please contact Gigi. This is a hybrid course. [email protected]
SPECIAL OPTION: If you are a CAM practitioner who would like to engage in this program via independent study online with us during December 2023, January 2024, or February 2024 please reach advisor/instructor Gigi Stafne directly: [email protected]
REVIEW OF OUR CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS
If you are interested in one or more of the single certificate programs:
BEGINNER HERBALISM PROGRAM Intensive courses offered in North America and beyond Tuition ranges: $195-$300 (depending upon host institution or organization)
SUMMER HERB CAMP INTERMEDIATE HERBALISM SUMMER FIELD STUDY PROGRAM Weeklong intensive Tuition for Summer 2024 posted above with program description
HOLISTIC HEALTH & WELLNESS CERTIFICATE PROGRAM Online program Tuition: $495
CLINICAL HERBALISM for HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS Tuition ranges: $195-$300 (depending upon host institution or organization)
NATURAL-BOTANICAL BUSINESS CERTIFICATE PROGRAM Online program Tuition: $495
ADVANCED MASTER's of HERBALISM PROGRAM Year 2024-25 program dates, details listed above $9500 (Scholarships and Payment Plans Available) This program includes Holistic Health & Wellness Certificate Program (free) + Botanical Business Certificate Program (free); special 3 certificate degrees for the tuition price of $9500.
ACCELERATED ADVANCED MASTER's of HERBALISM PROGRAM All Zoom/Tele-Conferences. 2024 dates above $5500 (Scholarships and Payment Plans Available)
CAM-BOTANICAL MEDICINE ALTERNATIVE EDUCATOR CERTIFICATE Tuition: $1300
Students may be eligible for a partial scholarship or work study if in economic need. These generally range from $150 to $1000 depending upon the program and level of need. This fund is fluid year-to-year. Please visit www.fireweedfund.weebly.com
Green Wisdom School of Natural and Botanical Medicine is a health and social justice school that practices diversity and inclusion; actively inviting presence, participation and mutual respect of people with diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
*The Advanced Clinical Herbalism Program (Level 3) was formerly known as the Master's of Herbalism Program. We are committed to sensitivity in designation and practice, therefore have made the decision to shift the title of this program and language to reduce inferred power differences or references. The content and quality of this program remains the same.