Contact & FAQ

Let’s Connect

We’d love to hear from you.

Whether you’re ready to apply, need help choosing the right program, or just want a few more details before taking the leap – we’re here for you.

The Blue Ridge School of Herbal Medicine is a vibrant, welcoming community rooted in the forest, holistic alternative medicine, and the magic of the Blue Ridge Mountains. 

Come take a tour!

Check out the FAQ below, and if your question isn’t answered, use the form to reach out –  we’re happy to help.

Follow along!

Herbalist Kitchen Series: Lilac Simple Syrup My base recipe comes from Juliet Blankespoor's book, "The Healing Garden" @chestnutschoolherbs RECIPE: Use 2 cups organic white sugar to 1 cup water. Warm them together over medium‑low heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Continue heating until the syrup is steaming, but do not let it boil. Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the lilac flower racemes. Cover and let steep for 20 minutes, then strain. Lilac can be subtle, so if the flavor isn’t strong enough, gently reheat the syrup and add a second batch of fresh lilac flowers, packing in as many as will fit. Cover and steep again for another 20 minutes, then strain once more. Pour the finished syrup into clean jars and refrigerate. It will keep for up to 6 months.
If you’ve been wanting to learn the plants in a real, embodied way, our Wild Medicine Internship is where that begins. One day each week in May, we head into the deep woods, high mountain balds, waterfalls, meadows, and river corridors of the Blue Ridge to learn directly from the land itself. You’ll learn how to identify plants with confidence, including lookalikes and poisonous species, and understand the plant families that shape our region. We’ll practice ethical harvesting, explore sustainable wildcrafting, and work with the tools and timing that make all the difference. Each week includes hands‑on medicine making: tinctures, infused vinegars, succuses, oils, wild foods, and seasonal preparations. You’ll learn how to use plants for real‑world support from coughs and colds to digestion, pain, first aid, stress, mood, menstrual health, and more. Most importantly, you’ll learn to see the natural world with new eyes. To move beyond the “green wall.” To build a relationship with the plants that is rooted, reciprocal, and alive. This program is intentionally limited to 12 students so the experience stays intimate, immersive, and deeply connected. If this is the year you want to step into wild plant knowledge, now is the time. Apply at blueridgeschool.org
Please welcome our 2026 Essentials of Herbalism Class! ⠀ ⠀ There’s nothing quite like the energy of a new group coming together. During this time our school sees curiosity sparking and friendships forming, in the living classroom that is our school. We’re so excited to walk alongside them as they begin this journey.⠀ ⠀ You are not too late to sign up for our Wild Medicine Internship which starts next month. Here you will get to spend one day each week in May learning directly from the land. We take you into rich woods, high mountain balds, and the diverse plant communities of the Blue Ridge where you will learn how to recognize, understand, and work with the plants that grow here. ⠀ ⠀ Apply at blueridgeschool.org
Herbalist Kitchen Series: Lilac Simple Syrup My base recipe comes from Juliet Blankespoor's book, "The Healing Garden" @chestnutschoolherbs RECIPE: Use 2 cups organic white sugar to 1 cup water. Warm them together over medium‑low heat,
If you’ve been wanting to learn the plants in a real, embodied way, our Wild Medicine Internship is where that begins. One day each week in May, we head into the deep woods, high mountain balds, waterfalls, meadows, and river corridors of the B
Please welcome our 2026 Essentials of Herbalism Class! ⠀ ⠀ There’s nothing quite like the energy of a new group coming together. During this time our school sees curiosity sparking and friendships forming, in the living classroom that is our sc

Upcoming Events!

Find out about herbal conferences and gatherings near you-

Wild Medicine Conference

Nauvoo, Alabama

May 1-3

https://www.wildmedicineconference.com/

Medicines from the Earth Symposium

Black Mountain, NC

May 15-17

https://www.botanicalmedicine.org/medicines-from-the-earth-herb-symposium-2025/

Wild Indigo Herb Fest

Harrodsburg, Kentucky

June 12-14

Firefly Gathering

Green Mountain, NC

July 7-12

https://www.fireflygathering.org/annual

 

Wild Herb Weekend

near Boone, NC

July 24-26

https://www.ncherbassociation.org/wild-herb-weekend-info

 

SENC, South East North Carolina Herbal Conference

November 14-15

Wilmington, NC

https://sencherbalconference.com/

Testimonial

  • “Attending the Blue Ridge School of Herbal Medicine was a deeply transformative experience for me. What I enjoyed most were the hands-on plant walks with a variety of incredible teachers, each teaching from their own unique perspective and knowledge. The trips to local herb farms, forests, and even down to Georgia to study native plants were unforgettable, offering a personal connection with the plants that no virtual learning could ever replicate.

    Nicolina Ruiz, Owner Casa Alchemista Botanica


Questions?

Whether you're wondering about housing, homework, or if you need a car (spoiler: yes), we’ve gathered the most common questions we get about our programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find more information about your courses?

Blue Ridge School of Herbal Medicine offers long-term in-person programs, modular weekend classes, and online offerings. You’ll find full descriptions, dates, tuition, and application steps under the “Programs” tab above.

Do you have prerequisites for your classes?

There are no prerequisites for any of our programs. Essentials is not required before taking Holistic. That said, any prior knowledge will help you go deeper in the Holistic Herbalism Program.

Are your courses online or in-person?

Our main programs are taught in person, led by CoreyPine Shane and expert guest teachers. We also offer three online classes you can take anytime.

What is your application process?

Once you complete your application and pay the fee, we’ll reach out to schedule an interview if needed. Interviews are held throughout the week and are typically conducted by phone.

What are the schedules for the 2026 classes?

Each program has a unique schedule listed on its individual page under “Programs.”

Can I visit your school?

Absolutely! Email director@blueridgeschool.org to book a tour. We recommend reaching out at least three weeks in advance.

Do you offer internships or apprenticeships?

We don’t offer apprenticeships, but we do have four assistant roles (two per core program) that trade setup/cleanup help for tuition discounts.

Do your programs fill up? Should I apply early?

Yes. We accept applications on a rolling basis until the deadline—or until spots are full. If a program fills early, we’ll update the website and refund any unused application fees.

Do you offer discounts or financial aid?

We offer 10% Equity Seat discounts to BIPOC students—email jj.brhsm@gmail.com to apply. 

Do all interviews have to be in person?

Nope! Phone is standard. Skype, FaceTime, or in-person options are also available.

When I complete a course, will I be a certified herbalist?

Yes – you’ll receive a certificate, but not a license (as no licensure currently exists in the U.S.). Our certificates include:

  • Essentials: Certified Community Herbalist

  • Holistic: Certified Holistic Herbalist

We honor the diversity of herbal traditions and support keeping herbalism ungoverned to preserve this richness.

What career opportunities exist for herbalists?

Many graduates go on to practice clinically, create herbal products, teach, farm, or contribute to restoration ecology. The skills you gain here open many doors.

What do students do for housing?

The Blue Ridge School doesn’t provide housing. The Essentials of Herbalism Program is commuter-friendly. For the Holistic Herbalism Program, we recommend living nearby but students do regularly commute from a couple hours away (Charlotte, Knoxville, Boone). See program pages for commuting guidance and housing resource suggestions.

Can I camp for housing?

No camping is allowed on school grounds. Nearby national forest land isn’t viable year-round due to weather and lack of facilities. But there is some camping available nearby - please inquire and we can send you info.

Do you have job openings?

Not currently. Note: The Holistic Herbalism Program is a major time commitment, so we recommend saving ahead.

Do I need a car?

Yes. The school is 25 minutes from Asheville with no public transportation. You do not need 4WD, but you do need a reliable vehicle.

What can I expect on a typical class day?

Expect hands-on, immersive learning. Some days are in the classroom; others are out in the forest. Bring lunch and be ready to walk, hike, and learn by doing.

Will I have homework?

Yes. Essentials requires 2 to 3 hours/month. Holistic averages 2 to 5 hours/week, including reading, writing, and research.

Are there other expenses I should know about?

Yes. You’ll want to budget for books, tools, and medicine-making supplies:

  • Essentials: ~$100–$200

  • Holistic: ~$500+

Can I bring my dog to school?

While we are animal lovers, we can only allow certified service dogs.

Are your classrooms wheelchair accessible?

Most are not, due to our forest setting. Please contact us to discuss your needs.

What makes your school different from others?

Our school is rooted in place-based herbalism, bioregional knowledge, and experiential learning. We teach outside as often as possible and blend science with intuition, clinical skills with traditional wisdom.

I’m not sure which program is right for me? Can someone help?

Absolutely. Reach out via email or the contact form to tell us about your goals, and we’ll help you choose the right fit.