Herbal Medicine Makers Course
Why Learn About Plants?
This is me with a bunch of goldenrod in the background.
Goldenrod is the plant that picked me during herb school, where I did a deep dive project on her. I made goldenrod + turmeric scones (gluten-, dairy-, and refined sugar–free… and still delicious 
), crafted a beautiful goldenrod honey for sore throats, created a goldenrod flower essence to support self-esteem, an oil for sore muscles, and yes—we even sang a song in class about her many benefits.
Goldenrod supports allergies, immunity, and kidney health, but beyond that… she became personal.
Now, whenever I see goldenrod, I feel an instant connection. I know her magic. I say hello. 
This is the kind of relationship you build in my classes—forming real bonds with plants you may have walked past your whole life, whether in your backyard or on a street corner.
If you’re ready to slow down, learn plant medicine, and create your own connections, join us in Hillsborough, NC.
Who knows which plant might choose you? 
What Past Participants areSaying!
If our days/times don’t work for you, check-out our virtual herbalism course, complete with live virtual and recording classes that take you through plant identification, medicine making making, support for questions, and more!
Get Ready
Discover the healing power of plants in this hands-on herbal immersion series
Dates for 2026:
- March 15th
- April 12th
- May 17th
- June 14th
- September 13th
- October 18th
Time & Location
Time: Sundays listed above 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: Fire Fly Earth Earth Vision Collective
📍 7504 Orange Grove Rd, Hillsborough, NC 27278
Herbal Forager and Medicine Makers Course Ages 12 to adult This course consists of 6 sessions where we:
- 🌱 Forge connections with like-minded participants as the season progresses.
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🌿 A plant walk learning about medicinal & edible plants.
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🍵 Hand-crafted medicinal tea or herbal mocktails
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🏺 Herbal medicine product to take home ( a handmade vinegarette, herbal ointment, herbal glycerite, elderberry syrup, and herbal tincture to take home)
- 🌿 A delicious wild food treat to sample in each class plus a foragers feast in the first class ( a wild gluten free pesto pasta).
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📘 Detailed emailed post-class notes on plants covered, along with in-person handouts on plant preparations.
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🔎 In-depth focus on specific herbal preparations.
- ALL THIS PLUS:
- An invitation to join our corresponding virtual course for 50% off at just $150 (videos of the plants we go over and more!)
Investment & Discounts
This intimate course (limited to just 12 attendees) includes six in-person classes, each complete with:
• Detailed handouts
• A medicinal tea at every class
• A wild food tasting treat each class
• A hand-crafted herbal medicine in each class
(The first class will feature a wild forager’s feast in place of medicine-making.)
Investment:
• $420
🌿 Bonus for in-person students:
Receive 50% off the corresponding virtual course for those who want continued learning at home for a total investment of $570. Check out the virtual course page for details.
THIS IS AN ALL AGES CLASS FROM 12 To Adult with LIMITED SPOTS.
Interested but can't attend this course? Check out our virtual course option or combine them for full support and fun learning!
Melanie’s History With Plants:
I remember sitting in the library as a child listening to a story, Strega Nona; a book literally meaning “Grandma Witch”. She sings a magic song to stop pasta from overtaking a town. She was known for her healing and medicine making abilities. That girl, me, has grown but still connects with this character. Like Strega Nona I am a witch of sorts, conjuring up medicine and cooking neat and new foods.
Another defining memory I have is harvesting dandelion leaves at camp and making a melted cheese to go on them. Today you can find me making dandelion pasta, fritters, or making dandelion deviled eggs. Recently when I was asked what plant exemplifies me I said dandelion because it is resilient, powerful, and has so much unknown and enormous abilities to heal. These were the early signs that I am a nature and earth child but as an adult things changed.
I had become very disconnected from myself and nature for years. By 2013 I had become very sick with digestive, hormonal, and anxiety issues from years of living in disharmony internally and with the world around me. One month after undergoing a 4 hour procedure to have a large fibroid removed, I dropped my job in New York and everything I knew; I headed abroad on a one way ticket determined to change my life. I ended up living in a refurbished chicken coop with strangers as we embarked on a journey to learn about plants together. In this wild and rich experience I learned lessons of independence, freedom, connection, my familial roots, strength and so much more.
That little girl who loved cooking sets and flower pressing has grown into teaching others about plant magic. I believe it is my purpose and mission to be a vessel for learning and connecting people of all ages to their roots, to nature, to live in harmony with the planet, and work through unhealthy patterns.
The plant lover in me honors the plant lover in you.
Namaste,
Plant Ally, Plantain
Herbalicious Explorations: for Ages 12 to adult
Connecting people to their roots, nature, and healthy practices through conscious community
our testimonials
What Our Clients Are Saying About Us
Durham, NC
"Melanie's Kitchen Medicinal Herb class was informative, tasty, fun and relaxing. I very much enjoyed my evening with a very knowledgeable teacher and look forward to using new techniques and herbal remedies in my daily life now. "
Scotland
"I have really enjoyed taking part in Melanie's virtual plant talk workshops. Melanie's knowledge of plant medicine and how to forage for edibles is extensive and her enthusiasm infectious! Her upbeat personality and passion for plants makes the workshops both engaging and fun to take part in. I highly recommend her classes to anyone with an interest in learning more about plant intelligence and who would like to connect with other plant lovers. Melanie has a hands- on approach and demonstrates different techniques for making herbal infusions, tinctures, lotions and potions during the workshops. I have loved being part of this friendly and informative plant community. "
Newtown Connecticut
"I liked how [the elderberry workshop] was fun and engaging."
Mebane, NC
"A very accessible and rewarding workshop. Melanie helps you to feel welcome, empowered, and you leave with a feeling of connection and practical knowledge. Thank you!"
Mebane, NC
"Melanie's passion and knowledge on this topic made it come alive for me! "
Mebane
"This was a very interesting and informative workshop with good hands-on experiencing of the plants and lots of specific information, plus follow-up notes offered."
Carborro
Melanie is incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about herbs, plants and their medicinal properties. She is also a really good and kind teacher -- knowledge and the ability to teach do not always go hand-in-hand. The class that I am in with Melanie has participants that vary in age from youngish teen to a 93 year old and everyone seems to be enjoying the class and each other because of Melanie's skill at bringing us all together. I highly recommend working with Melanie and any classes that she might be offering.
