Join us at the MWIH Watch Party

Dec 5

Join us December 5th 7pm Central

Watch Party Details:
📅 Date: December 5th
🕒 Time: 7pm
📍 Link: Watch Party Page

If you want to dive in before the watch party,
the course is here. 

Death is the one universal human experience—something every person will encounter, directly or indirectly, throughout their life. And yet, our modern culture often treats death as a taboo subject, something to push away, avoid, or handle quietly without much community support. Grief, too, is frequently misunderstood or rushed, leaving people without the space or resources they need to navigate their emotional landscape.

In response to this growing need for deeper understanding and compassionate support, the Matthew Wood Institute of Herbalism created the online course “Herbs for Death, Dying & Grief.” This powerful class explores how herbal wisdom, nature’s rhythms, and traditional teachings can guide us through times of loss, transition, and spiritual questioning. It offers not only information but a healing container—one that brings together philosophy, plant medicine, personal reflection, and soulful insight.

Facing Mortality Through the Lens of Memento Mori

One of the core themes introduced early in the course is the ancient concept of memento mori, meaning “remember that you must die.” While this phrase may sound somber at first, the teaching behind it is remarkably uplifting. Rather than focusing on death as a fear, memento mori encourages a renewed appreciation for life. When we consciously acknowledge our mortality, we are invited to cherish each moment more fully, live with greater intentionality, and release the illusions that keep us distracted or fearful.

The course explores this concept in a grounded, human way. Students are guided to consider how reflection on death can shape their choices, their values, and the way they show up for themselves and others. Instead of pushing death away, we learn to integrate its reality, allowing it to become a teacher rather than an enemy.

Herbs as Allies for Emotional and Spiritual Healing

Throughout history, herbs have played a vital role in supporting the grieving process. Certain plants are known for their ability to calm the nervous system, soothe the heart, quiet intrusive thoughts, or restore spiritual balance. In the class, students receive an introduction to the herbal allies most commonly associated with death, dying, and grief.

These aren’t simply “remedies” in the modern sense—they are companions, each with its own energetic signature and traditional wisdom. Some herbs help lift the weight of sorrow. Others support the heart during shock or emotional trauma. Some bring warmth and grounding to those who feel numb or disconnected. The class emphasizes the importance of matching the right herb to the right type of grief, using a holistic approach that accounts for emotional, physical, and energetic needs.

Plant energetics—how plants express themselves through temperature, taste, aroma, and affinity—are a major part of the conversation. Students come to understand not only what herbs can be used, but why they work and how they resonate with the human experience of loss.

Understanding the Many Layers of Grief

Grief is not a single emotion—it is a spectrum of responses experienced differently by every individual. Some grieve with tears and outward expression; others turn inward. Some feel anxiety, while others feel exhaustion, heaviness, or fog. The course takes time to outline the different ways grief can manifest:
 • Physical changes, including fatigue, sleep disturbances, appetite changes, or tension
 • Emotional experiences, such as sadness, anger, numbness, guilt, or longing
 • Spiritual and existential questions, often intensified during loss
 • Energetic shifts, where one may feel heavy, ungrounded, or disconnected

Rather than pathologizing grief, the class embraces it as a natural, even sacred process—one that follows its own rhythms. Participants learn how to recognize the type of grief they or others may be experiencing and how herbs, rituals, and compassionate awareness can support that process.

The Role of Ritual, Community, and Sacred Space

A powerful aspect of the course is its attention to the need for ritual and community in times of grief. Many traditional cultures include rituals to honor the dead, comfort the living, and mark the transition from one phase of life to another. Ritual creates structure, meaning, and connection—something our modern society often lacks.

The class explores simple yet profound practices that anyone can incorporate, such as:
 • Grounding rituals for the body
 • Herbal baths or anointing oils
 • Creating altars or remembrance spaces
 • Working with plants in meditation or prayer
 • Honoring cycles of nature as mirrors of our own emotional cycles

These practices bring comfort, clarity, and a sense of continuity during times of loss.

Why This Class Is So Needed Today

As individuals and communities, we are collectively navigating immense change. Many people are experiencing personal loss, unresolved grief, and emotional overwhelm. Others are supporting family members or clients who are grieving and feel unsure how to help. Courses like “Herbs for Death, Dying & Grief” meet a deep need—offering understanding, tools, and a compassionate framework for one of life’s most profound experiences.

This class is especially valuable for herbalists, healers, caregivers, hospice workers, spiritual practitioners, and anyone who wants to cultivate emotional resilience or support others with wisdom and gentleness.

Join Us for a Watch Party - Aprox 45 Mins
To help our community explore this meaningful material together, we’re hosting a watch party of the first hour of the class. This is a beautiful opportunity to gather, learn, and reflect in a shared space.

Watch Party Details:
📅 Date: December 5th
🕒 Time: 7pm
📍 Link: Watch Party Page

Whether you are personally navigating grief, supporting someone you love, or simply drawn to the deeper teachings of herbalism, we invite you to join us for this powerful shared experience. Sometimes healing begins by simply coming together, opening our hearts, and allowing the wisdom of nature to guide the way.