About Ellen

“My particular philosophy of herbalism includes the belief that what we need for our food, medicine and well being, grows within the plants of our own environment. It is fine to import herbs from China or Europe, if you wish, but we need not do that. We can learn to grow herbs that are well adapted to our environment and learn how to use them. That is what I love to do. My mission is to teach students how to nurture the plants, and in turn, nurture and care for themselves, their families and friends.”
                      — Ellen Zimmermann

Ellen Zimmermann, M.A., and Herbalist founded EZ Herbs in 1995. Ellen is a Certified Herbalist, a Licensed Professional Counselor, a Marriage and Family Therapist and an avid gardener. She has successfully blended these professions to fulfill her mission of educating others on how to best use the plants and herbs we can grow in our own environment. Ellen studied with Master Herbalist, Rosemary Gladstar, where she developed a special interest and expertise in Women's Health and the herbs most beneficial to women of all ages. As the director of the Austin School of Herbal Studies she offers various classes on Growing Herbs, Herbal Medicine, Natural Cosmetics, Women's Herbs, Plant Walks and several other interesting herbal topics.

EZ Herbs encompasses a series of presentations offered by Ellen to various organizations including Universities, Hospitals, various Health Care Organizations, Nurseries, Garden Clubs and other groups interested in herbalism. Ellen, who has also practiced as a licensed psychotherapist for over twenty years, combines her counseling skills and herbal knowledge, and offers Herbal Consultations to individuals interested in supporting their health care with herbs, better nutrition and positive lifestyle practices.

EZ Herbs is also an herbal product line including medicinal tea blends, herbal extracts, healing salves, a natural cosmetic line, my own garden herbal spice, herbal insect repellent and more. Ellen also founded the Austin School of Herbal Studies, which is located on a 5-acre facility just south of Austin, Texas. The Austin School of Herbal Studies offers various herb classes including the growing techniques and uses of medicinal herbs, an Herbal Intensive consisting of a materia medica of approximately 100 herbs useful for every system of the body. Plant walks, medicine making, creating your own cosmetics and many more interesting classes are offered.

Testimonials

John Dromgoole, owner
The Natural Gardener
Every so often an individual is blessed in their field of expertise to become a leader in their community. Ellen has been blessed in this way and has planted the seeds of healing, physically and emotionally, in all of those individuals lucky enough to have taken her courses.

Rosemary Gladstar, Master Herbalist, Teacher, Speaker, Founder of United Plant Savers-
What a privilege it's been for me to have the opportunity to walk this joyful green path with Ellen over the years. A fantastic gardener, teacher, and wonderful community herbalist, she is quite simply one of the most vivacious and uplifting individuals I know. Being around her is being around a spark of radiant light. I was amazed to visit her gardens in Austin, Texas. Amidst live oak and cedar elms, she's created a sanctuary for plants and people. Ellen's work with United Plant Savers has been exemplary. She's one of our most active members and has done much to spread the word of medicinal plant conservation to the Austin community.

Rabbi Monty Eliasov Austin, Texas  Client
<<
I had a bout of gout in my right toe and the pain would just not completely go away.  I took a number of the right good remedies internally (like asorbate C and black cherry extract) and those swiftly cleared it up by at least 50% within a day or so.  I then applied a number of homeopathic ointments topically to the toe joint that healed it even further until just 10% was just hanging in there still annoying the toe joint.  Then in desperation I drove all the way down to South Austin to purchase and try out EZ Herbs' small bottle of Comfrey Salve and within three days that last stubborn 10% of the gout finally au revoired.  I highly recommend this traditional and powerful salve for appropriate topical use when a stubborn gout pain just won't go away!  

Joyce Billings, client-
As we get older our skin's tolerance changes. The corner of my outer eyes have become sensitive to my make up (same products I have used for years). The skin becomes red, thin and itchy. My dermatologist gave me a prescription steroid type ointment that makes you sun sensitive (which a gardener doesn't need). I choose not to use the prescribed meds and started to used a little extra Queen of Hungary's Water on the corner of my eyes in the morning and before going to sleep. In a couple of applications the skin is healed of and no longer thin and sensitive. The healing properties of this product are great. Thank you for your time and knowledge.

Kristi Johnson, student and client-
On products: "I have used many of Ellen's products that are grown from her garden. I like to use Ellen's products because I know they are organic, of good quality due to the love and care she dedicates to her plants, and they work!"
On presentations: "Ellen creates a fun and warm environment enhancing learning and self-expression. Ellen believes everyone has something to offer to the learning experience. She provides hands-on experience through in-depth plant walks, visuals, and tea tastings."

Karen Johnston, student-
Ellen, you have been an inspiration to me. After taking your classes, I have started on my own herb garden. I drink herbal teas almost daily, and have made several dinners with herbs that have the approval of my family. Your method of teaching is informative and easy to understand, and you have such a caring attitude. Thanks for doing what you do!

Karen Cannatti, Coordinator of Mayfield Park Gardening Symposium-
Ellen Zimmermann is a herbal guru. Knowledgeable and enthusiastic, she can talk about herbs for cooking, cosmetics and medicinal uses as well as landscaping with herbs. A great speaker!

Read more testimonials!