EZ Herbs

EZ Herbs and The Austin School of Herbal Studies

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Keep Your Cool with Summer Plants

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Nature has such a sweet way of caring for her inhabitants. During the hottest months of the year, she is abundant with plants holding secrets that favor the season of the fire element, summer. This is part of the key to eating seasonally – what is growing is often just the support we need during that particular season.  

Cooling Fruits and Veggies

Since Summer is hot and dry, we want to consume things that are cool and moistening. Cucumbers are both. They thrive this time of year and are packed with nutrients that help us beat the heat and stay hydrated. Cucumbers contain a balance of minerals that help water absorb into the cells, making sure you hold onto the hydration you consume. They also contain a combo of vitamins A, C, and caffeic acid, which are soothing to inflamed or sunburnt skin. Berries, peaches, and melons also grow to be harvested in the heat of summer, and help keep the body protected from dehydration and overexposure to the sun, but more on this next month!

Cooling Herbs and Oils

Several herbs that grow in the heat are cooling herbs to the body, also known as refrigerant herbs. Hibiscus can help to clear excess heat in the body and is high in Vitamin C, which is abundant in our skin cells and plays a key role in their hydration. More vitamin C = more hydrated skin. Lemongrass oil is one of the best oils for cooling down the body’s temperature, and peppermint has this effect as well. Add a few sprigs of peppermint to your drink, or place a drop or two of peppermint oil onto a hanky and apply it to the back of your neck. Lavender flowers and oil will offer relief in this way as well, as it is included in the mint family. *Additional hot tip* Peach leaves are also a refrigerant and, when brewed in a tea-like fashion, offer a flavor similar to amaretto. 

Here’s a recipe I love to keep on hand in my fridge. I make a fresh batch of this before our Summertime adventures outdoors, then keep it in my fridge for 2-3 weeks.

AFTER SUN SPRAY

Add to jar : 

1/4 cup chopped cucumber

2-3 sprigs peppermint

1-2 stalks of Aloe (or a squirt from bottled gel)

If you’d like to add florals, a pinch of calendula, rose petals, and/or lavender flowers make a beautiful addition.

Place ingredients into an 8-ounce jar and fill with clean water and/or witch hazel. Shake well, put prayers and intentions into this elixir, and let refrigerate anywhere from 12-24 hours.

Once infused, strain and put the liquid into a spray bottle. This lasts for 2-3 weeks when kept in the fridge. If I’ve used fresh aloe and need it to last longer, I’ll add a bit of vodka or Everclear to the mix as a preservative.

How to Use After Sun Spray

Use this spray as needed while playing outdoors or post-sun exposure. If making your own isn’t really your jam, EZ Herbs Queen of Hungary Spray is a lovely option. A centuries-old remedy infused with herbs that heal skin cells (Calendula and Chamomile) and cool off heat (Roses, Lavender, and Sage). If you like to keep it simple, we also offer plain Rose Water. Both of these sprays are in a base of witch hazel, an herb that contains tannins that reduce redness and inflammation,  making them perfect for a little-too sunkissed skin. Place either in the fridge for a spritz of guaranteed “Aaaaaaaaah”.

Other Tips to Beat the Heat

Of course, drinking plenty of water is also important to prevent and treat sunburn. If you are dehydrated, your skin will burn more easily. Toss a few cuke slices and some sprigs of peppermint into your water to level up your hydration game. Another option is to add EZ Herbs Be Cool Hibiscus Blend into your regular consumption routine. If you live in the South, having hibiscus in your pantry is a MUST due to the long term heat. This loose leaf herbal beverage is made to keep you even cooler than you already are and contains previously mentioned herbs like hibiscus, lemongrass, and peppermint. The additions of lavender, lemon balm, and passionflower kick up the flavor profile and nervous system support, which can get overheated in the summertime, just like our bodies. And best of all, it makes a delicious sun tea.

I’m hoping these suggestions offer a remedy to some of the summer challenges that might pop up. If there are any other herbal remedies to summer quandaries you might have questions about, I am happy to help. Shoot an email over to ezherbsatx@gmail.com and we’ll chat. Until next time, wishing you a cool, hydrated and protected summer. 

Be Cool Hibiscus Blend

Mimosa, anyone?

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Hello dear Friends. I hope this newsletter is finding you all in a grounded and peaceful space.

I decided to step back and take a moment of silence in June. I started on a newsletter, but everything in my head felt jumbled and confusing – I felt called to be still and listen. So much happened last month to and for our BIPOC community members. I am learning about allyship and how to be active and helpful towards building a better America. I am learning a lot of history, about appropriation, and that there is a lot that can change to bring equality, justice and peace to our BIPOC community. My heart, eyes and ears are wide open; I’ll keep learning and listening and acting as the needs for this movement evolve. I am actively sharing information and resources on EZ Herbs Instagram and in our stories. Please, if you are a member of the BIPOC community and in need of plant medicine but are unable to procure it, reach out to me at corey@ezherbs.net and I will help you get what you need.

From June sales, I will be able to donate $150 towards a couple of organizations that I feel aligned with: In Her It Blooms was created by Regina, a thoughtful practitioner with herbalism running deep in her veins. She is receiving Herbal Reparations for Wellness Consultations that will be offered to Black and Indigenous folks that need this type of care. Locally, Dobbin-Kauv Garden Farm is run by Tiffany Washington, a US Navy Veteran who uses organic practices to sustain urban areas. Black-owned farmland has seen a sharp decline – only about 1% of our nation’s farms are owned by Black Farmers. This donation will go towards helping Dobbin-Kauv prepare for their fall garden.

The past couple of months have also found me easing into the flow of product-making. I recently finished jarring a fresh batch of salves, just in time for nature fun in the hot and wild Texas sun. Comfrey is a superstar for healing deep muscle or bone trauma, and helping to relieve the pain and swelling associated with sprains, strains and bruising. Our golden Calendula Salve is a soothing remedy for hot, red skin, from eczema to diaper rash to sunburn. Scratch No More Salve, Wound Salve and All Purpose Salve is the perfect trio of topicals to help get you through all of your summer shenanigans and will be offered in a bundle on the website for a special price. And, of course, our Black Salve and Fungal Salve for more specific and quite effective care of skin irritations and growths.

Some new products have also come into fruition in a rather timely fashion. This Spring I was offered an abundant harvest of Milky Oats which I processed three different ways. Milky Oats is deeply nourishing, and is helpful to repair a frazzled or burnt out nervous system. I also harvested a basket of Mimosa blossoms which is available as a tincture. Mimosa trees are known as “The Happiness Tree” and is a beautiful friend to work with when you are feeling less chipper than your normal self, most often due to an overload of anxiety or tension. *These are seasonal and are in limited supply*

Be sure you’re following EZ Herbs on Facebook and Instagram @ez_herbs to keep up with my happenings, new products and other ramblings. If you’d like to learn more about the businesses doing wonderful work for their community that will be receiving donations, their Instagram pages are @dobbinkauvfarm and @inheritblooms As you take care of each other, please do not forget to take care of yourselves. With much Love and many Green Blessings to You – Corey G.

My First Hello…

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Hello all!  

I am so happy to be sending greetings to you as the new owner of EZ Herbs. And what a time to have an opportunity to serve my community through plant medicine. I find myself feeling endlessly grateful for this unique position that I am in. My lifelong draw to nature has led me here. I couldn’t be where I am, though, without the wisdom shared by Nicole Telkes with Wildflower School of Botanical Medicine, as well as Ellen Zimmermann, founder of EZ Herbs, and countless other herbalists and community members that I have learned from and made friends with as I’ve made my way on this path. To you, I bow deeply and offer a warm “Thank You.” This shared knowledge of traditional plant medicine creates a ripple that allows us to honor the land and create a stronger community together, with Mother Earth in mind.

I have the beginnings of a small garden in my yard, but I have had the chance to observe while volunteering in other more developed gardens. I see the plants offering up what we need right now.  Ellen’s Oregano plant, as she states in her article mentioned below, has been on its own growth spurt offering an abundance of its anti-viral properties. Another friend mentioned that she has found Mullein and Violet volunteers in a lot of her plant starts – both are brilliant for supporting respiratory health. Pictured here is a stunning Mullein plant in Colorado – one of the superstar ingredients of EZ Herbs Respiratory Tea as well as our Mullein/Horehound tincture which will be ready very soon.

During this time of physical distancing, I would like to offer no-contact porch delivery within the city of Austin. If you place an order with me or through the website between now and April 30th, I will contact you to arrange a delivery time that works. I would like to remove any roadblocks that might keep you from getting the herbal support that EZ Herbs can offer whether it be through a smooth, tonifying tea or a supportive nervine tincture to help soften your heart and soothe your nerves. I will also, as always, be shipping USPS within or outside of the Austin area. Please reach out if you need help. Together, we will thrive.

Wishing you happiness and health – Corey G.

Below is a note from Ellen :
I wanted to share with all my Herbal Enthusiasts my take on how to most effectively deal with the dire situation we are now facing. If you want some information on what I am doing and some of the things I recommend during this trying time, please email me at Ellenzimm@earthlink.net and I will send you a short article. Thanks so much and please, please stay healthy and STAY HOME!!!

Many Green Blessings – Ellen


Water-Wise and Drought Tolerant Herbs

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Global warming is an “Inconvenient Truth” that we are all aware of.  We all need to be conscious of this and do everything we can to help heal this very serious situation.  Those of us who are gardeners can focus more on planting drought-tolerant, xeriscape herbs and plants. Many of us already do this by using Natives in our gardens, but there are many herbs that are also Water-Wise.

A few years ago we were unfortunate enough to have our 7 year-old well go dry.  For several years I noticed the lessening of accessible water to our home.  Several times in the midst of our summer heat, I stood in the shower with a head full of shampoo and the water would just stop.  If I waited a half an hour or so, the water would eventually replenish and I could rinse off.  I knew the day was soon approaching that our water would end and it did.

Being a gardener and making a living by growing, processing and using herbs, this was a difficult event.  Luckily we were able to hook into a water line from the county, but we had drilled a well only 7 years ago and were enjoying the water it provided. I have always been a water conversationalist and now I am more conscious of my water use than before. We have had a rainwater collection system for the garden since moving here.  I highly recommend rainwater collection, a drip irrigation system and trashing overhead, wasteful sprinklers.  

I have a list of herbs known as “Ellen’s Dynamic Dozen Herbs”  This is a list of plants that grow most easily in Central Texas and have many medicinal and practical uses.  Many of these plants are also Water-Wise.  The list can be accessed and downloaded on my website, http://www.ezherbs.net/dynamicdozenherbs.htm I have chosen two of my favorite Water-Wise herbs to discuss in this Blog.

One of my very favorite plants and one quite popular in Austin gardens is Echinacea purpurea, Purple Coneflower.  Echinacea is an easily grown perennial wildflower that is best planted in the fall.   It will grow its leaves in the spring, it’s gorgeous, deep pink flowers in the summer and the roots are harvested in the fall to make a potent herbal medicine. Noted as the world’s most popular herbal remedy, Echinacea is used to increase the body’s resistance to infection and to enhance and build the immune system. Echinacea can also aid in reducing inflammation and acts as a preventive for maintaining good health. A native Texas wildflower, Purple coneflower is drought-tolerant once it is established and very easy to grow.

My actual favorite herb and best-selling herbal product is Vitex agnus-castus, Chaste Tree. Vitex is a native of the Mediterranean area and grows very easily in our hot, dry Central Texas environment.  Take notice of other Mediterranean herbs, i.e., Rosemary, Oregano, Basil and Thyme and know that they also grow well here as our environments and weather are quite similar. Also known as Monk’s Pepper, the berries of this perennial small tree, or large shrub, are harvested in the summer and made into a strong tincture (herbal extract).  These medicinal berries are used to treat many symptoms of PMS and menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes and excessive bleeding.  As a hormone balancer, Vitex regulates progesterone and estrogen, helps to reduce fibroids, aids in fertility and can help re-establish normal ovulation and menstruation.  It’s an incredible plant requiring very little supplemental water once it is established. You can order some fresh Vitex tincture by clicking on this link:  http://www.ezherbs.net/herbal-products/tinctures/

Other herbs that are Water-Wise, beautiful and useful include: Passionflower, Passiflora incarnata, Garden Sage, Salvia officinalis, Horehound, Marribrum vulgare, Mullein, Verbascum thapsus, Rosemary, Rosmarinus officinale, Lavender, Lavendula spp., Goldenrod, Solidago altissima, Yellow Dock, Rumex crispus and Thyme, Thymus vulgarus.

As we continue to grow our gardens in Austin, we must be consistently conscious of the precious water we are using.  Growing drought-tolerant and Water-Wise herbs is an environmentally friendly and necessary habit to acquire.  These plants are lovely, useful and can be passed along and shared with others. Please do all you can to help heal our planet, assist in maintaining and enhancing its incredible beauty and be mindful of our most precious natural resource, water, to preserve this world as we know it for our cherished children and grandchildren. 

With Many Green Blessings, Ellen

Lemon Balm

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Lemon Balm, Melissa officinalis or Melissa, as I affectionately call her, is one of my favorite herbs.  She is easy to grow, possesses numerous medicinal benefits and is quite delicious. This year she is abundant in my garden and is compelling me to share her attributes with you.

Melissa may be planted in the spring or fall by transplanting a small plant or by seed. Plant it in full/part sun. I have had my best luck with a transplant from a dear friend’s garden.  Melissa will quickly establish herself and provide you with tasty, lemony leaves that want to be harvested frequently.  Make yourself a yummy nighttime tea of fresh Melissa and enjoy it before bed.  It will help relax you and melt away the nervous tension of a busy, hectic day.  Melissa is also known as an excellent anti-depressant. I put Lemon Balm in my very popular Peaceful Spirit Tincture, along with Passionflower, St. John’s Wort and Skullcap, a very effective formula used for anxiety and depression. Check out the link and read a testimonial.

Tinctures are potent and easy to administer

In addition, a member of the Lamiacea (Mint) family; Melissa has helpful digestive properties such as calming an upset stomach, alleviating gas and minimizing colic. Kids love the taste of Lemon Balm and it is safe and effective for them.

I love to brew Melissa, either as a fresh tea by herself, or in combination with two other lemony herbs from our summer gardens.  I harvest the bottom of the stalks of Lemongrass, decoct them, and then add fresh Melissa and fresh Lemon Verbena leaves.  I let the three herbs infuse for about ½ hour.  You will be rewarded with a delicious, healthful summertime tea that is delightful served iced or at room temperature.

Teas are a great way to imbibe the medicinal benefits of herbs

Melissa may also be used to reduce fevers and treat tension headaches.  It is useful as a diaphoretic for colds and flu. Melissa’s anti-viral properties may be used externally to treat oral herpes.  To treat oral herpes, make a very strong infusion of the fresh leaves (infuse overnight) and soak a soft cloth in the infusion. Apply this preparation as a compress on the infection for a day or two to help heal the outbreak.

An Herbalist from medieval times said that Lemon Balm is distilled to strengthen the heart and lift the spirits.  So be wise and plant some Melissa, harvest as needed, and frequently enjoy and benefit from her helpful, healing spirit.

Ellen's Dynamic Dozen Plus One

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Keep Your Cool with Summer Plants

Nature has such a sweet way of caring for her inhabitants. During the hottest months of the year, she is abundant with plants holding secrets that favor the season of the fire element, summer. This is part of the key to eating seasonally - what is growing is often just the support we need during that particular season.   Cooling Fruits … [Read More...]

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