Hi! I'm Ellen
I was born and raised on Kiikaapoi, Kaw/Kansa, Osage and Očhéthi Šakówiŋ lands (also known as Kansas City, MO). In my childhood, I could often be found making potions in my backyard or reading a book. As I grew older, I became more interested in the connection between environmental issues and justice. In herbalism, I have found an interesting and beautiful way to combine the two.
From 2018-2019, I trained with Lise Wolff in folk herbalism. Since then, I have gone on to take more classes from Lise, as well as Matt Wood and Phyliss D. Light. I have also self-educated through books, the internet, and experience. I earned my degree in environmental studies with a social justice concentration from Cornell College in 2014.
When I’m not playing with plants, you can find me working at the local library, tutoring writing, talking during TV shows, and enjoying good food.
Foraging what is available (sustainably)
I hope to help people see a magical, medicinal wonderland in their backyards, in parks and growing through the cracks of sidewalks. This means I only teach about plants that are already growing or can be grown in the area.
I want people to have sustainable access to medicine in every sense of the word: affordable and abundant. I want it to be easy to use and easy to understand! I always say I'm a lazy herbalist - I need herbalism to have a low barrier to entry, too!
In the weeds of my praxis...
I chose to study folk herbalism, which is based on traditional and experiential practices. It is less "clinical" (although it can include that) and more "kitchen witch". This allows us to look holistically at the plants' interactions with humans, ecosystems and culture.
Values...
To the best of my ability, I try to use herbalism as a tool of connection. This looks like fighting ableism, patriarchy, transphobia, racism, classism and more. It also means honoring the indigenous people of this land. Portions of my proceeds will always go to mutual aid, landback and more. Please contact me to
A note on health...
Sometimes, our bodies will never be a body that is deemed “good” or “acceptable” or “healthy” by societal standards. It is not my job to tell you what your body should look like or what it should be able to do. I am here to tell you what herbs do.
In my classes and consultations, I will generally not be speaking about foods to eat, weight, or how to manifest a perfect, pain-free bodymind. I do my best to focus on body neutrality and make my classes accessible for all. Please contact me with any accessibility needs.
