Summer Herbal Medicine Chest

While we spend the winter attempting to protect ourselves from nature, summer invites us to expose ourselves to the elements, to revel in the sensual pleasures of the sun, the breeze, the sea, the earth, and we accept. We do not always emerge from these encounters unscathed. As the season often offers its own remedies, a fledgling herbalist will find ample opportunity to practice herbal first-aid. Most summer mishaps are minor, allowing the novice to start simply, or simply start. Instead of stocking up on the usual summer supplies advertised in the media, try making some herbal remedies of your own to help cure Summer ills and boost your health.

Please remember that any herbal remedies and essential oils can be dangerous under certain circumstances therefore you should always seek medical advice before starting any homemade treatment, especially if you are pregnant, breast feeding or suffer from any known illness which could be adversely affected by self treatment. You should always inform your GP of any self treatment before taking any other prescribed medication.

BASIL: The Leaves; frequently, the entire herb (all aerial parts) are harvested. Best harvesting season is before flowering. Basil leaves should always be used fresh, as they lose most of their flavor within a few weeks after drying or as an essential oil. The essential oil (less than 1%) is of complex and variable composition. Within the species, several different chemical races exist, and furthermore climate, soil and time of harvest influence not only the amount but also the composition of the essential oil. The most important aroma components are 1,8 cineol, linalool, citral, methyl chavicol (estragole), eugenol and methyl cinnamate, although not necessarily in this order; in fact, hardly any basil contains all of these compounds in significant amounts.

CALENDULA: Also known as marigold, Marigold is chiefly used as a local remedy. Its action is stimulant and diaphoretic. An infusion of the freshly-gathered flowers is used for treating fevers, as it gently promotes perspiration and throws out any eruption. Marigold flowers are in demand for children's ailments. The leaves when chewed at first communicate a viscid sweetness, followed by a strong penetrating taste, of a saline nature. The expressed juice, which contains the greater part of this pungent matter, has been given in cases of costiveness and proved very efficacious. Snuffed up the nose it excites sneezing and a discharge of mucous from the head.

LEMON BALM: A wonderful summer herb, also known as Melissa makes a wonderfully refreshing herbal tea to soothe summer nerves. A warm infusion sipped slowly is good for helping to ease toothache. Balm is a useful herb, either alone or in combination with others. It is excellent in colds attended with fever, as it promotes perspiration . Lemon balm had the reputation of cleansing sores and easing the pains of gout. Balm is frequently used as one of the ingredients of pot-pourri.
Mrs. Bardswell, in The Herb Garden, mentions Balm as one of the bushy herbs that are invaluable for the permanence of their leaf-odours, which, 'though ready when sought, do not force themselves upon us, but have to be coaxed out by touching, bruising or pressing. Balm with its delicious lemon scent, is by common consent one of the most sweetly smelling of all the herbs in the garden. Balm-wine was made of it and a tea which is good for feverish colds. The fresh leaves make better tea than the dry.'
CHAMOMILE: Chamomile is a herb of the sun, Chamomile's bright yellow flowers bring power and light to your space and rituals. Chamomile's medicinal properties range from skin inflammations to lightening hair to treating digestive problems. As a mild sedative, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial, it improves digestion by relaxing the muscles throughout the gastrointestinal system and it can induce an overall sense of calm and well-being.

LEMON VERBENA: Another perfect summer herb for teas and tisanes, excellent for drying for pot pourri usage and for making cordials and syrups to store for winter use. The uses of lemon verbena are similar to those of mint, orange flowers, or melissa, as a stomachic and antispasmodic in dyspepsia, indigestion and flatulence, stimulating skin and stomach.

DILL: The summer herb of the season, Dill like the other umbelliferous fruits and volatile oils, both Dill fruit and oil of Dill possess stimulant, aromatic, carminative and stomachic properties, making them of considerable medicinal value. Oil of Dill is used in mixtures, or administered in doses of 5 drops on sugar, but its most common use is in the preparation of Dill Water, which is a common domestic remedy for the flatulence of infants, and is a useful vehicle for children's medicine generally.

FENNEL: Hang Fennel on Midsummer's Night to repel evil spirits. The rest of the year, carry Fennel when you speak truthfully and others will trust your words. Fennel, a hardy, perennial, umbelliferous herb, with yellow flowers and feathery leaves, grows wild in most parts of temperate Europe, but is generally considered indigenous to the shores of the Mediterranean, whence it spreads eastwards to India. It has followed civilisation, especially where Italians have colonised, and may be found growing wild in many parts of the world upon dry soils near the sea-coast and upon river-banks.On account of its aromatic and carminative properties, Fennel fruit is chiefly used medicinally with purgatives to allay their tendency to griping and for this purpose forms one of the ingredients of the well-known compound Liquorice Powder. Fennel water has properties similar to those of anise and dill water: mixed with sodium bicarbonate and syrup, these waters constitute the domestic 'Gripe Water,' used to correct the flatulence of infants. Volatile oil of fennel has these properties in concentration. Fennel tea, formerly also employed as a carminative, is made by pouring half a pint of boiling water on a teaspoonful of bruised fennel seeds.

LAVENDER: Lavender is laid on the fires of the Summer Solstice as an offering to the union of the Goddess and God, both in equal power at this time. Good for stress and depression as reflected in the skin. These flowers pressed into essential oil form can relieve stress and depression. Good for headaches, burns, and skin problems. It is analgesic, anti-coagulant, anti-convulsive, anti-depressant, anti-fungal, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, anti-spasmodic, anti-toxic, cardiotonic, and is a sedative. It has a very balancingeffect on the body, emotions, mind and spirit.

ST JOHNS WORT: Aromatic, astringent, resolvent, and expectorant. Used in all pulmonary complaints, bladder troubles, in suppression of urine, dysentery, worms, diarrhea, hysteria and nervous depression, and other hemorrhages and jaundice. The flowers, leaves, and stems are all utilized and may help to inhibit viral infections, including herpes. Good for depression and nerve pain. The Welsh called this plant the "leaf of the blessed", believing it to be the ideal combination of water with fire, and thus between light and dark, night and day, making it a perfect celebratory herb at Midsummer. In Brittany the herb is still gathered with ritual reverence and a prayer and question of permission is given before harvesting, as picking the plant represents the dismemberment of the God as Summer Lord, and the Great Sacrifice. Harvest time is Midsummer for drying over the Solstice Fires, or for soaking in an olive or almond oil for a beautiful ritual oil.

Summer Essential Oils

Summer is a time of full growth, red, hot, joy, spiritual awareness and traveling. Life is at it's greatest potential in the summer. Take a minute to enjoy this most wonderful time of year. These essential oils are great for your summer first aid kit, as insect repellent, for soothing sunburn, freshening and cleaning! Lavender, rose and chamomile have all long be associated with the scents of summer to these you can the following soothing scents for your summer medicine chest.

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon Citratus): Lemongrass was used in traditional Indian medicine for infectious illnesses and fever; modern research in India shows that it also acts as a sedative on the central nervous system. It is also used as an insecticide and for flavouring food. Lemon grass oil is a good wake-up oil. Insect repellent for fleas, ticks and lice. Muscle ease, refreshes tired feet. Must be diluted well when applied to skin. Useful for cellulite massages. Lemongrass is a perfect zingy pick me up, it helps to clear and freshen the air and the scent will lift the spirits, add a few drops of lavender and lemongrass to an oil burner for a very uplifting aroma.

Citronella (Cymbopogon Nardus):

Citronella Essential Oil. A light, fresh and uplifting oil. Insect repellent against ants, moths and fleas. Mixed with Cedarwood Atlas and Bogmyrtle it has been a popular remedy against mosquitoes. Traditionally used as an insect and cat repellent and skin conditioner. It is also a natural deodoriser. Traditionally used as an insect and cat repellent and skin conditioner.

Honeysuckle (Lonicera Japonica): In the daytime the honeysuckle flowers are almost odourless, but in the evening they become highly fragrant. The essential oil of the Honeysuckle plant is used to treat coughs, bronchitis and other respiratory problems. Because of its soothing properties it is also used in skincare to treat itching, cuts and allergies. Honeysuckle counters feelings of nostalgia and homesickness. Burn a few drops in your oil burner to let the scent of summer permeate your home.

Chamomile (Anthemis Nobilis): A must for the first aid cabinet. Excellent for massage with children, soothes and calms. Well known for its strong soothing effect on mind & body. Useful at night and in stressful situations. Hair care tonic, especially for fair hair. A gentle oil suitable for the young & fragile. Roman & German chamomile are both excellent for protecting dry skin. Traditionally used as a muscle relaxant and skin conditioner. Roman chamomile is a comforting oil during high pollen count, (unless you have an allergy to the ragweeds).
Chamomile promotes healthy skin, immune system and digestive function. Enhances overall feelings of calm and relaxation. Roman Chamomile's helps calm the mind and body during times of physical and emotional stress. It is one of the oldest British medicinal and beauty herbs. Relax sore, overworked muscles or inflamed joints with a calming massage of roman chamomile or contribute to the soothing of digestive upsets by massaging the mixture into the stomach in a clockwise direction. This essential oil is rich in azulene, a natural anti-inflammatory and healing agent. It has relaxing and sedative benefits, and smells of apple and straw. It is used for stress, sleeplessness, headaches, rashes, insect bites, toothache and menstrual or menopausal problems. To ease headaches and nervous tension, burn fragrant chamomile in your oil burner.

Geranium (Pelargonium Graveolens): Geranium is balancing for the mind & body. It is calming and relaxes, restores and maintains stability of the emotions. Used in skin care products for both its fragrance and cleansing properties. Good for massage where there is cellulite. Excellent for all skin types. Lice and mosquito repellent. Geranium supports digestive, liver, circulatory, and nervous systems. It is also an effective support for the epidermis, especially for acne associated in teenage years. It is mildly antiseptic and a good skin-soother. In aromatherapy it is a very important oil. It is perfect to put you in a good mood, induce sleep, relax or energize. It is good for cuts, bruises, eczema, burns, acne, broken veins and mature or dry skin. It also assists menopausal and PMS systems. Geranium can be diffused or massaged into the body to help ease undesirable symptoms of PMS and menopause. In addition, Geranium can be used as a pleasant scented insect repellent.