Transitioning from Spring to Summer: Herbal Remedies for the Season of Dreaming High

Keats described each season in his poetic works, referring to summer as a time of "dreaming high," which refers to summer as a time of gaining sense or enlightenment. This description of growing nearer to heaven is often used in poetry as a metaphor to describe growing into adulthood, finding yourself, and becoming sensible. As the sun grows ever stronger in the sky, life blossoms and fruit ripens on the vine. Summer is a celebration of abundance, growth, fruition, vitality, radiance, and the manifestation of efforts. This makes it a great time to work with plant allies to revitalize, cool, and nourish your body, mind, and spirit for the changes ahead, as well as get in touch with the magic of the season.

In today's post, I offer 3 herbal recipes to aid your transition from spring to summer. These recipes can be used to create a variety of remedies, including salves, oxymels, steams, baths, tisanes (teas), or tinctures. It's completely up to you how to use these recipes, but I encourage you to consult with the spirits of the plants, your intuition, and even your ancestors or spiritual guides to determine which preparation method is best for you. While taking it as a tisane may be best for me, you may need to use it as a steam.

For Revitalizing Your Inner Spark 

As the days begin to grow longer and the weather warms, you may feel that irresistible urge to make plans and take action. Sometimes actually getting started can feel like a chore as we try to shake off the last bit of winter and accept the full brilliance of summer. This recipe is specifically designed to help revitalize that inner spark, whether you need help getting started or finishing a task or if you feel yourself faltering on the goals you set in the spring. St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) is a quiescently summer flower, its bright yellow blooms being associated with fire, happiness, joy, and revitalization and has been known to help reduce the symptoms of mood disorders such as depression. Combined with lemon verbena (Aloysia citrodora), which attracts positivity and uplifts the spirit, and holy basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum), which improves mental clarity and resilience, the resulting recipe will remove blockages and reignite your inner spark.

2 parts St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum)

2 parts lemon verbena (Aloysia citrodora)

1 part holy basil/tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum)

For Restoring Your Inner Oasis

Here in Georgia, the transition from spring to summer is not slow, but a harsh snap that leaves one quickly clambering to turn on the air conditioning. This herbal recipe includes several cooling yet rehydrating herbs to help you cool off when the weather is hot and restore your fluids to maintain proper hydration. Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) contains high levels of a natural humectant known as mucilage which helps attract and retain water, especially when applied to the skin. Fennel seed (Foeniculum vulgare), while it may have slight diuretic properties, helps to flush toxins and encourages fluid intake, while rose (Rosa spp.), like marshmallow, helps hydrate while also reducing inflammation and soothing the heart and mind, allowing you to restore your inner oasis.

1 part marshmallow leaf or flower (Althaea officinalis)

2 parts marshmallow root (Althaea officinalis)

1 part fennel seed (Foeniculum vulgare)

1/4 part rose petals (Rosa spp.)

For Easing the Inner Burn

While the Sun is not at its full strength as we transition from spring to summer, He still has the ability to cause unsuspecting burns, both literally and figuratively. Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus), chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium), and peppermint (Mentha piperita) are all naturally cooling herbs, both internally and externally, making this recipe perfect for soothing hot tempers, fevers, and even burns. Early research suggests that not only is chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium) an anti-inflammatory and fever-reducer, but it may even help protect against UVB radiation! Combined with peppermint's (Mentha piperita) ability to stimulate cold receptors on the skin, you have a potent remedy for whatever heats your body.

1 part lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus)

1/2 part chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium)

1/2 part peppermint (Mentha piperita)

***

As the wheel turns toward summer, these recipes can help ensure you are happy and healthy for the coming months. 

If you liked this post and would like to support future content, please consider leaving a small tip in the jar.