June is a month that serves as a portal, welcoming us into open arms as we pass from the vibrant, emerging energy of the spring season, into the warm throws of summer via the threshold of the summer solstice.

The summer solstice, also known as “Midsommer”, as it is recognized in Scandinavia, or “Manatsu” as it is referred to in Japan, is the marking on the wheel of the year in the northern hemisphere as the official start to the summer season. This date, historically celebrated with feasts, community gatherings, and bonfires, celebrates the longest day of the year, which is much welcomed as we have emerged from the darker months not too long prior.

Unlike the darker months, which are a period of reclusion, turning inward, and deep silence, the summer brings an energy of expansion, vibrancy, and expression. But of course, what also comes with the summer is the heat – the sun shines brightly and the days are long, which can zap our energy, make us sweat, and sometimes, even bring out a little crankiness!

This can especially be the case for folks who lean more into a Pitta constitution, as recognized in the ancient Indian healing tradition of Ayurveda. Someone with a Pitta constitution may already run a little “hot,” without the addition of the summer sun. This can look like someone who regularly keeps the home’s thermostat below 65, tends to be agitated by spicy foods, may be a little prone to a quick temper, or whose skin may even be easily flushed when exerting themselves or being exposed to higher temperatures.

However, as nature tends to always do, it offers a way to bring balance. Through our relationship with plants, we can incorporate methods in which to bring cooling energy into our systems physically and energetically while we navigate the hottest period of the year.

Taking a Note from the Ecosystem

Speaking of the balance of nature, have you noticed how Nature provides the very remedies we may need in the right exact places we may need them? For example, the way rose plants produce hips right in the fall, just as our immune systems need the extra boost of vitamin C they generate to help keep us from getting colds or flus. Or the way that the humble, low-growing Plantain plant tends to grow in ecosystems that have riparian characteristics, or experience a lot of standing water where biting and stinging insects or plants tend to thrive. The Plantain plant offers a remedy for these itchy or stinging sensations, bringing relief when applied to the skin. How magical is that?

We can apply a similar mode of thinking when observing the ecosystem, which also presents us with an opportunity to deepen our relationship and understanding of the land. If we take a moment to observe the ecosystems that tend to be aligned with profound, or prolonged periods of heat, and allow ourselves to be curious, we can learn so much about the remedies that are offered through the plants to bring balance to the fire element in these areas. For example, in tropical locations, we find that coconuts are more common – these are an incredible source of not only hydration, but coconut water also offers a powerhouse of naturally-occuring electrolytes. Keeping a steady intake of electrolytes is particularly important in the summer as this is when our bodies most rapidly are depleted of them due to us exerting extra energy or through sweating, and lack of electrolytes in the body can also lead to dehydration. We can also consider the magic of the aloe plant, a plant that thrives in desert ecosystems where shade is often sparse, who offers a soothing gel that can be applied to the skin and help soothe and heal a nasty sunburn.

We encourage you to also take a moment to observe the plants that arrive on an annual basis around the summer solstice, or that thrive in the depths of summer when temperatures are at their highest. What can we learn from them? What properties do they hold that allow them to thrive in this way, and how might that translate to the way that we work with them?

Herbs for Cooling

To bring a sense of cooling in the body, we want to take into account the properties of working with the elements. The opposite, or balance, to fire, which is hot and dry, is water, which is moist and cool.

Many herbs hold cooling and moistening properties, which can help bring relief to excess heat we may be experiencing in our physical bodies or even emotionally. Many of these herbs also offer co-benefits, such as lubrication of our mucus membranes, protection from harmful and excessive exposure to the sun’s UV rays, and even support for regulation of our nervous systems.

Here are a few examples of cooling herbs: 

Mint: While it may even feel like a cliche, Mint is that way for a reason. Simply pop a leaf of mint into your mouth and gently chew and feel the immediate impacts of a cooling sensation (not to mention fresher breath!).

Marshmallow: This herb, which prefers a cold infusion to draw out its gelatinous properties, is not only cooling in the body, but also is moistening. This can support bringing extra hydration to the skin and joints, while also supporting the gentle mucosal membranes of the body that tend to be more vulnerable to drying impacts from summer heat. In blends, this herb can help to balance impacts of herbs that tend to be more drying in the body, such as Nettle.

Fennel: A culinary delight, fennel can also support the balance of heat in the body that comes from overabundance of acid in the digestive system that leads to uncomfortable sensations such as heartburn. Fennel can make a welcome addition to a summer dish or even simply be chewed to help alleviate this condition in the body.

Mugwort: In a similar vein, in the summer we tend to want to indulge in delicious, abundant food more often. This can include summer cookouts, decadent meals as we take yearly vacations, or even an increase in dairy consumption as we delight in cooling off with delicious ice cream cones. However, this can also bring along a sense of discomfort if we are someone who experiences chronic acid reflux due to our esophageal sphincter (the flap that prevents stomach acid from moving back into our throat), is not operating as it should. Mugwort can be an incredible ally for helping bring tone to this muscle to help alleviate symptoms of heartburn.

St. John’s Wort: An herb that has a deep affinity for the sun, blooming around the time of the summer solstice, this is a plant that has a unique property due to the presence of hypericin. Not only does this allow for an herbalist to develop a gorgeous, deep red oil using the flower of this plant, but is also protective against the sun and can serve as a sort of natural sunscreen! Additionally, St. John’s Wort is an herb that is a profound ally for the nervous system, and can be particularly supportive for someone who experiences seasonal depression in the summer, helping to bring some solar cheer into the emotional body.

Ways to Work with Cooling Herbs

The summer is a great season to get creative when working with herbs. While traditionally we may work with herbs as teas or in baths, the summer heat may discourage these practices. However, that does not mean that there is not an abundance of ways to work with them!

Herbal Popsicles: Who doesn’t delight in a frozen treat on a hot summer day? Making homemade herbal popsicles can be a delectable way to work with herbs and keep cool. Opt for recipes made with delicious aromatic herbs such as Lemonbalm, Rose, Cacao, or Lemongrass!

Herbal Mocktails: There is nothing better than a delicious bubbly drink while poolside. However, you can enjoy a yummy drink and enjoy the benefits of cooling herbs at the same time! Perhaps you can experiment with making your own herbal syrups to add to drinks, muddle fresh herbs into the glass, or even make ice cubes frozen with herbs or berries to plop into your concoction! Cooling herbs that are excellent additions to herbal mocktails include Hibiscus, Citrus, Elderflower, Mint, Cucumber, Passionfruit, Coconut – the possibilities are endless!

Herbal Skincare: We of course want to take extra care of our skin in the summer heat. Give your skin a little extra boost by creating oils, lotions, and balms with herbs such as Calendula, Arnica, Cocoa Butter, and St. John’s Wort. 

Herbal Sun Tea: This is a gorgeous way to incorporate the alchemy of the energy of the sun into your regular herbal infusions. Simply add herbs to a glass container of water and place into the sun to allow it to work its magic. The gentle heat allows the herbs to infuse to be enjoyed later. Herbs that can make great sun tea additions Oatstraw, Lavender, Raspberry Leaf, Basil, or Lemon Verbena!

No matter how you go about it, we wish you the best of summer blessings this season! Together, we can celebrate the warmth and return of the sun, enjoy gatherings in community, and dance in the elevation of spirit together. May your days be filled with laughter and creation of memories, and lots of naps under a tree in the shade! We will catch you in July, and thank you for reading!