Summer Herbal Medicine Chest

Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) - 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.

Chamomile - German (Matricaria recutita), Roman (Chamaemelum nobile)
- an herb of the sun, Chamomile's bright yelllow 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.

Dandelion - (Taraxacum officinale) - The common dandelion is an
unusually nutritious food. Its leaves contain substantial levels of vitamins
A, C, D, and B complex as well as iron, magnesium, zinc, potassium,
manganese, copper, choline, calcium, boron, and silicon. Worldwide, the root
of the dandelion has been used for the treatment of a variety of liver and
gallbladder problems. Other historical uses of the root and leaves include
the treatment of breast diseases, water retention, digestive problems, joint
pain, fever, and skin diseases. The most active constituents in dandelion
appear to be eudesmanolide and germacranolide, substances unique to this
herb. Other ingredients include taraxol, taraxerol, and taraxasterol, along
with stigmasterol, beta-sitosterol, caffeic acid, and p-hydroxyphenylacetic acid.

Dill (Peucedanum graveolens) - 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.

Elderflower - Elder flowers are highly effective in managing upper
respiratory congestion and infections. Picked from the elder tree in mid to
late summer, they seem to capture the dry warmth of this time of year,
perfect for drying up that runny or blocked nose. These tiny pale white
flowers have a delicate floral taste and contain flavonoids and small
amounts of mucilage and tannins, a perfect combination for soothing healing
and protecting mucous membranes. An old tradition was to make fresh
Elderflower wine in summer ready to drink in winter.Food as medicine?!?

Fennel - (Foeniculum vulgare) - 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 civilization, especially where Italians have colonized, 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 - (Lavandula officinalis) 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 balancing effect on the body,
emotions, mind and spirit.

Pine - Pine Needle was used by the ancient Romans and Greeks to treat
respiratory problems and muscular aches. A holiday staple, this fantastic
scent is often used to accent potpourri and diffused into the air. It
promotes a healthy immune and musculoskeletal system. Distilled in Austria
from the finest pines, Pine Needle can be diffused to help strengthen the
respiratory tract and maintain sinus passages. When massaged into the skin,
Pine Needle supports healthy circulation and soothes the discomfort of sore
joints and muscles. A true disinfectant, a strong germ killer, excellent for
viral infections and for muscular aches, rheumatism and arthritis. In this
aspect, Pine is used for its properties of purification. It represents the
Male aspects of the Divine at this time.
Consider burning Pine with Meadowsweet for an incense of energetic balance.

Rose - The Mother of All Flowers, the Rose has amazing powers of love,
trust and self acceptance. Roses are representative of faith, hope and
love and has the qualities to restore the very center of one's being. A
gentle tonic of the heart, Rose oil's psychological properties lie mainly in
its effect on the mind, the center of our emotional being. Rose oil calms
and supports the heart and helps to nourish the soul! Also symbolizing the
feminine, red is the color of choice for Roses used or gathered at
Midsummer. Long associated with the eternity of true love, at Midsummer this
flower also blesses the Sacred Union.

St. John's Wort - (Hypericum perforatum) - 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.

Thyme - The pungent oils found in Thyme are an effective antimicrobial in
the treatment of respiratory infections. When taking Thyme, people often
note tasting it on their breath as the oils permeate through the respiratory
system to reduce the proliferation of viruses during infections. It also
warms the digestion and reduces metabolic congestion, aiding to clear the
body of conditions for infection.

Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) - This germicide and antibacterial oil is
great for cleaning infected wounds or as a gargle for a sore throat -- use a
10-percent solution but use pure 100-percent tea tree oil. This essential
oil is a disinfectant and good in healing all skin conditions including
acne, athlete's foot, nail fungus, herpes outbreaks, insect bites, warts,
cuts and scrapes, scabies, vaginitis.


Source(s)
"Lyz"
Andrew Pacholyk, MS, L.Ac
Culpeper's Apprentice


Back - Home - Next