Magickal Herbal Healing for Summer

As temperatures rise and the bugs come out en masse, it’s time to turn our attention to some herbal remedies for summer. We’ve created a list of healing and magickal herbal ingredients below to help you combat bug bites, soothe sunburns, and chase the heat away, including some magickal correspondences!

Please note to use some of these ingredients cautiously as they may not be suitable for all populations. Ask your local herbalist or healthcare provider for their recommendations if in doubt.

Aloe

Aloe vera is perfect for moisturizing the skin and treating sunburns. You can grab a segment at most grocery stores in the produce section or purchase a bottle of the gel from your local pharmacy. Pop it in your refrigerator and use the plant’s natural gel on your skin after a long day in the sun. It can also help fight acne and relieve itchy bug bites.

*Be cautious when using any aloe products around your familiars! It’s mild to moderately toxic to both cats and dogs.

Nettle

Nettle resonates with the element of fire and the sacral chakra, making it an excellent herbal ally for summertime. Sometimes called stinging nettle, it’s often used for treating joint or back pain. It may also help reduce hay fever or other summertime allergies.

*Since it may also affect your blood pressure and blood sugar levels, check with your doctor before ingesting stinging nettle.

Chamomile

This gentle yellow flower can help reduce hay fever symptoms, inflammation, insomnia, nausea, and upset stomach. It’s a go-to in my pantry! Chamomile can help break hexes, soothe nightmares, and attract abundance. It corresponds to the sun, so even on cloudy or rainy summer days, you can have a little sunshine in your teacup when you drink chamomile tea. Chamomile is also a favorite herb for Litha celebrations.

*If you are allergic to daisies, chrysanthemums, asters, or ragweed, you may also be allergic to chamomile. Pregnant people should avoid chamomile because it carries a risk of pregnancy loss.

Yarrow

Since Ancient Greece, people have used yarrow in ointments and poultices, as it’s known for treating wounds. Yarrow tea may help reduce depression and anxiety, and yarrow essential oil may do the same when diffused in your space.

*Avoid yarrow if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, as it can trigger pregnancy loss. If you are on blood thinners, you should also avoid it as it thins the blood and increases bleeding risks.

Lavender

Lavender is excellent at helping reduce depression and anxiety. It may also help you sleep better at night and reduce asthma symptoms when used regularly. Dilute lavender oil in a foot bath to help you relax and fight foot fungus or skin issues from going barefoot often in the summertime.

Lavender pairs well with lemon, both in essential oil blends and also in culinary creations. Just make sure you’re using food-grade lavender. Lavender is one of the best herbs for Litha and resonates with the air element. Fairies also love it, so consider adding some to your fairy garden or offering bowl.

Calendula

The dried petals of this plant are perfect for creating ointments, tinctures, and bath washes to soothe bruises, burns, or cuts. It may even help reduce skin inflammation from eczema or other irritations. Calendula is also edible, making beautiful floral garnishes in pasta, salads, and colorful ice cubes.

*Ask your doctor before using calendula if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, as they may recommend against using it until afterward for safety purposes.

Mint

Mint is cooling and refreshing, making it perfect for summer. Chewing on a fresh mint leaf after a meal can help settle your stomach. Adding a few springs to fresh water will keep you hydrated in the summer, too, because it’s so yummy!

Mint supports luck and abundance, as well as success. It’s also known to be protective against negative energies, so enjoy it for all its benefits –mundane and magickal. I love adding fresh mint to fresh strawberries and blackberries, with a little sugar. It’s the perfect summertime snack.

Summer Herbal Tea Recipe

There’s nothing quite like a crisp mint tea in the summertime, and if you like mojitos, you’ll love this recipe!

Ingredients:

• 2 limes

• A handful of mint leaves

• 2 tea bags of green tea

• 1-2 cups of hot water

• 4 cups of cold water

• Sugar or sweetener of your choice (optional)

• Ice

Instructions:

• Wash your limes and mint.

• Slice the limes and place them in your teapot.

• Add fresh mint and green tea.

• Bring 1-2 cups of water to a near boil and then add to your teapot.

• Steep ingredients for 5-10 minutes.

• Strain and pour into a larger pitcher or jar.

• Add 4 cups of cold water and any sweetener you’d like.

• Place in the fridge for a few hours to chill, or serve immediately over ice.

Happy Summer!