summer expansion
herbal allies and elements for a season of warmth & vitality
Summer is a time of ripening and luxurious growth. The fire element in summer is full of movement and vitality. We move through longer, warmer days which deeply regenerates our ability to confidently share and offer our gifts. Expansion, enthusiasm, upward, yang, Sun, providing & receiving warmth. These are the elements of the season.
Too much heat though, can be challenging for the body, and that’s where cooling herbs come into to help clear excess heat.
Bitter, astringent, and cooling herbs increase yin & fluids in the body to counteract the drying nature of heat and fire. Mints, rose, lemon balm, chamomile, and lavender to name a few.
Digestive tonics that support the small intestine (also associated with the element of fire) include: anise hyssop, rosemary, chamomile, mint, lemon balm, lavender.
Keep in mind as summer shifts into fall, there’s a transition in the climate and warming, cooked foods as well as bitter herbs help to counteract cold damp elements. Herbs like dandelion root, yellow dock root, oat straw, nettles can be very supportive at this time in late August-early September.
LAVENDER + LEMON BALM LEMONADE
3 cups water or 1 cup water + 2 cups sparkling water
10-15 lavender flower buds
1 cup fresh lemon balm or 4 tablespoons dried lemon balm
1 cup raw local honey
2 cups fresh lemon juice
DIRECTIONS
Bring water to a boil.
Turn off heat and add lavender and lemon balm to the water.
Cover with a lid and let the infusion steep for 20-25 minutes.
Strain mixture through a metal strainer, nut bag, or muslin cloth.
Let the liquid cool slightly before adding the honey. Mix until honey is completely dissolved.
Add 2 cups of sparkling water or remaining water and 2 cups of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
Serve directly over ice and garnish with fresh lavender blossoms, lemon balm leaves, and lemon slices if desired.
A gift for paid subscribers… The Botanic Herbal Apothecary Guide is a 32 page e-book with 11 plant profiles and 15 recipes on making your own herbal tinctures, glycerites, infusions, oils, salves, vinegars, syrups, sprays, juices, essential oil products and more.
an invitation
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The drink recipe sounds delicious!