Summer is the time of growth and harvest. Berries, flowers, young vegetables and herbs are ready for the picking. The earth is sharing its abundance with us. With so many gifts from nature, this truly is a time worth celebrating. To the ancient peoples of the northern hemisphere, summer was regarded as a magical time. The longer days and shorter nights were reason to dance, rejoice and pray for more sunshine. Plenty of food meant plenty to celebrate. The longest day of the year, the summer solstice, is still considered to be very powerful by modern day pagans. To many folks, love, healing and divination rituals are particularly potent at this time of year. Midsummer it is a great time for to commune with the nature spirits as well. You know, the fairies, elves, dwarves, pixies, etc.

The sun is the energy source that we rely on for life. The plants and the animals that eat the plants could not survive without the sun’s energy. We get vitamin D from the sun to aid in the health of the skin and bones. The energy of sunlight also makes us feel good. People are noticeably more cheerful in the summer months as the brain responds favorably to longer periods of daylight.

Certain herbs and plants have long been associated with the summer solstice. Folklore and passed down herbal traditions from many cultures incorporate the use of flowers and herbs in their summer solstice customs. Flowers and herbs were used to decorate the summer altar. Wreaths and girdles were made of flowers and herbs to be worn throughout special rituals and celebrations. Herbs and flowers were also added to food and made into drinks to be shared during festivals and gatherings. They were made into charms and amulets to be carried on the person. It was commonly believed that a person would get good luck, good health, romance etc., by carrying a bit of a specific plant. Various plants symbolize different energies and vibrate with different planets in this belief system.

Summer solstice fires are still ritually as they were thousands of years ago. These bonfires were thought to send a message to the sun to encourage it to stay strong and powerful. Offerings of symbolic herbs and flowers were made as well and this was considered as a way to release the symbolic energy of the plant and win the favor of the gods and goddesses. Whether it was health, fertility, prosperity or protection from evil, there was a plant that was said to do the job. There are many herbs that have been used traditionally for summer solstice celebration. Let’s explore the esoteric properties of a few as well as some of their practical uses.

It is said that by carrying freshly picked thyme one will encourage the appearance of fairy folk and other nature spirits. Apparently thyme is a favorite of these mystical beings and attracts them to the wearer. Harvest some fresh thyme and stuff it into a little bag to carry on your person. Perhaps you will be visited by one of the various kinds of nature spirits. This summertime tradition dates well before medieval times.

The elder is also associated with Comhain (the pagan name for the summer solstice). Folklore says that if one sits under the elder during the solstice, the fairy folk will appear. The elder provides a good connection between the nature spirits and us. Fermented beverages were made of elderflowers were made to be enjoyed during summer festivities. Elderflower tea is still a very popular cold and flu remedy in Europe. For the annoying symptoms of seasonal allergies, elderflower tea can be very helpful. Use two teaspoons of fresh or dried blossoms for every cup of boiling water. Allow the infusion to steep for 10 minutes. A cup of elderflower tea can be taken three times a day as a helpful therapy for hay fever. Elder berries are useful as well. They make a fine ingredient for teas, jams and jellies. The fresh juice of the elderberry is still considered by many Europeans to be a cure for everything from arthritis to blindness.

So according to legend, the thyme and the elder persuade various nature spirits to appear. St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum), on the other hand, is carried to protect one from their mischief. People who were distrustful of gnomes and elves would carry this plant to keep from falling victim to their naughtiness and trickery. Today, St. John’s Wort is a very popular alternative to anti-depression drugs.

The Mints, of which there are many types, are popular summertime herbs. Chilled teas of spearmint (mentha spicata), water mint (Mentha aquatica) and peppermint (Mentha piperita) are very cooling and invigorating for those lazy, hazy days of summer. In salads and desserts, mint refreshes. Try fresh, finely chopped mint over steamed baby red skin potatoes. Yum! Esoterically, mint symbolizes prosperity and a common practice in the old days was to carry a sprig in the purse or wallet to attract money. I like to add fresh mint to yogurt or clay-based homemade facials. You can toss some fresh mint into the bath for a revitalizing experience. It will perk you right up.

The daisy (Bellis perennis) is also associated with the summer solstice. Garlands of the common daisy were used to decorate celebration and worship spaces. Belts and head wreaths were made of chains of daisies and were worn for solstice celebrations. In the language of flowers, this cheerful looking flower stands for innocence and fidelity. It was also made into charms to attract love. Did you know that the daisy also has medicinal uses? Long ago they were carried into ancient battlefields and used to treat injuries. The daisy has wound healing properties, hence its folk name, “bruisewort.” Baths of dried daisy were taken to cure eczema and other afflictions of the skin. A tea was made of this flower and used as a wash for sore eyes. The ancient pastime of making daisy chains continues in Scotland. This beloved children’s activity is as popular there today as it was in the ancient tribal days.

Chamomile is one of the sacred herbs of midsummer. There are two types used commercially in this country. Matricaria chamomilla or German Chamomile is what you see growing wild around here. It is grown commercially in Germany and Egypt. This is the one that I grow in my “Relaxation” garden to make tea and for use in the bath. Roman chamomile or Chamaemelum nobile is thought to be superior and more potent than the former type and it is usually about three times the price. Safety note: Roman chamomile is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Esoterically, either chamomile is used in amulets, charms and baths for protection, healing and regeneration. It helps us to connect with the power of the sun. There is lots of research proving that this delicately scented plant relaxes the gastrointestinal tract, calms the mind and emotions and heals and regenerates the skin. It’s great for diaper rash, eczema and psoriasis. Chamomile’s potent essential oil can be blended into effective lotions, salves and bath oils. The scent is profoundly relaxing. Although chamomile essential oil is very expensive, you only need a few drops in a bath, lotion or oil to experience the benefits. Dried chamomile flower is generally inexpensive and has many, many uses. Pleasant-tasting chamomile tea is a proven remedy for tummy aches, insomnia and relaxation. It’s a must for the natural apothecary. Two teaspoons of this herb to one cup of water makes a wonderful, calming beverage. It’s very easy to make a lovely infused oil from one half ounce of the fresh chamomile flowers and one-half pint olive oil. Apply gentle heat to the brew. Some herbalists put it in a sunny window for four days, other use a crock-pot on it’s lowest setting for three to five hours. I infuse the mixture in a covered casserole dish in the oven at 150 degrees for 4 - 6 hours. Strain the mixture with cheesecloth and store in a dark glass container. Try this oil for bathing and massage. You will love it! Discover the wonderful healing power of chamomile.

Get good juju and explore the traditional herbs of summer. Teas, baths, charms, potpourris, amulets and festive decorations can be fun to use and are good for your health.

Karen Stokes, RN Herbalist is a member of the American Botanical Council and the Michigan Holistic Nurses Association. (248) 515-9863, email karen.stokes@yahoo.com.