Embracing the Magic of the Summer Solstice in Your Herb Garden

By Caroline Anderson June 19, 2023 18 mins read 81 Views

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For now, love yourself and enjoy this one ...

Summer solstice marks a time of bursting with energy, when light and warmth are at the peak. The celestial dance between light and dark held great significance for our ancestors. This was a season of thanksgiving and celebration for the coming harvests. It was also a period to play and relax. Some cultures still celebrate by lighting fires to symbolize the power of the sun. Many communities also gather together to sing, dance and enjoy the bounty of the season.

Folklore says that the summer solstice marks a time when the veil between the world of humans and the world of faeries becomes increasingly thin. On the eve of the summer solstice, it is said you can catch a glimpse at these ethereal creatures, frolicking in the woodlands and meadows. Their presence invokes awe and wonder. Shakespeare writes in A Midsummer Night's Dream: "I know a bank, covered with honeysuckle, oxlips, and violets. It is also dotted with sweet-smelling ramblers, wild roses, and luscious thyme." Titania often sleeps in the flower-filled meadow after dancing.

This phrase captures the magic of our herb gardens. Immerse yourself into the harmony of your garden. It is an oasis created by your own hands. In a lush and intelligent sanctuary, among a symphony colors, textures, and scents, the wisdom of the centuries is interwoven with the wonders that nature has to offer. Mother Earth has bestowed on us each leaf, stem and flower as a treasure.

You feel a sense of inspiration and peace as you walk through your garden. You've created a place where you can connect to the mystical and practical energy of the earth. Your dreams and reality will dance together in harmony. This garden is a portal to a magical world of herbs, spices, and flowers. From the soothing whispers and calming embrace of lavender, to the invigorating embrace and fiery leaves and petals of tulsi-basil, to the delicate petals and scent of heirlooms roses.

This is a great time to infuse the magic energy into our herb gardens. Imagine ancient voices whispering into your ear and guiding your hands. Fill your heart with ancestral knowledge. Grab your favorite journal and let's explore some questions together, using all of your senses. Answer only the questions that speak to you. Let's create a stronger connection to the natural world inside.

Remember the reasons for choosing the herbs in your garden. What attracted you to them? What are their unique virtues and qualities that enhance the tapestry in your sanctuary?
Reflect on your intentions during the planting phase. Has the energy and growth of your garden reflected those intentions?
Watch the complex interplay of your garden. The dance of life is unfolding in front your eyes. What interactions between plants or creatures capture your attention? What does this say about the harmony and interconnectedness of all life in your garden?
Consider the healing qualities of the aromas and scents that you use in your garden. What has the aroma of these herbs done for your health?
Consider how your herb's growth mirrors your own personal growth. How have you benefited from their presence and glowed? You may have noticed parallels in their personal journey with your own.
Consider your role as a caretaker of these plants and a guardian for their growth. What does it feel like to care for them? How do you feel when you nurture these herbs? What are the ways in which they heal your body, mind and spirit?
How has this process transformed your relationship with nature? What has this experience done to deepen your understanding of nature's inherent magic?

Summer solstice for me is a magical moment, one of reflection and celebration. The day should serve as a constant reminder of all the beauty around us, of the dance of life we're all part of. May your herb garden be a testimony to the power of nature and ancient wisdom, and of the magic in your heart.

Photo Credits : All photos are courtesy of their author.

Beth Schreibman Gehring loves all things beautiful, magical, fragrant, green, delicious and growing. She is also a lifestyle blog, storyteller and an occasional wedding and event planner. Beth uses a constantly changing seasonal palette of food, love and life to help her clients and readers fall in love with their own lives. Beth lives with Jim, her 40-year-old husband, and has 17 sets of vintage plates, hundreds of books and a collection of animals, including two cats, a dog, an old horse, a garden of fruit, vegetables and rambling roses. She also owns too many vintage perfume bottles and will soon have a flock heirloom chicks. She has written The Senses, Make Everyday a Candles and Wine Day, and is working on A Garden of Roses for Beauty Flavor and Fragrance. Join her in her gardens at https://bethschreibmangehring.substack.com/, or contact her at [email protected].

By: The Herb Society of America
Title: Embracing the Magic of the Summer Solstice in Your Herb Garden
Sourced From: herbsocietyblog.wordpress.com/2023/06/19/embracing-the-magic-of-the-summer-solstice-in-your-herb-garden/
Published Date: Mon, 19 Jun 2023 09:00:00 +0000

Frequently Asked Questions

What spice is good for inflammation?

Turmeric is one spice that can be beneficial for reducing inflammation. It contains the active ingredient curcumin, which has been studied extensively and shown to have anti-inflammatory effects on the body. Other spices like ginger, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, garlic, and cardamom may also reduce inflammation in the body. Adding these spices to your diet can help reduce inflammation and promote overall health.

Another spice that can be used to reduce inflammation is black pepper. The active ingredient in black pepper, piperine, has been studied and found to have anti-inflammatory properties. It may also help reduce pain associated with inflammation. Additionally, the spice contains antioxidants which are beneficial for overall health.

Adding black pepper to your diet may help reduce inflammation and promote overall health. Be sure to talk with your doctor before adding any spice to your diet, as some spices may interact with your medications or supplements. Eating various healthy foods, including spices with anti-inflammatory benefits, can help keep your body balanced and reduce the risk of chronic inflammation-related illnesses.

In summary, adding spices to your diet can be beneficial for reducing inflammation and promoting overall health. Spices like turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, garlic, cardamom, and black pepper have all been studied for their potential anti-inflammatory effects.

What herb heals all wounds?

The answer to this question varies depending on the type and severity of the wound.

The herb comfrey (also known as knitbone) has long been used for its healing properties, particularly for skin injuries such as cuts and bruises.

Studies suggest that comfrey contains allantoin, which helps speed up healing. Other herbs commonly used for healing wounds include calendula, plantain, and yarrow. These herbs help to reduce inflammation, stop bleeding and speed up the skin's healing process.

In addition to herbs, honey has also been found to have powerful antimicrobial properties that can help prevent wound infection.

Herbs for wound care is an age-old practice that continues to be used today. However, herbs should not replace medical treatment, and always consult your doctor before using herbs for healing. With the right herbs, you can give your body the support it needs to heal naturally.

What are the disadvantages of using herbs?

Herbs are a great way to keep your body healthy because they contain vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, enzymes, amino acids, phytonutrients, polyphenols, flavonoids, terpenes, essential oils, carotenoids, sterols, and sterolins. Some even contain cannabinoids.

But there are also lots of side effects associated with herbal remedies. For example, taking too much herb could cause liver damage or even death. Herbal supplements may interact with prescription drugs, which means that they might affect how well the drug works.

Some herbs can interfere with blood clotting, while others may increase bleeding when taken with anticoagulants (blood thinners).

There are also safety concerns for pregnant women and children.

The bottom line is that herbs aren't safe for everyone. If you're considering trying them out, do your homework. Look up each product's side effects and warnings and read reviews online.

What are the side effects of basil?

Basil is an herb that originated in tropical regions of India, Africa, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, Argentina, and Chile.

The plant is easy to grow in most climates and requires little maintenance. Basil also thrives in poor soil conditions and is very drought tolerant.

As for the health benefits, more than 200 known compounds are found in basil, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, lignans, polysaccharides, essential oils, vitamins, and minerals.

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, basil contains powerful anti-inflammatory properties which may help relieve symptoms associated with arthritis, asthma, allergies, bronchitis, cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, digestive disorders, depression, eczema, insomnia, infections, migraines, osteoporosis, psoriasis, respiratory problems, stress, and ulcers.

Basil is also a culinary spice and is often added to tomato sauces, soups, salads, pasta dishes, rice dishes, dips, casseroles, pizza toppings, pesto, chicken wings, and popcorn.

However, like all herbs, basil should be consumed in moderation. Too much of anything is not good for you. For example, eating large amounts of basil could lead to stomach upset. And if you have sensitive tummies, avoid consuming basil during pregnancy.

If you are pregnant or nursing, consult your doctor before taking herbal supplements.

You should only take one type of supplement at a time. If you take other medications, make sure they do not interact with each other.

You should never use herbs while on medication unless directed by your doctor.

Some people experience allergic reactions when using herbs, especially those allergic to ragweed. Symptoms include hives, swelling around the mouth or eyes, shortness of breath, chest tightness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, dizziness, fainting, heart palpitations, blurred vision, loss of consciousness, seizures, or even death.

Some people who take certain medications may develop an allergy to basil. These drugs include:

Antacids (like Alka Seltzer)
Anti-anxiety medicines (Valium, Xanax, Ativan, etc.)
Beta-blockers (like Propranolol)
Blood thinners (like Coumadin)
Calcium channel blockers (like Amlodipine)
Cholesterol-lowering drugs (like Lipitor, Zocor, Mevacor, and Pravachol)
Diabetes medicine (like Glucophage)
Diuretics (like Lasix)
Heartburn medicines (like Prilosec OTC)
Hormone therapy (like Premarin, Tamoxifen, Femara)
Insulin (like Humalog, Lantus, Novolin R)
NSAIDs (like Aleve, Motrin, Advil, Excedrin, Tylenol, Ibuprofen)
Oral contraceptives (like Ortho Evra, Yasmin, Loestrin, Ovrette, Yaz, and Seasonale)
Pain relievers (like Aspirin, Celebrex, Vicodin, Percodan, Darvocet, Dilaudid, Fiorinal, Tylenol 3s, Naproxen, Motrin, Tramadol, Ultram, Voltaren

Statistics

Studies have shown that cinnamon can lower fasting blood sugars by 10-29% in diabetic patients, which is a significant amount (9Trusted Source10Trusted (healthline.com)
For those with high cholesterol, garlic supplementation appears to reduce total and/or LDL cholesterol by about 10-15% (72Trusted Source73Trusted (healthline.com)

External Links

How To

How to Use Herbs and Spices in Cooking?

Herbs and spices are a great way to add flavor without adding calories. If you've been cooking for years, you already know how easy it is to make even bland foods taste delicious. Try these tips to add more flair to your dishes.

Herbs and spices are essential ingredients in any kitchen. In addition to making food taste better, they also help keep food fresh longer. From enhancing the flavors of soups and sauces to infusing drinks with exotic tastes, herbs and spices go far beyond traditional cooking.

The most important thing to remember when using herbs and spices is to use them sparingly. Even though they may seem like powerful ingredients, they have a strong scent. So, sprinkle them on top instead of piling them onto a dish.

You'll find that the best herbs and spices come in small containers. This makes them easier to measure out, so there won't be any waste. Plus, you'll save money because you won't have to buy large amounts.

Another tip is to avoid placing herbs and spices directly on hot pans. Heat will quickly dry out the herbs and spices, leaving a bitter aftertaste. Instead, place them on paper towels to absorb excess moisture.

Use herbs and spices liberally in recipes where they naturally complement each other. For example, cinnamon pairs well with apples, while garlic complements tomatoes. Once you learn how to combine flavors, you'll be able to create your signature dishes.

Try experimenting with different herbs and spices to spice up meals. For instance, mix thyme, rosemary, oregano, and basil in a bowl. Add salt and pepper to taste. Then toss the mixture with pasta, chicken, or fish.

After the meal, store leftover herbs and spices in airtight jars. This will prevent them from drying out. Also, wrap unused herbs and spices tightly in plastic wrap. They should stay fresh for at least three months.

If you're looking for ways to improve your diet, consider trying new herbs and spices. You can experiment with different blends until you discover your favorite combination. The possibilities are endless!