Fire: The Element of Summer & A Few Favorite Herbs

Summer Solstice has come and gone (June 20/21) and it feels to me like the solstice passed through, delivering peak summertime energy and aliveness. My garden has taken off in the last couple weeks and the daily harvests of Calendula and Raspberries (and soon Chamomile) have begun. I wander through my garden beds, the woods, along the water, and through prairies, my hands gently grazing the plants in appreciation and admiration.

The long, hot and humid days of summer come with an abundance that is undeniable.

During this season, just as the plants are abounding, so are we (hopefully). This season is a time of busyness and growth.. The very energy so many of us awaited through the cold winter months has fully arrived!

Summer, in Traditional Chinese Medicine, is associated with the element of Fire, the emotion Joy, the Bitter taste, and the Heart - all encompassed with an expansive, outward energy.

(Although I am not traditionally trained in TCM, the basic elements of the practice are incredibly valuable as they align with nature and the seasons.)

When the element of Fire is in balance, we find ourselves living with a gentle sense of joy, a calm mind, and sleeping soundly. When out of balance however, we may find ourselves struggling with our emotions (depression, irritability/agitation, and/or mania), unable to sleep, having difficult digestive symptoms (heartburn, loose stools, etc., or experiencing various heart symptoms (palpitations, as an example).

Enjoying all that summer has to offer doesn’t have to burn us out. As someone who finds herself often pondering and talking about tending to one’s heart, summer is a great time to do so.

A few tips on tending to one’s heart & fire amidst the summer heat:

1. Hydrate. Cool or room temperature water (versus ice cold) is going to be best. Add some fruit, a pinch of good quality sea salt (Celtic is a great choice), or some cooling/hydrating herbs. Chilled herbal tea is also a great choice (I’ll share a few favorites below).

   
   

2. Enjoy the abundance of cooling and hydrating fruits and vegetables! Nearly all of the produce in season is perfect for helping us amidst the summer heat: berries, melons, citrus, peaches, zucchini, cucumbers, cabbage/Brussels sprouts, lettuce, radishes, etc.

   
   

3. Rise early, retire a bit later, and rest midday.

   
   

4. Refrain from doing intense activity during the midday when the sun and heat is most intense (about 11am until 2pm).

   
   

5. Work with an herbalist 😉or another trusted practitioner if you are needing some support and guidance in finding balance and flow within your system once again.

A few of my favorite herbs to make summertime teas with:

• Lemon Balm: brewed tea or sun tea: bright and sunny herb that helps uplift the spirit and calm the heart. It is known to have a slight tonic-like effect on the heart and can help to cool excess heat.

  
  

• Tulsi: brewed tea or sun tea: an “adaptogen”-like herb that supports us through busy/stressful times. Gently restorative as it supports balanced cortisol and blood sugar levels while being supportive of the circulatory and immune systems.

  
  

• Citrus: make your own lime or lemonade with raw, local honey or simply add a slice to your water. Refreshing and known to be supportive of the cardiovascular system.

  
  

• Mints: brewed tea or sun tea: supportive of digestion and has a cooling effect.

  
  

• Hibiscus: brewed tea or sun tea: bright, tangy and slightly sour tea that is supportive of helping cool the body.

  
  

• Marshmallow Root (cool long infusion): the mucilage of this root helps soothe and hydrate hot and dry tissues. Infuse the roots in water on your counter overnight then add into other teas throughout the day for added hydration.

  
  

• Linden Blossoms: brewed tea or long infusion: a flower that blooms at peak summer is here to support us through the heat with its cooling and moistening qualities. Linden has a likeness for the heart, nervous system, and digestive system.

So many of these herbs can be combined to make a delicious tea! I hope you will gather a few of the ones that speak to you most and brew up a summertime beverage to sip on ☀️

~ Kara