SUMMER
Community Supported Medicine
Summer Herbal Medicine Share
This summer, think refresh, relax, and re-balance. As the sun shines higher, the temperatures get hotter, and schedules get busier, burnout can creep in. Like the plants, we are flourishing in the longer, sunnier days. However, stressors like lack of rain, pressure from pests, and too many weeds can begin to choke out even the strongest of plants. Plant and human bodies alike need proper care in order to bloom and live life to the fullest.
Give some “summer lovin’” to your body this season. We can help our bodies refresh on those hot summer days by working with plants that have “cooling” energetics, and plants that protect the skin. Busy bodies sometimes need a little extra help to relax and unwind, and for this, we look to support the nervous system. Lastly, as we move through a year with season-specific challenges (looking at you, wildfire smoke), we can work to restore balance to our respiratory and immune systems as they work ‘round the clock keeping our bodies healthy. Our hope is that all products included in the summer share will help you achieve these goals. We suggest finding a designated place for your herbal medicine products as you start to grow your own home apothecary.
Enjoy in good health!
Lemon Verbena Hydrosol 2oz.
STEAM DISTILLED FLORAL WATER
Lemon Verbena (Aloysia citrodora)*, Distilled Water
*Organic
Hydrosols have many uses for home and beauty.
These floral/ herbal waters are produced by steam-distilling botanical material. They have similar properties to essential oils, but are much less concentrated.
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Lemon Verbena Hydrosol is a refreshing botanical water that imparts a light citrus scent with notes of fresh greenery. It is supportive of a relaxing state of mind and makes a great addition to homemade cleaning recipes.
With a mellow citrus profile, this hydrosol is a unique and pleasant addition to any skin care regimen. It is great for normal and combination skin but may be used by anyone as a balancing and revitalizing toner. Lemon Verbena Hydrosol can be used from head to toe, and it makes a wonderful after shower mist to support skin health.
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This hydrosol is known to be emotionally calming. It is thought to help build confidence. Generously mist your house for a fresh and uplifting scent. This hydrosol also pairs well with citrus essential oils, especially lemon, for use in homemade cleaning recipes.
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SUGGESTED USE Hydrosols should be kept in a cool, dark place. Refrigeration is recommended if you are not going to use your hydrosol quickly. Avoid spraying directly onto fabrics, as chamomile hydrosol is blue!
This product has not been evaluated by the FDA and does not intend to treat, cure or prevent disease.
Tranquilitea 1.5oz.
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Milky Oats*, Holy Basil*, Chamomile*, Lemon Balm*,
Skullcap*, California Poppy*, Passionflower*
*Organic
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This blend of herbs is perfect for a cup of tea before bed, or anytime when stress is taking its toll. Tranquilitea is not only a showcase of the flavors of summer, but it’s also a soothing blend for frazzled nerves.
It’s easy to overlook common herbs like Lemon Balm. But never underestimate its place in the pantry, medicine cabinet, or garden! Melissa officinalis works wonders in the areas of stress and anxiety relief. Likewise, it can help contribute to a good night’s sleep. Lemon Balm is also a member of the mint family, which means it can help alleviate minor digestive issues like gas, and bloating. Lemon Balm in our zone is a hardy perennial that likes to spread over time. We encourage anyone interested in gardening to give growing Lemon Balm a try! Fresh tea of Lemon Balm in the summer is very refreshing, and the flowers provide nectar for bees and other pollinators.
Chamomile is very recognizable in the spring and summer months. Its cheerful flowers resemble daisies - telling, since it’s a member of the same family, Asteraceae. It’s a mild sedative and nervine, meaning that, like Lemon Balm, it helps promote a restful night’s sleep and works on relaxing the nervous system.
Holy Basil, perhaps the most flavorful herb in this tea, is considered an adaptogenic herb, meaning it helps to regulate different systems of the body in times of stress. It brings balance where there is imbalance, and lends a unique, spicy flavor profile. Holy Basil, also known as Tulsi, is native to India, and is often used in the traditional Ayurvedic medicine practice.
The remaining herbs in Tranquilitea are all nervine herbs, and help to further relieve stress, anxiety, and restlessness.
SUGGESTED USE
Infuse one tablespoon of herbs per cup of boiled water. Cover with a lid for 15 minutes. Strain and drink daily.
This product has not been evaluated by the FDA and does not intend to treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Ashwaganda Tincture 2oz.
Ashwagandha Root*, Grain Alcohol, Distilled Water
*Organic
Ashwagandha is a wonderful adaptogenic herb, meaning that it can bring balance to imbalance in many systems of the body. It has been an herbal ally for thousands of years in the Ayruedic tradition of India. It is also useful for relieving stress, adrenal exhaustion, and fatigue.
Ashwagandha has been used to help restore and regulate hormonal function, boost energy, vitality, and concentration. Ashwagandha is Sanskrit for ‘the smell of a horse’, which refers to both its unique smell and ability to increase strength. Its botanical name is Withania somnifera, and it’s also referred to as Indian Ginseng, similar to the revered Chinese Ginseng.
The Ashwagandha plant is a small shrub with yellow flowers native to India and North Africa. It typically grows as a perennial in its native habitat, but grows as an annual in our region. We plant it in the early spring and wait until late fall to unearth its impressive roots which sometimes reach several feet in length!
Suggested use:
Adult dosage: 30 drops diluted in water, 3x daily when needed. Store away from heat and light
This product has not been evaluated by the FDA and does not intend to treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Respiratory Aid 2oz.
Hyssop*, Mullein*, Nettle*, Ground Ivy*, Echinacea*, Grain Alcohol, Distilled Water
*Organic
Whether its poor air quality, a pandemic-scale virus, allergies, or seasonal colds, our respiratory system is always working overtime to keep us healthy. The herbs in this formula are known to support the respiratory tract, from the sinuses and throat to the lungs. The impurities we breathe in can also find their way into the bloodstream, and make us sick. For this, we included herbs to help clean the blood and stimulate the immune system.
Hyssop is an aromatic woody perennial originating from the Mediterranean. It has small purple flowers, dark green leaves, and is known for being both a mild expectorant (meaning it can help to clear excess mucus from the airways), and an antiviral. It is a member of the mint family, and has historically been used as a cleansing herb.
Ground Ivy, a commonly overlooked spring/ summer “weed”, has many common names like gill over the ground, creeping charlie, catsfoot, and alehoof. Although it is considered an invasive plant, it offers some awesome medicinal properties, and is often used for mild respiratory issues like coughs. It grows like a carpet on the woods edge and has a unique scent, and is also a member of the mint family.
Mullein, yet another common meadow “weed”, is easy to identify and shares many medicinal benefits with us. It has fuzzy, sage green leaves and is a biennial plant. During its first year, leaf growth is low to the ground, fanning out in a rosette pattern. During the second year of growth, Mullein’s stalk can reach as tall as 10 feet high, with lots of yellow flowers. We harvest the leaves for their lung-soothing properties, which calm irritation or inflammation. Mullein can work well for treating upper respiratory infections, coughs, and sore throat.
Nettle, or stinging nettle, is a nutritive spring tonic herb and blood cleanser. It is known for bolstering the cleansing action of the liver and kidneys, and improving resistance to allergens including environmental pollutants, mold, and pollen.
Echinacea is an immunostimulant herb which means it can help to jump start immune activity in the body, thus supporting the body in fighting off potential infections.
SUGGESTED USE
Adult: 30 drops diluted in water, 3x daily when needed
Child: 5-15 drops diluted in water or juice, 3x daily when needed. Store in a cool dark place away from heat and light.
This product has not been evaluated by the FDA and does not intend to treat, cure, or prevent any disease
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This product has not been evaluated by the FDA and does not intend to treat, cure or prevent disease.
Calendula Oil 2oz.
Calendula*, Olive Oil*, Vitamin E Oil
*Organic
Calendula is a cheerful orange flower that vibrates brilliance in the field. It has a sweet smell and is sticky to the touch with resins. Herbalists often refer to “the doctrine of signatures” to intuitively understand how an herb can best heal. Elements like the herb’s shape, color, or habitat can imply the medicine the plant has to offer. Calendula resembles the sun, yellow and orange, circular and intensely bright. It comes as no surprise then that a popular use for it is for burns. Calendula Oil can be used everyday to keep your skin looking healthy!
This herbal oil is especially wonderful for treating sensitive skin since it is mild and soothing. Calendula has antiseptic, anti fungal, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties making it great to treat all types of skin problems. Calendula oil can prevent the formation of scar tissue. It increases collagen levels, thus making it more difficult for scar tissue to form. We like to use it after a long day out in the sun to soothe any sun burns, blisters, or bug bites.
SUGGESTED USE: Best applied after bathing, for optimal absorption. Apply externally when needed: After sun exposure, in dry weather, or to dry, chapped, or inflamed skin. Can also be helpful for soothing strained muscles, bruises, and healing scars. Safe for baby care, fungal infections, and spider/ varicose veins.
This product has not been evaluated by the FDA and does not intend to treat, cure or prevent disease.
Nourishment 1.5oz.
Nettles*, Alfalfa*, Oatstraw*, Mint*, Raspberry Leaf*
*Organic
Community herbalist Susan Weed states: “Nourishing herbs are powerhouses of protein, minerals, vitamins, and phytochemicals that counter cancer and prolong life.” The herbs found in this blend are very gentle and can be used any time to replenish the body’s nutrient store.
The addition of mint makes it the perfect cup of iced tea to cool down on a hot summer day!
Nettle, the star of the ingredients in Nourishmint, is often referred to as “nature’s pharmacy”, because it’s loaded with vitamins and minerals. Nettle helps to support the adrenal system, kidneys, blood vessels, and immune system. Its silica content builds and shines up hair, improves skin tone, and strengthens connective tissues. Nettle can also help moderate seasonal allergies. Nettle also goes by the names stinging nettle, or burn hazel, because of the tiny little hairs that cause a histamine response. Not to worry, these stinging hairs are neutralized by the drying process, and further with boiling water.
Mint is not only delicious, but a wonderful digestive aid. Its essential oils give mint that fresh, cooling scent and flavor, so make sure to cover your cup when brewing tea to keep those essential oils in there!
Raspberry leaf is one of the most respected herbs for womens’ reproductive health at all
stages of life and it is a great herbal source of vitamin C. It’s packed with protective antioxidants that help to support general good health.
Alfalfa and Oatstraw both have a soothing effect on the digestive tract. Nourishmint is a great tea for cooling off in the summer months, but also reach for it whenever your tummy is in digestion distress!
SUGGESTED USE
Infuse one tablespoon of herbs per cup of boiled water. Cover with a lid for 15 minutes. Strain and drink daily.
This product has not been evaluated by the FDA and does not intend to treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Elisabeth Weaver
The Summer Day
By Mary Oliver
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Who made the world?
Who made the swan, and the black bear?
Who made the grasshopper?
This grasshopper, I mean —
the one who has flung herself out of the grass,
the one who is eating sugar out of my hand,
who is moving her jaws back and forth instead of up and down —
who is gazing around with her enormous and complicated eyes.
Now she lifts her pale forearms and thoroughly washes her face.
Now she snaps her wings open, and floats away.
I don't know exactly what a prayer is.
I do know how to pay attention, how to fall down
into the grass, how to kneel down in the grass,
how to be idle and blessed, how to stroll through the fields,
which is what I have been doing all day.
Tell me, what else should I have done?
Doesn't everything die at last, and too soon?
Tell me, what is it you plan to do
with your one wild and precious life?
Farmer's Tips
Ashwagandha - Take in the morning
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Nourishmint- Reviving any time of day
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Respiratory Aid - Smoky, dusty days
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Lemon Verbena Hydrosol - Refresh any time
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Calendula Oil - Sun tired skin, cuts
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Tranquilitea - Night time ritual