Summer
herbalism
a materiacita medica and more
mint culture
Mentha x piperita
the first mint
air freshners were created by scattering leaves on earth floors.the scent was released as people walked on it.
uses pain - peppermint may lessen pain associated with headaches, periods, and indigestion cold + flu - menthol in peppermint thins mucus and helps break up coughs skin irritation - the herb soothes itchy skin
safety
peppermint may
cause heartburn. its essential oil is potent and shouldn't be used by kids or pregnant people.
lavender Lavandula spp.
culture
often
used in baths and oils, lavender is named for its cleansing properties.
uses insomnia + agitation - lavender oil and tea have been shown to help with restlessness skin ailments - lavender can be used to treat eczema and acne pain - preliminary studies show lavender may help decrease pain symptoms
safety
lavender shouldn't be
used by pregnant people. eating large amounts can cause indigestion.
plantain culture
Plantago spp.
european invaders brought broadleaf plantain with them and it spread so quickly it gained the name “white-man’s footsteps”
uses bites, cuts + stings plantain leaves can be used as a poultice to draw out venom eczema, sunburn + rashes - plantain leaf infused oil can heal skin irritations quickly indigestion - certain species' seed husks can be taken as fiber to aid in digestion
Mel oficin
n lemon balm culture
.
grown to attract pollinators, the herb gets its scientific name from the greek word for bees.
uses
lissa nalis
insomnia + anxiety lemon balm helps fight restless sleep the blues - lemon balm tea can lift your spirits herpes - the herb can speed healing time for herpes and reduce the risk of future outbreaks
safety pregnant people should not use lemon balm
california c Ca poppy culture
The
name “calendula” comes from the plant’s tendency to bloom at the same time in the moon’s cycle.
uses itch - calendula salve has been shown to stop itch from radiation and diaper rash cuts + wounds - calendula speeds wound healing and stops small cuts from bleeding
safety
calendula may interfere
with diabetes and blood pressure medications as well as sedatives.
Esc ca
calendula
alendula oficinalis
chscholzia alifornica
culture
in california, where it is the state flower, the poppy is considered to be both an endangered and threatened species
uses
insomnia + anxiety - related to, but containing different alkaloids than, opium poppies, california poppies help with restlessness aches - california poppy is an antispasmodic and soothes tense muscles and headaches
safety
large
doses taken internally may cause nausea.
nettle culture
Urtica diocia
nettle can be made into
cloth. unlike cotton + linen, nettle is a weed, requires less water and attracts fewer pests.
uses allergies - studies show that many people find nettle to be as or more effective than allergy medications pain - nettle is used topically to relieve sore muscles + joints exhaustion - historically, nettle tea has been used as a tonic for people dealing with anemia and fatigue
safety
nettle may
interfere with medications, including blood thinners, lithium, + diabetes drugs. touching mature nettle may cause a rash. pregnant people should avoid nettle.