6 Soothing Herbs for Summer

It’s summertime! Time to soak in the sun, breathe in the fresh air and explore the great outdoors. But with all of that exposure, we are also more vulnerable to sunburns, skin rashes, cuts, bruises and insect bites. Try these natural remedies to help relieve the discomfort of summer irritations.

Calendula flower, aka Marigold flower, (Calendula officinalis)

Calendula flower is a member of the daisy family. It is a powerful anti-inflammatory and antibacterial for cuts and scrapes and helps to stimulate new tissue growth. Also known as pot marigold, Calendula has been used in compounds, oils, creams, and tinctures to treat minor skin problems.  A strong antiseptic and astringent with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, Calendula has been used to relieve the symptoms of rashes, minor burns, acne, eczema, skin inflammation and conjunctivitis. 

Arnica Flower (Arnica montana) 

Arnica Flower contains sesquiterpene lactones, flavonoids, carbonic acid, coumarins and volatile oils, all of which are beneficial for the skin. A sesquiterpene lactone, called helenalin, is the main restorative compound in Arnica, which helps soothe and renew the skin after exposure to stress. In the hands of natural beauty buffs, Arnica flower tinctures are becoming something of a medicine cabinet and vanity must have. The herb clears up acne, bruises and other skin irritations. Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects benefit those with inflammatory skin disorders.

This herb is traditionally used as a topical treatment for burns, bruises, eczema and chapped lips. Arnica should not be applied to an open wound, as it could cause painful irritation. Arnica in ointments can significantly improve frost bites, as long as there are no open wounds. Medications from this plant are often thought of as preferential treatments for leg ulcers in diabetic patients. 

Arnica flower remedies have been used to help minimize the effects of tissue trauma and to assist the healing process. It is even believed to prevent bruising by stimulating the white blood cells and dispersing trapped blood and fluid from the site of the injury. The flower extract is known for its ability to speed the healing of tissues by improving blood circulation and helping the oxygen to get to the cells quicker.

This herb is a suitable remedy for the treatment of all injuries resulting from impact, falls, stabs and cuts. Used topically, it is touted as an excellent way to speed up the healing of bruises and sprain, and it is used as an alternative treatment for sports-related injuries. Arnica is useful for bruises, sprains, muscle aches, contusions, acne, superficial phlebitis, rheumatic pain, inflammation from insect bites and swelling due to fractures. 

Cayenne Pepper (Capsicum minimum) 

Cayenne Pepper can stop the bleeding, and quick, when for a minor cut or wound. It will also equalize blood pressure to keep the pressure surrounding the hemorrhage area and allow the wound to clot naturally.

Cayenne Pepper, has been used to ease digestive problems such as stress-related gastritis, stomach distress, gas, and diarrhea. It is also useful for treating tooth pain, alcoholism, muscle spasms and as a nail-biting deterrent when used externally. And can be used for migraines and stress-related headaches. and to help reduce excess cholesterol. Cayenne tinctures have been shown to reduce blood sugar levels, LDL cholesterol levels, and may be beneficial for weight loss.

Cinnamon Bark (Cinnamomum cassia)

Chlorella (Chlorella pyrenoidosa)

Chlorella is one of my favorite summer formulas. Chlorophyll, the green pigment in plants, plays a vital role in their symbiotic relationship with the sun, acting as a radiant receptor that absorbs solar energy and aids in photosynthesis. It also offers amazing benefits for our bodies, providing nutrients, detox support, aiding digestion, boosting energy, and promoting vitality. Add peppermint tincture and chlorella to your daily water and feel cool and refreshed on hot days. Just add a couple doses to your water bottle feel energetic all day.

Jewelweed (Impatiens pallida)

Jewel Weed is best known for its skin healing properties. And is the best natural remedy for poison ivy, poison oak and other skin irritants. It can even be used as a preventative for Poison Oak and Poison Ivy irritations. 

Jewel Weed also called Touch Me Nots or impatiens, Poultices and salves from Jewel Weed have long been a folk remedy for bruises, burns, cuts, eczema, insect bites, sores, sprains, warts, and ringworm, best known known for its skin healing properties.

Jewel Weed works by counter-reacting with the chemicals in other plants that cause irritation. In clinical studies, it has been shown to be every bit as effective as cortisone-based creams for treatment of rashes from poisonous plants.

Topical application of Jewel Weed liquid herbal extract not only cures the discomfort of these types of poisoning, it also prevents the reaction if you rub it on your skin before venturing into the plants habitat. You may also use it rub on the handles of tools that have been or will be used in areas where poisonous plants grow.  

A study showed Jewel Weed to have potent anti-fungal properties and is useful as a treatment for athlete’s foot, ringworm and dandruff.   Not for consumption though, Jewel Weed has a foul taste and is a diuretic which could be dangerous for some people. The plant is safest and most effective only when used as an external wash, in a poultice or salve.

Clove Bud (Caryophyllus aromaticus

Clove Bud reduces pain and disinfects wounds. Cloves and clove oil have been used for centuries to treat toothaches. Cloves are useful against fungi and bacteria, thus supporting its traditional use as a treatment for fungal skin infections such as tinea versicolor, a common fungal skin infection caused by an overgrowth of yeast, athlete’s foot, diarrhea, food poisoning and other infectious conditions. 

Used externally, Clove is considered by some to be one of the most powerful germicidal agents in the herbal kingdom. It carries antiseptic, antibacterial properties which may help in the treatment of diarrhea and food poisoning. The germicidal properties of Cloves is capable of killing many types of bacteria, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, shigella (all species), streptococci, staphylococci, as well as, pneumococci bacteria, all of which may be involved in food poisoning.

The eugenol contained in Clove said to be fine antiparasitic, and its antimicrobial properties destroy intestinal parasites, such as flatworms, roundworms, and other parasites as well as their eggs. Clove is effective in fighting bacteria, fungi and even skin mites (scabies), athlete’s foot and other fungal infections. It is often recommended for skin care for acne and has been used for insect bites and stings as well as for insect repellent, and due to these antiseptic properties, it is useful for wounds, cuts, prickly heat and bruises.

Summer is upon us, so it is a good time to make small adjustments to your daily routine. For a burst of energy and relief from seasonal allergies and maladies, let these botanical wonders add a little brightness to your summer days. Stock your Medicine Chest naturally, as you prepare for an active and carefree summer.