Monday, June 11, 2012

Herbs Of The Sun
Harnessing Solar Energy

June 11th  2012
©Anne Calzada Herbalist
The Colorado Sun is both gorgeous and withering. Living at an elevation of 8,000 ft. is both dramatic and drying. I thrive in solar energy. I am a Kapha Pisces, so that basically means I am of a watery nature both internally and externally. Therefore, the Sun for me is healing, warming and nourishing. It reduces excess water through perspiration and it uplifts my heart with its eternal optimism. Harnessing that energy through dark times whether of Nature or Emotion is of valuable medicine to know. Herbs of the Sun have the ability to do this. They are brave, uplifting and comforting. They are Solar warriors bringing forth the light into an otherwise under lit territory whether that is emotional or physical or merely circumstantial. Plants help......and they want to. Always giving Many thanks to these precious beings for their assistance and presence!
St. John's Wort
Hypericum perforatum
Hypericaceae
St. John's Wort is named after John the Baptist's beheading as when you crush the flowers between your fingers, the hypericin secretion, which gives it the red color, is reminiscent of blood. SJW comes to it's peak in June and that is when John the Baptist has been celebrated, on June 24th, when the Sun is high, right after Solstice! It has and is harvested on the Summer Solstice, which is June 21st by wise people all over the world.
Interestingly enough, it has been and is used for depression all over the world and its element is fire and its ruling planet is the Sun! A supreme nervine that is actually cooling in its energetic profile. Used internally and externally for nervous system imbalances such as depression, anxiety, shingles and  neuralgia. Repairing to the nerve endings and the mylein sheath that protects the nerves. This plant is also a potent antiviral. Being used for eradicating virus and viroids, making it useful for fever, flu, herpes, shingles, rheumatism and sciatica. Think nerve pain. Do not use this plant if you are pregnant or using MAO inhibitors. The flowers are edible.
 
Chamomile
Chamemelum nobile is Roman
Matricaria recrutita is German
Asteraceae
Both plants are used interchangeably. The word matricaria is derives from the Latin, Matrix which means "motherly". Chamomile is soothing to the body, mind and spirit. It is anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, carminative, febrifuge. Containing antibacterial properties, chamomile is helpful for indigestion and heartburn. It improves digestion by releasing bile from the liver and gall bladder. Used for anxiety, insomnia, frayed nerves or a crying soul. Children love the comforting energy of Chamomile. Make tea and pour some into the bath for a yummy treat! It makes a great eyewash, throat gargle, wound wash or hair rinse for blondes. The flowers are edible. This plant has been used in Sun honoring ceremonies.
 
Lemon Balm
Melissa officinalis
Lamiaceae
Melissa is Greek for in reference to bees loving the flowers of this plant. Officinalis means that this plant was and is officially used in pharmacopeias. Greek physician Avicenna was quoted as saying that this "herbs makes the mind and the heart to be merry". Lemon Balm is a member of the mint family. Melissa is antiviral, antibacterial, carminative, diaphoretic, febrifuge, nervine and antioxidant. It calms the heart and soothes the melancholy.  She is considered extremely safe and a great friend to children, because of her lemony taste and calming and uplifting ways. This plant is used for anxiety, depression,on. insomnia and nervous exhaustion. It helps to center, clarify and calm the mind, therefore being useful for A.D.D. , sadness and nightmares.  Lemon Balm is antiviral and is a febrifuge. This means she helps to fight the flu and lower fevers.  Being antiviral used for shingles and herpes externally and internally. Lemon Balm brings  in the Sunshine and the light into a dark soul or circumstance. It moves chi through the body, reducing stagnation and clearing heat from the body, hence its calming and uplifting ways. Removal of anger. Edible.
 
Calendula
Calendula officinalis
Asteraceae
Calendula's name comes from the Latin, "calendae" which means the first day of the month. This refers to Calendula opening daily when the Sun rises. It is Sunshine personified. Any sadness or melancholy will be helped by Calendula's embracing ways of optimism. Calendula is known for being anti-fungal , anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, astringent, antiseptic,  lymphatic etc... Calendula is very healing to the skin. It is soothing for cuts, scrapes, rashes and fungal infections. It makes a beautiful wash or rinse for your eyes, scalp, skin and your feet. Calendula makes an excellent compress. This plant is anti-viral and helps to clear congestion out of the glands. It stimulates the production of white blood cells, thus enhancing immunity. Calendula flowers are gorgeous and edible. 
 
♥ 
  Lavender
Lavendula sp.

Lamiaceae
Oh, universal Lavender. Most love this luscious scent. It is antibacterial, astringent, anti-fungal, antiseptic, carminative, aromatic, anti-inflammatory and sedative. This plant is helpful for soothing your skin and your soul. The premier 1st aide essential oil. Used for rashes, bites, cuts, scrapes and keeping bugs off of you. Any type of skin ailment can benefit from the astringent antioxidant properties of Lavender. From wrinkles to rashes!  Lavender baths
for when you need comforting and cleansing externally and internally. Used in elixirs and tea blends to  uplift the senses and soothes the nervous system. Lavender is edible and yummy!  Insomnia and depression are eased when Lavender is present. Soul soother.
Notice that the majority of these plants are members of either the Mint family or the Daisy family. Interesting! Other helpful beauties of these two families are Sunflower, Rosemary, Basil, Skullcap, Yarrow, Dandelion and so many other plant families such as the Rose! As always use your intuition and affinity to with which herb calls you to ally with it!  

Blessings to you All Ways♥

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