Fire Season | Navigating Summer with Herbal Harmonizers
In the sacred calendar I work, May, June, and July are all the months of true summer. These months are ruled by the element of Fire and bring with them all the light, energy, heat, and transformative power this element carries. As we move through the warm summer months, how can we work with our herbal allies to learn, explore, and find wellness?
First, always remember that working an elemental model of herbalism invites us to throw away the limitations of balance and call in the dynamic power of harmony. Balance is problematic because it’s hard to get, harder to maintain, easy to disturb, and taxing on the whole being. Balance, in an energetic language model, is also problematic because far too often it breeds concepts of how all people ‘should be’ in order to be balanced rather than honoring each person’s unique version of sacred center. If this concept is new to you, check out the following free video class:
Summer, as the season of expressive Fire, beings some really incredible patterns for us to experience, including:
an increase in heat due to extended sun exposure
an increase in activity due to the long, warm days and warm, comforting nights
an increase in diffusing energy as both warmth and light break through congestion and thin fluids- this can lead to the classic summer dehydration or summer heat condition of Traditional Chinese Medicine
a potent transformative energy wehreby things which have previously worked or have become the usual, status quo come into new light and can be challenged, affirmed, dissected, thrown out, or changed
a metabolic energy where stored energies are used in service of things happening now
a rise in fiery emotions like anger and resentment
As the fire energy rises, we need to tend to the inner cool, moist energies of the body to harmonize with the heat- this is especially true for folks who run constitutionally or temperamentally fiery.
Consider the following example plants and how they can help us navigate and experience fire without quelling or repelling it- the goal is to flow with life in a way that doesn’t push us out of our version of sacred center.
DEMULCENTS
Fire raises heat and will eventually evaporate or disperse vital fluids leaving us dry, dehydrated, and atrophied. Demulcent herbs like Marshmallow Root, Licorice Root. Linden, Horehound, Chia, Aloe, and Violet Leaf can all help to preserve the vital fluids of the body by coating tissues, storing extra moisture, and hydrting body systems.
REFRIGERANTS
These herbs bring a cooling energy to the body, either by directly influencing core temperature or by allowing the body in releasing excess heat. Hibiscus is a more directly cooling herb, while Catnip and Sage bring cooling diaphoresis to help relax the exterior of the body, open the pores, vent excess heat, and purge excess fire via sweating.
NOURISHING HERBS & BLOOD BUILDERS
With all the heat, potential for dryness, and added waking hours and activity, it’s a good idea to consider nourishing herbs to help empower the body during the Fire season of summer. Sweet herbs like Astragalus Root, Dates, Goji Berries, Oatstraw, and Hawthorn Berries can all nourish and build blood. Red Clover Blossom is also a cool alternative to more heating tonic herbs like Nettles.
ADAPTOGENS
It’s always a good idea to consider adaptogenic herbs, in fact, I insist that everyone I work with in the clinic is working with some kind of adaptogenic support. These special herbs help protect us from the damaging effects of everyday stress, no matter where it comes from, and can support us in resilience, recovery, cognitive function, immunity, and spiritual connection. During summer, especially if you run hot, you may want to consider adaptogens that nourish your vital fluids and have a more cooling, earthy energy. Some of my favorites include Shatavari Root, Shisandrs Berry, Jiaogulan, and Licorice Root.
If you’re intrigued by the idea of working with the four primordial elements of earth, air, fire, and water as a language to engage with the plants, I invite you to enjoy this free 8-part video course.
Not sure which elements are most active in your constitution? Connect with me for an immersive herbal consultation!
