Your Guide To Herbs And Fruits Of Summer Pt. 3

Hello; happy hump day!

Today I am going to do the final post for herbs and fruits in summer...Enjoy!

~Peace~

Herbs And Fruits Of Summer

St. John's Wort (hypericum perforatum)

Description: Slender perennial herb with elliptical leaves and yellow flowers

Habitat: Dry grasslands in Europe and Western Asia

Part Used: Aerial

Preparations: Infusion, tincture, oil and lotion

Medicinal Action: Uplifting tonic used to treat depression, seasonal affective disorder and insomnia

Active Ingredients: Phloroglucinols, polycidic alones, tannins, flavonoids

****Safety Note: Can counteract the effects of the contraceptive pill****

Lemon Verbena (lippia citriodora)

Description: Deciduous shrub with lemon-scented foliage and clusters of soft, pink-colored flowers

Habitat: Native to the countries in South and Central America

Part Used: Leaves

Preparations: Infusion

Medicinal Action: Creates a tonic that is uplifting and energizing for the mind and body. It also acts as a calming and gentle sedative for the digestive system. And it can help to reduce trapped gas and feelings of bloatedness and relieve the discomfort that is caused by abdominal cramps and pains

Active Ingredients: Volatile oils (citral, cineole, limonene)

Borage (borago officinalis)

Description: Annual herb with large rough leaves, hairy stem and blue flowers

Habitat: Native to the Mediterranean

Part Used: Leaves, flowers and seeds

Preparations: Poultice and infusion

Medicinal Action: Decongestant for respiratory system. Regulates the menstrual cycle

Active Ingredients: Pyrrolizidine alkoloids, mucilage, saponins

****Safety Note: Before using , consult an herbalist****

Holy Basil (ocimum sanctum)

Description: Holy basil is an aromatic annual member of the mint family that contains tiny purple-red flowers

Habitat: The herb is native to regions of India but can be found in other locations that have a tropical climate

Part Used: Aerial parts when in flower

Preparations: Juice and decoction

Medicinal Actions: Protects the heart from experiencing too much stress and lowers the body's blood pressure and cholesterol levels. The juice and decoction can stabilize blood sugar levels and reduce the fever brought on by respiratory infections

Active Ingredients: Contains volatile oils such as eugenol

Daisy (bellis perennis)

Description: Hardy perennial with green leaves and golden flowers

Habitat: Native to Europe and common in grasslands

Part Used: Young flowers and leaves

Preparations: Infusion

Medicinal Action: Externally reduces swelling and bruising. Internally, spring tonic for enteritis and diarrhea

Active Ingredients: Saponins, essential oils, tannins, bitters

****Safety Note: Daisy can be toxic when taken in high doses****