About the Sweet Summer Solstice Herbal Blend

This blend was created for Peachtree Catering's Sunday Supper to celebrate the summer solstice in June 2018 as a renewing & strengthening blend of herbs to help one honor & celebrate the past while welcoming the present. It can be made into tea, used as a bath soak, smoked/vaporized, or used aromatically by tying onto car or home vents, placed in drawers or pillows, or burned as incense. 

Mullein: 

Mullein has been used throughout history to soothe the respiratory system as a common folk remedy for coughs, colds, bronchitis, and asthma. Historically, dried mullein leaves were smoked for respiratory issues. Although smoking is no longer encouraged due to the combustion of plant material that can produce harmful toxins, brewing the leaves as tea is a common way to get the benefits of this herb. (Johnson, 2014)

Role in the Summer Solstice Blend: Mullein is strengthening and can help us breathe more easily, helping keep us in the present moment. 

Terpenes: unknown

Nutrients: calcium, magnesium, Vitamins A + C

Properties: anti-inflammatory, astringent, demulcent, expectorant, sedative
Supports: respiratory health, inflammation

Safety: Do not use while pregnant/breastfeeding, never use mullein seeds as they are toxic 

Lavender:

Lavender has been used throughout history as an antiseptic and perfume, including by the Ancient Egyptians in their mummifying process (The Practical Herbalist). It's known for its ability to calm the nervous system and reduce stress, which can also be useful for sleep. 

Role in the Summer Solstice Blend: Lavender can help us relax us and keep us calm while reflecting on and processing the past so that we may more easily release it and move into our future. 

Terpenes: linalool, limonene
Nutrients: calcium, iron

Properties: analgesic, antibacterial, antidepressant, antispasmodic
Supports: nervous system, digestion, circulatory system

Safety: Do not use while pregnant/breastfeeding, do not take with sleeping pills, blood thinners, seizure drugs, anti-depressants, cholesterol-lowering drugs

Orange Peel:

In Chinese culture, oranges are symbolic of wealth, prosperity and happiness and is used to decorate homes to welcome good fortune. (E Lune Blue) Orange peels have also been known to boost the immune system and fight inflammation.

Role in the Summer Solstice Blend: Orange peels are meant to awaken and energize the spirit and attract happiness and abundance. 

Terpenes: limonene
Nutrients: Vitamin C, calcium, magnesium

Supports: immune system

Safety: Consult with a healthcare professional before using while pregnant/breastfeeding

Fennel:

With a sweet licorice flavor, fennel has been used across various cultures to protect and purify (Alchemy Works). It has been known to aid in digestion and relieve bloating, gas, diarrhea, upset stomachs, as well as ease cramping, coughs and colds, and colic. 

Role in the Summer Solstice Blend: Fennel is present to help sweeten the blend, cleanse us of negative energies and protect us as we move forward into this new season of our lives. 

Terpenes: limonene, pinene
Nutrients: manganese, calcium, iron, copper

Supports: digestion

Safety: Consult with a healthcare professional before using while pregnant/breastfeeding, beware if you have allergies to plants such as carrot, celery, or mugwort. 

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The efficacy of these products have not been confirmed by FDA-approved research. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. All information presented here is not meant as a substitute for or alternative to information from health care practitioners. Please consult your health care professional about potential interactions or other possible complications before using any product. See below for a list of resources for these uses. 

Opportunities for Cannabinoid Infusion

If you'd like to enhance this herbal blend with cannabinoids, consider substituting some or all of the base herb, mullein, in this recipe with a hemp or marijuana flower. We always recommend starting low and going slow when introducing cannabinoids; click here to learn more about dosing) and be sure to read our CBD Safety article and talk to your doctor before incorporating new cannabinoids into your routine.

How to add cannabinoids to your Herbal Blend

• Substitute some or all of this blend's base herb, mullein, with a hemp or marijuana flower. We are currently searching for a CBD flower to certify and add to our shop, please reach out if you recommend someone!
• If you plan to use this herbal blend as a tea or bath soak, remember to add milk or another fatty substance. Cannabinoids are lipid soluble, meaning cannabis flower must be combined with a fat in order to be properly infused and then delivered to the body. 

Click here to learn the complete formula for crafting your own herbal smoking blends at home! 

Ways to Use your Herbal Blend

• Sip: Pour 1 c. boiling water over tea bag, allow to steep 4 minutes, stir in 1 tsp. honey & enjoy
• Soak: Mix with 1 c. powdered milk, 1/4 c. epsom salts, 1/8 c. baking soda, 2 tsp. coconut oil, 1 tsp. honey and add to hot bath — or just throw the bag in on its own! 
• Sniff: Tie to a car or home air vent, put in your pillowcase or drawers, burn as incense
• Smoke/Vaporize: When smoking, use a hemp wick + filtered water pipe or bubbler to reduce harmful toxins. Learn more here 

Vaporizing Temperatures

The thing about vaporizing is that every herb combusts at a different temperature, so it can be tricky to figure out what temperature to vaporize your blend at. Below is a list the combustion temperature of each herb so that you can experiment with vaporization temperatures and find what feels best for you. 

References

• Aemetri, and Selenophile. “The Fruit of Joy: Orange Magical Properties and Uses -- Magical Herbs.” Elune Blue, 2 Mar. 2018, eluneblue.com/orange-magical-properties/.

• Harry. “Fennel Seeds from Alchemy Works for Magick Herbs and Pagan Gardens.”Fennel Seeds, Organic, from Alchemy Works - Herbs for Witchcraft and Magick, www.alchemy-works.com/foeniculum_vulgare.html.

• Hunter, Candace. “Lavender - Myth and Magic.” The Practical Herbalist, 2 June 2015, www.thepracticalherbalist.com/holistic-medicine-library/lavender-love-inducing-protector/.

• Johnson, Rebecca L., et al. National Geographic Guide to Medicinal Herbs: the World's Most Effective Healing Plants. National Geographic, 2014.