The longest day and shortest night of the year occurs this week in the Northern Hemisphere. This celestial event occurs between June 20 and June 22 each year. This event, known as the summer solstice, has been marked with celebrations all over the world for thousands of years. On our modern calendars this day is still declared the official start of summer.
Archeologists theorize that summer solstice celebrations have been occurring for thousands of years because there are so many ancient stone structures designed to align with sunrise or sunset on the summer solstice. Notable examples include Stonehenge in England, Chichen Itza Pyramid in Mexico, Mnajdra Temple in Malta, and the Pyramid of Khafre in Egypt. Ancient summer solstice traditions may have included feasting, celebrating the sun, harvesting herbs, lighting bonfires, singing and connecting with nature.
Many cultures have maintained some aspects of these ancient summer solstice traditions. The belief that the summer solstice is the most potent day of the year to harvest herbs and medicinal plants is one aspect of these ancient celebrations that has trickled down through the centuries and is still observed by many gardeners and herbalists today. Some herbs associated with the summer solstice are St. John’s wort, chamomile, calendula, lavender, mugwort and lemon balm. This article will dive into the associations and uses of some of these traditional summer solstice herbs.
Recently, many people have developed an interest in how to live seasonally and get more in touch with nature. Noticing the natural cycles of the solstices and equinoxes is a great way to connect with the rhythms of nature where you live.
To celebrate this year’s summer solstice you could set the intention of observing the solstice sunrise or sunset without distractions. You could take a walk in your neighborhood and note how the longest day of the year affects the plants and animals of your area. Or you could harvest some seasonal herbs from your garden (or buy them from the grocery store!) and make an herbaceous meal or drink for yourself. Many of the offerings from The Republic of Tea® contain the herbs associated with this time of year. Check out the sections below to learn more about what herbal allies from The Republic of Tea would make a lovely addition to your summer solstice.
Chamomile
Chamomile is a cherished herbal ally here at The Republic of Tea. It is commonly used as a natural remedy for anxiety, stress, and insomnia.* Chamomile blooms in the summer and its cheery yellow centered flowers resemble the sun, which may be why it has been historically associated with the summer solstice. This flower is perfect to include in your cup of tea as you unwind before bed at the end of the longest day of the year. Popular The Republic of Tea chamomile varieties include the Beautifying Botanicals® Beauty Sleep Herbal Tea and the Chamomile Lemon Herbal Full-Leaf Tea.
St. John’s Wort
St. John's wort is an herbal ally linked with the summer solstice due to its association with the sun, its availability during the season, and its uplifting properties.* There is a beautiful ancient Greek belief that the St. John’s wort plant pulls in and stores the sun’s vitality. Then, when humans consume the plant it passes on the sun’s radiance to them and banishes darkness from their spirit. What a lovely way to visualize the impact of this herb. The Republic of Tea’s Get Happy® - No. 13 Tea for Lifting Your Spirits features St. John’s wort. The next time you enjoy your Get Happy tea sip by sip, perhaps you will imagine the St. John’s wort in the tea infusing the sun’s radiance and vitality into your system.
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm is another herbal ally often used during the summer solstice. This powerful herb is believed to help reduce stress and anxiety, promote sleep, fight viruses, improve cognitive function and ease indigestion symptoms.* Lemon balm also smells absolutely divine. You might be surprised how much citrus scent and flavor this herb can impart even though it is not related to the lemon fruit at all. Lemon balm is actually a member of the mint family. This herb makes for a delightfully multisensory tea drinking experience due to its fragrance and beautiful light green color when steeped. Try or our SuperAdapt™ Clarity and Calm® Tea or our Beautifying Botanicals® Beauty Brain® Herbal Tea to connect with lemon balm this summer solstice.
*This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
