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Plants We're Talking About: Rose, Yarrow, Reishi, Hibiscus, Raspberry

Updated: Jul 15

Tis' the season of abundance! Here in New England, we've moved into balmy sweet summer goodness. There are a few plants floating in my consciousness right now... and they are Rose, Yarrow, Reishi, Hibiscus and Raspberry. Each one balances what the body goes through in the northern hemisphere during summertime by cooling off excess heat, dispersing stagnancy, and instilling deep resilience during a season where we can still get sick, stressed, and burnt out. This post will dive into each herb, lightly touching upon it's benefits from the western vitalist herbal tradition perspective. Following, a balancing tea recipe will be shared!



So, lets take a dive into these plants starting with Rose (Rosa spp.), one of my top allies. It is a symbol of the heart, connecting us to others while igniting deep joy, presence, emotional and physical healing. This cooling and drying plant has capabilities that move beyond that, as it serves as a tissue tonic, tightening and bringing vitality to cells that make up a myriad of body systems. Rose works through it's aromatic and antioxidant properties. It's delicate yet rich aroma uplifts the mood, soothes tense/imbalanced muscles and tissues while calming the nervous system. It's antioxidant capability modulates immune function on a cellular level which has a trickle down effect unto the tissues that make up our vasculature. Through it's vascular toning effect it can soothe tension around the heart center, strengthen the cardiovascular system and balance muscle tone of the pelvic floor and gut.


Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is another common summer wild flower. It offers wound healing properties known to influence the external and internal parts of the body. On an energetic level it is a plant of boundaries. It is protective to the physical, emotional, and spiritual self. Yarrow, like Rose, offers a cooling and drying quality, perfect for the effects excess heat has on the body. It holds aromatic and antioxidant compounds that tone tissues, move stagnancy, and tend to wounded areas where conditions require strong anti-microbial action. Yarrow is an herb that can be applied directly to open wounds. It is considered moving and dispersive, supportive specifically for the cardiovascular system and pelvic bowl. It responds to the body's cues, either moving or halting blood flow. For example, it can support pelvic stagnation while also toning weak pelvic floor tissues.


Another herbal ally of mine is Reishi mushroom(Ganoderma spp.). This herb is useful as an adaptogen (herb that builds resilience to stress, in short) year round and is supportive in formula along with other cooling aromatic herbs. It is considered grounding and calming to the nervous system while also modulating immune function. Like Rose and Yarrow, Reishi can tone tissues and astringe excess laxity in the gut and lungs. Reishi is considered a Shen Tonic by Traditional Chinese Medicine. Shen Tonics harmonize the heart and spirit, supporting those with blockages or imbalances which can manifest as panic disorders, interpersonal relationship stress, trauma, grief and depression. In the stressed or burnt out individual, Reishi as an adaptogenic herb can bring the body back into balance with continuous use.


The next herb on the list can be recognized for it's cooling energetics and delicious taste! Hibiscus (Hibiscus spp.) offers up a distinctive flavor, providing a sour fruity flavor that lightens and uplifts the mind, body and soul. Hibiscus is a noted cardiovascular tonic, meaning it has the ability to tone the veins and arteries, support the heart by lowering blood pressure, and provide protection on a cellular level. Though medicinal on it's own, in combination with other plants serves as a wonderful supportive herb in formula. It is potent in antioxidants, particularly flavonoids which give the flower it's rich coloration. These flavonoids are largely responsible for the cardiovascular supporting mechanisms. This plant also offers up an abundance of vitamin C making it extra supportive in protecting the immune system during the summer months.


Red Raspberry (Rubus idaeus) Leaf is a favorite go to that is widely available in nature, growing as a wild weed. It is known as a tonic for the pelvic bowl, helping to nourish and tone the uterus. It's main actions are tissue tonic, astringent, and nutritive. It can be used for calming menstrual and uterine cramps as well as for softening and strengthening the tissues of the pelvic floor. Red Raspberry leaf is also known to strengthen, protect and heal all tissues of the body, including those of the gastrointestinal tract. It can be used in formulas where there is intestinal permeability leading to leaky gut syndrome, ulcers, wounds, and damage to the GI tract. Rich in vitamins and minerals, Raspberry leaf provides a nutritive action, helping to boost vitality of the blood.


These five herbs make for a balancing combination, especially when formulated into a summertime tea infusion. Check out the gorgeous magenta color it produces! This tea cools and relaxes the body, builds resilience, and brings vital energy to systems that become depleted during this season of the year. It is considered an astringent formula, which can help tone laxity, dry excess moisture, and balance electrolytes. The following formula makes around 32 oz of tea which is a suggested amount to ingest throughout the day for a therapeutic effect. It can also be refrigerated and consumed a few days within the initial brewing time. You may also choose to scale the formula to fit a smaller dose, like a single 8 oz cup if so desired.

Formula: Herbs total to 2 full tablespoons when combined

  • 1/2 tablespoon Red Raspberry leaf

  • 1/2 tablespoon Reishi mushroom

  • 1 teaspoon Rose petals

  • 1 teaspoon Yarrow flower and leaf

  • 1 teaspoon Hibiscus flower

Brewing Instructions:

  • Combine herbs in a glass jar or infusion vessel (like a French press) and fill with hot water

    • *Infusing herbs directly in water makes for a more potent and therapeutic infusion vs using a steeping device or tea bag

  • Allow herbs to infuse for 15-30 mins at the very least

    • Tea becomes more potent and therapeutic if infused for 1 hour

  • Strain and sip throughout the day or enjoy 1 to 2 cups per day and refrigerate the rest for consumption the next day


Though this tea provides optimal balance during the summer months, it can be enjoyed any time of year. I hope this article sparks inspiration to experiment with these herbs which are true symbols of summertime abundance. Not only can they provide nourishment to the body, they also connect us with the nature of summer energetics and botanical wonders that surround us.


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About the Author


This article is written by Grace Krupkowski, Herbalist and Educator

Grace's innate and learned knowledge fosters a connection across many herbal traditions. In 2015 she began an exploration into the world of herbalism and plant connection which has since blossomed into a lifelong passion. Since 2020, Grace has served as an educator teaching courses in person and online. Grace also offers one on one herbal wellness consultations that encompass the whole individual, their ailments, and goals for healing and balancing the body.


Most popular are Grace's courses in plant identification, foraging, and wildcrafting. Many people gravitate towards Grace's unique perspective and personable, enthusiastic demeanor when it comes to connecting with and learning about medicinal wild plants. She has studied with Kenzie Khaliq of Wild Faith Wellness, the Boston School of Herbal Studies, California School of Herbal Studies, and is a graduate of the Family and Community Herbalist program at the Vermont Center for Integrative Herbalism.


* DISCLAIMER: This blog post does not contain medical/health advice. This information is provided for general informational and educational purposes only.


 
 
 

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