Working with plants is one of the key tenets of my magical practice, just like the hedge witches who came before me. The relationships I have built with the plants in my garden and around my home are precious, allowing me to cast spells, develop rituals, and create healing medicines. As the seasons change, so do the plants I work with. Part of practicing local, animistic witchcraft means shifting with the seasons and relying on what is available. That isn't to say I don't bring in some plants that aren't necessarily prevalent this time of year, but I am definitely more cognizant of my choices each season.
Seasonal plant allies are an excellent source of magic and healing, bringing a potent natural element to your work. But what is a plant ally exactly?
A plant ally is a plant with which you have a close relationship, much like that of a close friend. Just like real friendships, your plant allies shift and change as you grow. Some will be fair-weather friends, while others will stick with you through the thick of it. They come into our lives to guide us, challenge us, and encourage us to face life's challenges and adventures.
How you connect with your plant allies is entirely personal and a topic for another post, but developing these relationships is critical for those interested in working with plants in their magical or healing practice. We are but one spirit in the cosmos, no greater or smaller than others. Respecting others is paramount to an ethical practice, and I take it quite seriously.
Summer is a time for growth, creativity, joy, and romance. While much of the summer was spent engaging in foraging, hunting, and agriculture, there were several causes for celebration, most of which focused on the fruits of the community's labor and the strength of the sun. After all, the sun is what brought the nicer weather and caused fruits to ripen on the bough. This abundance was celebrated and stored away for the harsher months to come. But with the return of the sun and its abundance came heat, which could be deadly if not managed properly.
In today's post, we will journey together to get to know the plants I rely on most during the summer months for witchcraft and healing. I have grouped the plants based on need and offered alternatives where possible.
For Cooling the Body Beneath Summer's Blaze
The rising of the sun brings warmer weather, and warmer weather means increased risk of heat exhaustion, dehydration, and inflammation. I don't know about the rest of you, but summer is my least favorite time of the year. I am extremely sensitive to heat, which has caused many a heat-related rash, and I have suffered from heat exhaustion on more than one occasion. As such, I spend most of the hot and humid months indoors with the AC turned on full blast. When I am tasked with outdoor activities, I take care to ensure I am properly hydrated, shaded, and prepared with herbs that help cool the body.
The herbs on this list are magically and medicinally associated with cooling, hydration, calm, and healing, making them perfect for treating heat exhaustion, dehydration, and inflammation.
Hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa): Hibiscus is a rather large genus of flowering plants that produce large, trumpet-shaped flowers in vibrant colors between mid-spring and late fall. The exact blooming period depends largely on the variety, but most, like Hibiscus sabdariffa, bloom during the summer months. Packed with anthocyanins and polyphenols, hibiscus is great at fighting oxidative stress, thus lowering inflammation and potentially restoring energy levels. It is also widely celebrated as a "refrigerant," as it is able to lower body temperature, reduce fevers, and even alleviate the symptoms of heatstroke. Magically, it is associated with harmony, passion, and the heart, as well as healing. Add to spells, rituals, and remedies to release stress and fears, cool tempers, and bring balance.
Cucumber (Cucumis sativus): This beloved summer-time vegetable is well known for its hydrating capabilities. It is packed with vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium, making it perfect for replenishing electrolytes lost while sweating. Like hibiscus, cucumber is also a naturally cooling anti-inflammatory, having been proven effective in treating swelling, itching, and sunburn pain. Magically, cucumber is associated with water, and is often used in spells for beauty, healing, harmony, and balance due to its cooling nature and ability to "absorb" sickness and blemishes. As such, cucumber is the perfect summer ally for spells, rituals, and remedies related to cooling, stress relief, healing, glamour, and balance.
Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus): Like hibiscus and cucumber, lemongrass is also a natural refrigerant. However, it is also a diaphoretic. These two properties combined help lower your body temperature through cooling perspiration, but too much can cause dizziness, fainting, and confusion if taken in excess. As such, lemongrass is best used in conjunction with fluid intake, as the last thing you want to do during the summer months is accidentally dehydrate yourself. Magically, lemongrass is often used as a road opener, clearing obstacles and negative energy while attracting luck and good fortune. These magical and medicinal properties make lemongrass perfect for spells, rituals, and remedies for dispelling heat and exhaustion, attracting luck and vibrancy, and protection.
Other potential plant allies for cooling, hydration, calm, and healing include peppermint, lemon balm, catnip, nettle, raspberry leaf, chrysanthemum, and alfalfa.
For Calming the Skin After Sun and Sting
More sun means more UV radiation, which causes burns and cancer. If the sun doesn't get you, the insects certainly will. In both cases, prevention is the best medicine. Wearing sunscreen, insect repellent, and protective clothing are the best preventatives we have to sunburns and insect bites, but even the best protections can fail, leaving us with skin that is screaming for help. This is the perfect time to turn to your plant allies, inviting herbs that help calm skin irritations caused by sunburns, insect bites, rashes, and other skin irritations.
The herbs on this list are magically and medicinally associated with healing, shielding, resilience, and protection.
Plantain (Plantago major or Plantago lanceolata): The leaves of plantain are harvested from spring through early autumn and used fresh or dried to soothe insect bites, stings, sunburns, rashes, cuts, and other minor skin irritations. Rich in mucilage and anti-inflammatory compounds, plantain draws heat from the skin, reduces swelling, and promotes healing, making it one of the most beloved first-aid herbs in folk medicine. Historically, it was carried by travelers and applied to wounds and bites encountered along the road. Magically, plantain is associated with healing, resilience, and protection. In Anglo-Saxon tradition, it was praised in the Nine Herbs Charm as a mighty healer and companion of roads and pathways. As such, plantain can be used in spells, rituals, and remedies not only to calm inflamed skin, but also to provide protection and encourage recovery.
Calendula (Calendula officinalis): The bright petals of calendula are gathered throughout the summer months and infused into oils, salves, and washes to soothe sunburns, rashes, minor cuts, scrapes, and irritated skin. Possessing anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and vulnerary properties, calendula promotes tissue repair while reducing redness and discomfort. For centuries, it has been treasured as a healing herb for wounds and skin ailments. Magically, calendula is associated with solar energy, joy, protection, and emotional healing. Its golden blossoms have long been used to invite blessings, strengthen the spirit, and bring warmth and light during difficult times. As such, calendula can be used in spells, rituals, and remedies to mend skin touched by sun and sting, promote happiness, protection, and to renew vitality.
Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis): A must-have plant ally for summer, the cooling gel contained within the fleshy leaves of aloe vera is harvested year-round and applied directly to the skin to relieve sunburns, insect bites, minor burns, and other forms of irritation and inflammation. Rich in polysaccharides and antioxidants, aloe vera hydrates damaged tissue, reduces redness, and supports the skin's natural healing processes, offering quick relief after long days spent beneath the summer sun. Magically, aloe vera is associated with healing, protection, luck, and warding away negativity. Traditionally grown near doorways and homes, it was believed to absorb harmful influences and safeguard those living within. As such, aloe vera can be used in spells, rituals, and remedies to cool and soothe the skin, encourage renewal, protect against misfortune, and foster peace within the home.
Other potential plant allies for healing, shielding, resilience, and protection include yarrow, witch hazel, chamomile, chickweed, peppermint, and lavender.
For Easing the Burdens of Summer Feasting
The sun's return brings a return of life, and with that life comes bountiful harvests. Over the next couple of months, trees, vines, and stalks will be weighed down with the burden of ripening fruits and vegetables. Our ancestors celebrated this time with large feasts, feasts that many of us continue to celebrate today, along with more 'modern' cultural holidays such as Memorial Day or July Fourth. I love food, and feasting holidays are popular in my family. My stomach, however, doesn't always like the rich, excess food, which can put a damper on everything. As such, summer is a great time to work with herbs that will help ease these digestive discomforts and support healthy movement.
The herbs on this list are magically and medicinally associated with purification, strength, cleansing, and gastrointestinal health.
Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare): The aromatic seeds and feathery leaves of fennel are harvested from late summer into autumn and have long been used to ease indigestion, bloating, gas, cramping, and sluggish digestion. Rich in volatile oils and compounds that relax the smooth muscles of the digestive tract, fennel helps dispel trapped gas and soothe discomfort after heavy meals. It has been given to infants suffering from colic and enjoyed after feasts throughout the Mediterranean and Middle East to promote healthy digestion and even freshen the breath. Magically, fennel is associated with protection, longevity, courage, and purification. It was traditionally hung above doorways to ward off malevolent spirits and carried to strengthen resolve and dispel negativity. As such, fennel can be used in spells, rituals, and remedies not only to ease digestive complaints and support gut health, but also to protect against harmful influences, encourage vitality, and bring balance after periods of excess.
Dill (Anethum graveolens): Dill is one of those plants that behaves erratically in the summer heat. While the leaves are best harvested in early spring, while they are still tender and the weather is still cool, the seeds do not become available until the summer months, after the plant has "bolted." Dill is medicinally used to calm indigestion, relieve bloating, reduce cramping, and support healthy digestion as it possesses carminative and antispasmodic properties. As such, dill helps relax the digestive tract and dispel gas, making it particularly useful after rich meals and summer feasts. Magically, dill is associated with protection, prosperity, luck, and harmonious relationships. Folk traditions placed dill in sachets and charms to ward off envy and ill intent, while its pleasant aroma was thought to bring peace and good fortune. As such, dill can be used in spells, rituals, and remedies not only to settle an overburdened stomach and support overall gut health, but also to invite abundance, preserve harmony, and safeguard against negativity.
Caraway (Carum carvi): Caraway is one of those plants you either like or loathe. Its distinct anise flavor and fragrance make it a controversial ingredient, with some (including myself) describing its flavor as soapy. Despite my disdain for the seeds, they make an excellent magical ally during the summer. The seeds are usually harvested from midsummer through early autumn and have long been used to relieve indigestion, bloating, gas, and digestive spasms as they are rich in essential oils and bitter compounds that stimulate digestion and soothe intestinal discomfort. Caraway has traditionally been enjoyed after meals and incorporated into breads, cheeses, and liqueurs to aid digestion. In European folk medicine, it was particularly valued for calming colic and restoring balance to an upset stomach. Magically, caraway is associated with protection, memory, fidelity, and safeguarding what is cherished. Use caraway in spells, rituals, and remedies to ease digestive discomfort and support healthy digestion, preserve harmony, and guard against loss and misfortune.
Other potential plant allies for purification, strength, cleansing, and gastrointestinal health include ginger, peppermint, turmeric, chamomile, and licorice root.
For Supporting the Traveler's Journey
I have always associated summer with movement and wandering, a season of journeys both great and small. Whether visiting distant places, gathering with loved ones, or simply spending more time outdoors, summer invites us beyond the familiar rhythms of home. Yet travel and disrupted routines can take their own toll, bringing motion sickness, fatigue, restless nights, and the unease that often accompanies unfamiliar places. Our ancestors knew that the road demanded preparation and relied on the plants around them to ease discomfort, restore strength, and provide a sense of protection far from home. Though our journeys may look different today, we still benefit from plant allies that help us remain grounded, resilient, and at ease as we navigate the season's many paths.
The herbs on this list are magically and medicinally associated with safe passage, protection, restoration, and maintaining balance during times of travel and transition.
Focus on motion sickness, fatigue, jet lag, disrupted routines, and travel anxiety with plant allies like sweet cicely (motion sickness), rosehips (fatigue), linden (jet lag),
Sweet Cicely (Myrrhis odorata): Traditionally gathered from spring through early summer, sweet cicely has long been used to ease nausea, settle upset stomachs, and calm digestive disturbances, making it a valuable ally for those prone to motion sickness and travel-related discomfort. I am one of those people, and unfortunately, I do not get along with ginger...like at all. Sweet cicely, despite its anise flavor, tends to be more palpable when I am feeling under the weather. Magically, sweet cicely is associated with harmony, gentleness, and smoothing life's rough edges. It can help ease difficult transitions and bring comfort during times of uncertainty and change. Add sweet cicely to spells, rituals, and remedies to calm nervous stomachs, ease the discomforts of travel, and encourage peaceful and pleasant journeys.
Rosehips (Rosa canina): Though the fruits are harvested in late summer and autumn, rosehips dry and store exceptionally well, providing nourishment long after the season has passed. Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, rosehips are used to combat fatigue, support the immune system, and restore strength after periods of stress, exertion, or disrupted routines. Magically, rosehips are associated with love, healing, protection, and resilience. They offer comfort during times of separation and foster a sense of belonging when far from home. Add rosehips to spells, rituals, and remedies to replenish depleted energy, strengthen the spirit, and cultivate connection and protection while traveling near or far.
Linden (Tilia cordata, Tilia platyphyllos, or Tilia americana): The fragrant blossoms of linden are gathered in early summer and used as a gentle nervine to calm anxiety, soothe tension, and promote restful sleep. Linden is particularly useful when in unfamiliar surroundings and disrupted schedules make it difficult to unwind, especially related to jetlag, as linden encourages relaxation without dulling the senses. Magically, linden is associated with peace, love, protection, and harmonious relationships. Sacred to many European folk traditions, linden trees were often regarded as places of refuge and gathering, offering shelter and comfort to weary travelers. Add linden to spells, rituals, and remedies to ease travel anxiety, encourage restorative sleep, and foster feelings of safety and belonging when journeying beyond familiar places.
Other potential plant allies for safe passage, protection, restoration, and maintaining balance include comfrey, mugwort, plantain*, rosemary, and dill.
*Plantain was known in Anglo-Saxon tradition as "waybread" because it grows wherever people travel. Few plants are more strongly associated with roads, paths, and journeys.
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As the wheel turns toward summer, these plant allies can help ensure you are happy and healthy for the coming months. Magically, they can empower and enrich your spells and rituals, timing them with seasonal changes and encouraging a bright and prosperous future. How you work with these plant allies is entirely up to you, but remember to always ask them for their assistance and thank them for whatever they provide for you in return. Maintaining these relationships is important and worthwhile.
Is there a plant you like to work with during the summer months that I failed to include on this list? Let me know in the comments below!
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