The Midsummer Herbalist

by Gwydion

ach of the following are herbs to look for and gather during the summer months. As with gathering any plant, be sensitive to the environment and take less than what you need. These three herbs are quite abundant and common, so you may only need to stumble out to your backyard or that deserted lot on the corner to find them.

Blackberry

Blackberry is a member of the Rose family. It is a rapidly growing, thorny vine with five-petaled white flowers and clusters of inky red to black berries. Many gardeners would consider it to be feral, and would shun cultivating it due to its tenacity. However, blackberry is not only a sacred plant, it is also quite a useful one. Blackberry is often found growing in abandoned lots everywhere and grows wild in England and the Pacific Northwest states of the U.S. At Midsummer, blackberry is near the end of its flowering and is beginning to form small clusters of green fruit which usually reach ripeness towards the end of July. In my backyard in San Francisco, the bramble which has taken over continues to bear fruit as late as October.

Due to the colour of its flowers and of its fruits, it is considered to be sacred to the Goddess, in all her forms. In addition, the plant is sacred to the faeries, resulting in taboos against eating its fruits in Celtic countries. Blackberry is sacred to Brigid.

In the ogham, the Celtic tree alphabet, Blackberry shares the letter muin with the grape. Grapes are not native to Britain and Ireland and therefore, it is thought that perhaps originally the letter was represented by the blackberry. The fruits of both plants may be smashed and fermented, producing a sweet, alcoholic beverage. As a result, the letter muin often symbolizes inspiration.

Blackberry bramble is a good protective amulet, primarily due to it's many thorns. Blackberry may be used to honor faery, Brigid and the Goddess in her triple aspect. The fruits are high in vitamin C and bioflavanoids which have recently been shown in medical studies to be good for the heart. They are also high in tannins which help to acidify the urine as well as treat diarrhoea, haemorrhoids and cystitis. The juice of the berries may also be gargled for sore throats. The leaves are astringent and can be steeped in warm water to make a face wash good for pimples. Blackberry leaves may also be used in spells to draw money.

Mugwort

Mugwort is often thriving at Midsummer, producing plants 4-6 foot tall. It is a member of the Artemisia family. The entire plant has a rather pungent smell, which is not altogether unpleasant. The leaves are green on top and usually silver on the bottom. The leaves should be gathered in summer and dried in a dark place.

Mugwort has many uses. In the middle ages in Europe, it was used in the making of ale, hence the name. It is a cherished clairvoyant herb. In this role, mugwort may either be burned as an incense or brewed as a tea sweetened with honey. As an incense, I often blended it with mastic and wormwood. Crystal balls or other scrying objects may be rubbed with fresh mugwort leaves or washed with a strong tea of the dried leaves.

Mugwort is also a powerful herb for women. It has been used in the treatment of painful or irregular menstruation as well as in menopause. And, as it is sacred to Artemis, it may be used to honour Her and to celebrate women's mysteries.

It is also said that mugwort can increase lust and fertility. Mugwort will ward off moths from stored clothes and linens. It is a protective herb, warding off evil as well as disease, it is said. Mugwort can also be used to treat indigestion, uneasy nerves, upset stomachs and as a tonic for the liver, assisting it in the processing of fats. It is a great antidote to a diet of overprocessed food. It is best used as a tea, a teaspoon of herb steeped in a cup of hot water. The taste is not particularly great unless you have a fondness for bitters. In my opinion, mugwort is an herb everyone needs.

Mallow

Mallow is a wide variety of plants including muskmallow and marshmallow, belonging to the Malva family. At Midsummer and throughout the summer months, they have small to medium sized pink flowers. The leaves of the mallow are covered with tiny hairs making them feel downy or fuzzy. Generally the leaves are roundish, occasionally they are ridged and/or fringed.

Mallow flowers were common in Beltane garlands and are good for drawing love. The leaves are protective and may be made into a protective salve by steeping them in vegetable oil. After one month, strain the oil. Add one part of melted beeswax to two or three parts of steeped oil and mix. This will solidify the mixture once it cools. Apply to the body when feeling like you need more protection.