This time of year always feels magical to me. That energy of summer coming to an end and the Fall approaching slowly. It’s harvesting season. Time to gather what has been sown and nurtured, and to savor it in the upcoming nesting season.
As a child, this time of year was filled with excitement to start a new school year. To see friends I hadn’t seen all summer, compare stories...plan for Halloween!
When I lived in Italy through my 20”s and 30’s I would always come home to RI for the month of August to spend time with friends and family. It always felt bittersweet as the first days of September arrived, that same energy I used to feel as a kid would be there. Only in this timeframe of my life I was eager to return to seeing friends back in Italy which at the time was home for me, but it was really hard to leave the family and friends I had back here not knowing if the next visit would be sooner than the usual one per year period.
Although the past year and half has been a super heavy one for so many reasons and for so many of us, I will say that I still feel that energy. That eager energy to start fresh, to enjoy the friuts of all that was planted and grown over Spring and Summer. The crisp energy that accompanies the Fall, and in a way a fresh start. The farm is looking great, and we have so many amazing things ahead for the Apothecary and Salon!
Some of the plants we will be working with are Tulsi, Ginger, Mallow, a wide variety of Mints (including Sage), Chamomile, Violets, Angelica and many more herbs. These plants have been infused in many different “menstrums” and forms and will be used in a range of nurturing services. Some of these plants have warming qualities to them while others have more cooling qualities. Some are astringent in nature, while others are hydrating or moistening in their nature. Either way, we will use them in a variety of nourishing and supportive ways. It’s exciting to think about and plan all of this! I will share some info on one of these amazing plants that for me speaks of summer sun medicine, and is also a great ally for the times at the bottom of this post.
I really hope that this year ahead will be a grounding one for all of us. We surely will be here to try and provide the support needed, especially as our Apothecary grows. What we are growing at the farm is such a big part of that. We will continue to formulate, blend, and mix special potions for you all. We will also continue to use the space as a gallery for our local and oh so many talented artists. We are also hoping that by Spring, we can bring live music back...even if it’s outdoors! This is the energy that I feel right now...the same as I felt as a child during this in between….A sense of excitement and hope, regardless of the obstacles we have learned to navigate around.
So with all that, I leave you with the Beauty of Lemon Balm ( Melissa officinalis).
Lemon Balm originated in central and southern Europe, the Mediterranean, Iran, and central Asia. It has since naturalized throughout the world. It’s use dates back over 2000 years. It has been used in medicine, food, skincare, and perfumery. It is especially important for pollinating insects including many kinds of bees.
During the Middle Ages, lemon balm was noted by herbalists, philosophers, and scientists. It was thought to be restorative and promote vitality while also helping to improve mood.
Ancient Herbalists such as Avicenna described it by saying “It makes the Heart merry” and in modern Herbalism it is still used to support anxiety, depression and insomnia.
The list of medicinal usage and properties of lemon balm is extensive. Melissa officinalis is reported to possess sedative, antistress, anti-anxiety, and mood-enhancing abilities. It was also found to ease digestion, nausea, sleep disorders, depression, and headaches, among many others. The use of lemon balm as complementary and herbal medicine continues to the present day.
Folklore says that the fragrant balm was used in baths to attract love, and its planetary ruler is said to be Venus. It was used in many ancient cultures to attract love and success into one’s life.
For me, the bright and citrusy sweet fragrance of Lemon Balm speaks to Heart center and inspires happiness, calm and reassurance. It’s flavor is delicious on it’s own and blends well with many other herbs in the Mint family, or in the Nervine category to create a more indicated blend for a person’s specific needs keeping their constitution and tissue states in mind.
It’s also AMAZING to use infused oils, both edible and for topical use on its own or as part of a blend or base for salves and creams. Tinctured, it makes a great base for a citrusy inspired perfume, or as a lovely medicine when you want something a little more potent than a cup of herbal tea (which if steeped long enough can also be quite potent).
Sources-
The Lost Herbs - Nicole Apelian
Cunningham, S. Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs
Beyerl, Beyerl, P. The Master Book of Herbalism
