This month....

July 2022

July & it's dry. Warm & sunny but oh so dry. Grass resembles straw, flowers are blooming but gasping for water. How the delicate little things manage when the ground is so parched is a miracle.
 

What would we do without them though? Their fragrance, colour & medicinal uses are part of the yearly cycle. July sees marigolds, echinacea, sunflowers, borage. When we have a big bold sun we see a reflection in the 'faces' of these flowers, beaming back. Golds & yellows.


Marigolds are good for skin conditions including bruising, varicose veins & inflammation. Also great for eczema, sunburn & wound healing. Applied in creams & ointments. Or as a syrup or gargle for sore throats. Teas have a calming effect on the digestive system.


Echinacea is well known for its immune boosting properties & is used to prevent colds, flu & upper respiratory infections. It can be used in a tincture or tea to help sore throats. Echinacea is also known for relieving aches & pains & calming irritated or sensitive skin. It can be applied topically in creams.


Sunflower seeds are used to lower blood pressure & promote cardiovascular health. They have anti inflammatory benefits & promote skin health. Sunflower oil can be used to help constipation & is a good carrier oil for massage when used as part of a blend.


Borage can be used to reduce inflammation, fever & aid coughs. A tea can be used to ease stress. Borage oil can help ease painful joints & normalise hormone levels. Its other name is starflower with the delicate blue flowers resembling small stars. It is also helpful in skin preparations for mature skin.


These things are pretty, joyful but they are also precious. As things hot up time to get the watering can out.



© Susan Mumford, 2022