Deepening Your Herbal Practice with August’s Unsung Heroes

The Heartbeat of Late Summer

August is a bridge—the tail end of summer’s wild abundance, but with the first whisper of autumn in the air. This is the season for slowing down, reflecting on what’s grown (in your garden and your life), and opening your heart to new possibilities. And what better way to honor this transition than by expanding your herbal practice with some of the most underappreciated, yet powerful, plants nature offers?

This week, we’re diving deep into the world of lesser-known herbs—those you might have overlooked at the farmers’ market, or that quietly thrive at the edge of your garden. These are the plants that can transform your wellness rituals, your kitchen, and your sense of connection to the land.

Image Prompt: A rustic garden table at golden hour, scattered with unique herbs (motherwort, shiso, lovage, borage, blue vervain, etc.), a steaming mug of tea, and a journal open to a gratitude list.

Why Explore Lesser-Known Herbs?

You know the classics—basil, mint, chamomile—but the herbal world is so much wider! By bringing in new herbs, you:

• Broaden your wellness toolkit

• Discover new flavors and remedies

• Support biodiversity and pollinators

• Deepen your connection to the rhythms of the land

And honestly? It just keeps things fun and fresh. Let’s get to know some of these unsung heroes!

Meet the Plants: August’s Herbal Hidden Gems

1. Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca): The Comforter

Motherwort is the herb I reach for when my heart feels heavy or my nerves are frayed. Traditionally used to support women’s cycles and soothe emotional tension, it’s also a gentle ally for anyone needing a little extra comfort.

• How to Use:
  Brew as a tea (it’s bitter—add honey!), or make a tincture for daily support. Try blending with lemon balm for a softer flavor.

• Everyday Ritual:
  Take a moment each evening to sip motherwort tea, journal, and check in with your heart.

• Caution:
  Not for use in pregnancy; check with your practitioner if on heart meds.

• Image Prompt: Fresh motherwort sprigs in a teacup, next to a handwritten affirmation card.

2. Shiso (Perilla frutescens): The Bold & Beautiful

Shiso, also called perilla, is a staple in Japanese and Korean kitchens—but it’s just as at home in a Louisiana garden. Rich in antioxidants, it supports respiratory health and adds a gorgeous pop of flavor and color to summer dishes.

• How to Use:
  Use the vibrant green or purple leaves in salads, wraps, or as a garnish for grilled veggies. Try infusing in vinegar for a tangy tonic!

• Kitchen Inspiration:
  Shiso + cucumber + a splash of rice vinegar = the most refreshing summer salad.

• Image Prompt: Bright shiso leaves on a wooden cutting board, next to a bowl of pickled veggies.

3. Lovage (Levisticum officinale): The Savory Secret

Lovage is like celery’s cool, herbal cousin. It’s hardy, easy to grow, and every part of the plant is useful—from the leaves and stems to the roots and seeds.

• How to Use:
  Add leaves and stems to soups, stews, potato salad, or herbal broths. Dry the roots for winter teas.

• Garden Hack:
  Lovage grows tall—plant it at the back of your herb bed for some dramatic flair!

• Image Prompt: Lovage stalks in a glass jar, with a bowl of homemade vegetable soup.

4. Borage (Borago officinalis): The Joy Bringer

If you want to invite more bees (and more joy) into your garden, plant borage. Its star-shaped blue flowers are edible and beautiful, and the leaves are packed with adrenal-supporting nutrients.

• How to Use:
  Sprinkle the flowers on salads, freeze in ice cubes for summer drinks, or dry for teas.

• Wellness Ritual:
  Make a “joy jar”—a small jar of dried borage flowers to sprinkle on meals when you need a mood lift.

• Image Prompt: Blue borage flowers on a salad, with bees buzzing in the background.

5. Blue Vervain (Verbena hastata): The Nervous System Reset

Blue vervain is for those days when your mind won’t stop spinning. Traditionally used to calm the nervous system, support sleep, and ease tension, it’s a must-have for anyone feeling the late-summer “hurry up and finish” pressure.

• How to Use:
  Make a tincture or tea (start small, it’s bitter!) and use before bed or during stressful times.

• Evening Ritual:
  A cup of blue vervain and skullcap tea, a warm bath, and a few deep breaths = instant reset.

• Image Prompt: Wild blue vervain flowers beside a glass teapot and sleep journal.

6. Vietnamese Coriander (Persicaria odorata): The Summer Cooler

Vietnamese coriander is spicy, cooling, and a total game-changer in summer cuisine. It’s also anti-inflammatory and a digestive powerhouse.

• How to Use:
  Add to summer rolls, salads, or infuse in chilled water. Try pairing with mint and cucumber for a hydrating drink!

• Community Story:
  My neighbor’s Vietnamese coriander patch survived the hottest July on record—proof of its resilience!

• Image Prompt: Vietnamese coriander leaves, summer rolls, and a dipping sauce on a bamboo mat.

7. Lemon Verbena (Aloysia citrodora): The Uplifter

Lemon verbena is pure sunshine in a leaf. Its bright, lemony scent uplifts the mood and soothes digestion—perfect for late summer’s heavy heat.

• How to Use:
  Brew as a tea, infuse in syrups, or add to desserts. Try it in lemonade for a refreshing twist!

• Family Ritual:
  Make “sun tea” with lemon verbena, borage flowers, and a slice of orange—let the kids help!

• Image Prompt: Lemon verbena leaves in a sunlit pitcher of iced tea, with orange slices.

8. Epazote (Dysphania ambrosioides): The Traditional Digestive

Epazote is a staple in Mexican kitchens, famous for making bean dishes more digestible. It’s strong-flavored, so use sparingly!

• How to Use:
  Add a sprig to beans or stews, or infuse in vinegar for a digestive tonic.

• Safety:
  Use in moderation—high doses can be toxic.

• Image Prompt: Epazote leaves next to a pot of simmering black beans.

9. Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora): The Gentle Calmer

Skullcap is a gentle, reliable herb for calming frazzled nerves and supporting restful sleep. It pairs beautifully with blue vervain or lemon balm.

• How to Use:
  Brew as a tea or make a tincture for evening use.

• Self-Care Ritual:
  Sip skullcap tea while journaling or practicing gentle stretches before bed.

• Image Prompt: Skullcap flowers, a teacup, and a soft blanket.

10. Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus): The Women’s Wellness Root

Shatavari is a traditional adaptogen, beloved for supporting hormonal balance, vitality, and resilience—especially for women.

• How to Use:
  Add the powdered root to smoothies, teas, or golden milk.

• Community Tip:
  Share a “wellness latte” with friends—shatavari, almond milk, a dash of cinnamon, and honey.

• Image Prompt: Shatavari root powder in a mug of golden milk, with a cinnamon stick.

Everyday Herbal Rituals for Late Summer

Morning:
Start your day with lemon verbena and tulsi tea, a gratitude list, and a walk in the garden.

Midday:
Try a cooling salad with shiso, borage flowers, and Vietnamese coriander. Stay hydrated with a pitcher of sun tea.

Evening:
Wind down with blue vervain and skullcap tea, a warm bath, and time for reflection.

Family/Community:
Host a garden walk or herb swap—share seeds, stories, and recipes. Let kids help make fairy salves or herbal ice cubes!

DIY Herbal Recipes

1. Summer Cooling Tea

• 1 handful lemon verbena

• 1 handful borage flowers

• 2-3 shiso leaves

• 1 slice orange

• 1 tsp honey (optional) Steep in a quart of water, strain, and serve over ice.

2. Digestive Bean Salad

• 1 can black beans, rinsed

• 1 sprig epazote, finely chopped

• 1/2 cup chopped shiso

• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1/4 cup lovage leaves, chopped

• Olive oil, vinegar, salt to taste Toss and let marinate for 30 minutes.

3. Evening Calm Tincture

• Equal parts dried skullcap, blue vervain, and lemon balm

• 80 proof vodka or brandy

• Mason jar Cover herbs with alcohol, seal, and infuse for 4-6 weeks. Strain and bottle.

Community Corner

Which of these herbs are you most excited to try? Have you used any of them in your kitchen or wellness rituals? Share your stories, recipes, or photos in the comments or on our Facebook page. Let’s inspire each other to keep learning and growing!

Special Offer:
Use code NEWCLIENT for a discount on your first appointment or product.
Subscribe to our newsletter for a free session and monthly herbal spotlights!

Closing Thoughts

Late summer is a time for savoring, experimenting, and connecting with the land and each other. By exploring new herbs, you’re not just expanding your apothecary—you’re building resilience, joy, and community. Here’s to a season of discovery, healing, and shared abundance.

🌱 With gratitude,
Courtney