There’s a special kind of joy in working with the earth, hands in the soil, surrounded by the scents and colors of a thriving summer garden. For me, gardening is more than a hobby. It’s a grounding ritual and a source of happiness. The garden is a living apothecary, offering herbs that nurture body and spirit, and every season brings new lessons and gifts.
The Heart of the Apothecary: Featured Class Herbs
This month in our Apothecary class, we’re focusing on four remarkable herbs. Each brings its own story, energy, and healing gifts. And if you can’t find one, don’t worry—I’ll share easy alternatives for each.
Myrrh
Myrrh is a resin steeped in history, known for its purifying and protective properties. Used in ancient rituals and healing balms, myrrh helps clear stagnant energy and supports spiritual connection. Across cultures, myrrh was prized for both sacred and medicinal uses—from Roman perfumes and Hebrew anointing oils to Egyptian temple rites and the embalming process. It was offered to deities like Isis and Ra, and even appears in Greek mythology as the substance from which the phoenix’s egg was formed.
In spiritual practice, myrrh is valued for its healing and grounding qualities. It promotes gratitude, opens the heart, and helps release the past. Myrrh is also believed to aid in manifestation, attract abundance, and serve as a gateway to the spirit world, facilitating communication with ancestors and loved ones who have passed away. Its energy lifts and clears negativity, offering support to those in need of energetic rescue.
If you can’t find Myrrh:
Try frankincense, sandalwood, or spikenard. Frankincense and sandalwood are both resinous, grounding, and purifying—excellent for spiritual work and energetic clearing. Spikenard offers similar earthy, calming qualities.
Elemi
Elemi is a rare resin with a bright, lemony scent that uplifts and clears the mind. Treasured since ancient times, the Egyptians used it in sacred rituals to guide the soul and support transitions between worlds. The name “elemi” comes from an Arabic phrase meaning “as above, so below,” capturing its reputation as a bridge between the spiritual and physical realms. Elemi’s connection to the fire element gives it a naturally energizing and rejuvenating quality.
In practice, elemi is a go-to for clarity, emotional balance, and a fresh start. It’s known for its cleansing energy and is even valued for supporting healthy skin. Closely related to frankincense and patchouli, elemi shares their grounding and transformative qualities. When you’re ready to move forward or step into new beginnings, elemi is a trusted ally for renewal and inspiration.
If you can’t find Elemi:
Use frankincense, pine, copaiba, or helichrysum. Frankincense is a close aromatic and energetic match. Pine and copaiba also offer uplifting, resinous notes, while helichrysum brings a revitalizing energy.
Yarrow
Yarrow is a gentle yet powerful herb, prized for its ability to heal and protect both body and spirit. Its feathery leaves and clusters of white or yellow flowers have been used since ancient times to soothe wounds and ease emotional pain. In Greek legend, Achilles learned yarrow’s secrets from Chiron, the wounded healer, giving it a reputation as an ally for those facing their own challenges.
Across cultures, yarrow has played a role in rituals for protection, love, and divination—carried in pockets for luck, hung in doorways to ward off harm, and used in midsummer ceremonies to invite blessings. Folklore even credits yarrow with bringing second sight and guarding against negativity. In spiritual practice, yarrow helps create energetic boundaries, offering comfort, clarity, and a sense of safety to those who work with it.
If you can’t find Yarrow:
Substitute with chamomile (German or Roman), calendula (marigold), or peppermint. Chamomile and calendula soothe and protect, supporting skin and energetic boundaries. Peppermint brings clarity and gentle healing.
Holy Basil (Tulsi)
Holy basil, also known as tulsi, is revered in Ayurveda as a symbol of devotion, resilience, and profound spiritual significance. It’s known for helping you release old patterns that no longer serve, making space for satisfaction and emotional renewal. As an adaptogen, holy basil supports the body’s ability to manage stress while opening the heart to compassion and clarity. Working with tulsi is said to bring calm, clear away negativity, and invite good luck into your life.
Throughout history, tulsi has been honored as the “Queen of Herbs” in India, where it’s grown at the entrance of homes and temples for protection and blessing. Folklore tells of tulsi’s power to purify and sanctify, and it’s often used in rituals to promote health and spiritual growth. In daily life, tulsi tea and offerings are woven into traditions that celebrate healing, harmony, and the sacredness of the everyday.
If you can’t find Holy Basil:
Try sweet basil, Thai basil, oregano, or mint. Sweet and Thai basil are the closest culinary substitutes. Oregano and mint can also stand in for flavor and energetic qualities—add a touch of mint to fresh basil for a more tulsi-like effect.
Summer Garden Companions: Herbs to Grow and Know
A summer garden is a living apothecary, and these herbs add vibrancy and purpose to your space:
- Rose Petals: Symbolic of love and beauty, rose petals are wonderful in teas, baths, and rituals for self-care and heart healing.
- Marigold (Calendula): These golden blooms radiate sunshine and are gentle on the skin. It’s easy to grow and brings a cheerful energy to any garden.
- Violet Leaf: Soft and soothing, violet leaf supports gentle healing and adds a touch of wild magic to salads and infusions.
- Hyssop: With its aromatic leaves, hyssop is a classic for purification and protection. It’s a great addition to any herbal garden.
Growing and Harvesting: Tips from My Garden
There’s nothing quite like harvesting herbs you’ve grown yourself. Here are a few things I’ve learned along the way:
- Plant herbs in well-drained soil and give them plenty of sunlight.
- Harvest in the morning, after the dew has dried but before the sun is too strong—this is when their oils and energies are most potent.
- Dry herbs in small bundles, upside down, in a cool, dark place to preserve their color and aroma.
Combining class herbs with garden favorites is a joy—try blending yarrow and rose petals in a tea, or infusing calendula and holy basil in a soothing bath. Simple recipes and rituals help you connect with the earth and its seasonal cycles.
The Gifts of the Garden
Tending to a summer apothecary garden is a practice in presence and gratitude. Each plant teaches patience, resilience, and the beauty of small daily acts. Whether you’re new to herbalism or a seasoned gardener, I invite you to dig in, get your hands dirty, and discover the healing wisdom waiting in your own backyard.
Let your garden be your sanctuary—a place to grow, heal, and celebrate the abundance of summer.
And so it is.
