Getting ready for the summer means packing for road trip and shifting herbs. While Vida is on some other herbs for specific conditions, she also gets a tonic and nutritive formula that changes throughout the year. During the summer I usually simplify it a lot, and focus on nutrition, immune system, and adaptogenics. Back in 2011 I blogged about her summer herb blend, and it's not too different really, just a difference in proportion due to her age and current particulars.
Astragalus: for strengthening Qi, providing energy while preventing Summer Heat, and in Western terms strengthening the immune system.
Reishi: Adaptogenic, immune balancing, good for the kidneys and lungs.
Chlorella: Nutritive!
Billbery: Antioxidant, good for the eyes in particular (and Vida has a recent condition in one of her eyes I'm hoping to at least stop progress on). This fruit is similar to blueberries so they have the benefits of all deep purple fruits.
Nettles: Nutritive, antihistamine. Pine pollen seems to be a bit of a problem for her and we're literally sleeping among pines, but the phenols are so good for us all. Have you read about forest bathing? We all know walks in the woods are relaxing, but they can actually improve your immune system.
My photo was a little blurry because making up her formula for the summer was just part of packing for the road. She also had her hotel bedroll packed up.
