Summer’s Herbal Allies: Cool, Cleanse & Glow
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Time to read 4 min
The summer season is a time of radiant sun, longer days, and the vibrant energy of growth and expansion. But with all that heat and activity, our bodies and minds can start to feel a little frazzled—overheated, inflamed, or depleted. This is where summer’s herbal allies come in.
Rooted in ancient herbal traditions and confirmed by modern wellness wisdom, certain plants are naturally cooling, detoxifying, and supportive of our vitality during the warmest months. Whether you’re soaking in the sun, traveling, or tending to your garden, these four herbs and juices can help you stay nourished, balanced, and glowing from the inside out.
Beet Juice: Nature’s Blood Builder
Beet juice is a natural performance enhancer. Rich in nitrates, beets help increase nitric oxide production in the body, improving blood flow and oxygen delivery to muscles. That means more stamina, better recovery, and a natural edge for your workouts—whether you're hiking, biking, or hitting the gym for that summer body.
Herbalists also love beets for their gentle liver-supporting properties, helping your system stay clear and energized as you move through the heat of the season.
Naturally boosts exercise performance and stamina
Rich in nitrates to support blood flow and muscle oxygenation
Gently supports liver detox and energy during hot weather
Calendula: Sunshine for Your Skin and Lymph
Calendula is the herbal embodiment of the summer sun—bright, golden, and healing. Traditionally used to support lymphatic flow and soothe the skin, calendula helps the body clear toxins and ease inflammatory reactions. It’s especially useful for skin imbalances that flare up in the heat.
Calendula also carries gentle antimicrobial properties, making it a beautiful herb for minor wounds, bug bites, and after-sun care.
Supports healthy lymphatic flow and gentle detox
Calms skin irritation, sunburn, and summer rashes
Traditionally used to support immune and skin health
Celery Juice: Natural Support for Water Balance and Weight
Celery juice is deeply hydrating and naturally low in calories, making it a smart choice for summer wellness and gentle weight support. It's rich in potassium and sodium, which help regulate fluid balance and reduce water retention—especially helpful in hot weather when puffiness and bloating are common.
Its mild diuretic effect encourages the body to release excess water while delivering important minerals to prevent dehydration. Celery also supports digestion and liver health, both of which play roles in healthy metabolism and detoxification.
Helps flush excess water and reduce puffiness
Supports healthy fluid balance with natural electrolytes
Promotes gentle detox and digestive regularity
Aids in hydration without added sugar or calories
Holy Basil (Tulsi): Sacred Stress Relief
Holy basil, or tulsi, is a sacred plant in Ayurveda known for its adaptogenic qualities. It helps the body adapt to stress, improves emotional resilience, and brings a sense of calm focus—perfect for the busy, high-energy summer season.
With its uplifting aroma and mood-boosting properties, tulsi supports clarity, heart connection, and immune strength when you’re on the go.
Calms the nervous system and reduces stress
Uplifts mood and promotes emotional balance
Supports mental clarity and spiritual focus
Strengthens immune function during seasonal shifts
Why Freeze-Dried Herbs? The Eclectic Herb Difference
At Eclectic Herb, we believe that the best herbs are the ones that retain their full spectrum of nutrients, flavors, and bioactive compounds—just as nature intended. That’s why we choose to freeze-dry our herbs at peak freshness, capturing their natural potency in a way that traditional drying methods simply can’t.
The Power of Freeze-drying
Unlike air-drying or heat processing, which can degrade delicate plant compounds, freeze-drying works by gently removing moisture while keeping the plant’s cellular structure intact. This preserves the herb in its freshest form, locking in its color, aroma, and bioactive constituents without the need for fillers, preservatives, or excessive processing.
Scientific research shows that heat and oxidation can break down essential plant compounds, reducing an herb’s natural effectiveness. Freeze-drying avoids this by using low temperatures and vacuum technology, ensuring that every bottle of our herbs is as nutrient-rich and potent as the day it was harvested.
Why Local Matters
Sourcing locally isn’t just about sustainability—it’s about quality and freshness. Many herbs available on the market are shipped from overseas, undergoing long transit times and uncertain storage conditions before they even reach production. At Eclectic Herb, we grow and harvest as many of our herbs as possible right here in the Pacific Northwest. where the climate is ideal for medicinal plants. This means:
- Peak freshness – Our herbs are freeze-dried shortly after harvest, rather than sitting in warehouses for months.
- Stronger connection to place – We work closely with local farmers and even hand-gather wild herbs from the forests of Oregon, ensuring the best quality from seed to bottle.
- Lower environmental impact – By sourcing locally, we reduce the carbon footprint of long-distance transportation, keeping our herbs closer to their natural origins.
Why We Choose Freeze-Drying at Eclectic Herb
Our founder, Ed Alstat, was among the first to recognize that freeze-drying herbs preserved not just their freshness, but their full herbal potency. This commitment to quality has shaped everything we do, from carefully selecting the finest herbs to ensuring they are preserved at their peak bioavailability. We freeze-dry because:
- It keeps our herbs as close to fresh as possible
- It preserves the full range of beneficial plant compounds
- It eliminates the need for excessive processing or additives
- It allows us to deliver potent, whole-herb supplements that truly honor nature
At Eclectic Herb, we don’t believe in cutting corners. We believe in giving you herbs in their most powerful, vibrant, and natural form — from the earth, freeze-dried to perfection.
The Author: Christine Alstat
Meet Chris Alstat, an internationally acclaimed naturopath and herbalist of Japanese heritage, whose profound expertise in plants and natural health has garnered recognition worldwide. As the owner of Eclectic Herb, Chris seamlessly intertwines her deep-rooted commitment to the Earth with her business, cultivating a space where her passion for plants is ever in full bloom. Her influential voice on herbal wisdom resonates across the globe through publications and panels, reflecting a lifetime commitment to nurturing both the plant kingdom and the earth.
