Our forebears were well aware of the health benefits of plants. It was once believed that healing herbs reached their peak potency when harvested on the Summer Solstice, which falls this Thursday. In times past, people would fashion flower crowns and garlands from the blossoms of certain plants, or toss them into symbolic bonfires.
In anticipation of this year's Summer Solstice, the natural experts at Faith In Nature have revealed the top 3 plants associated with this season, and how green-fingered enthusiasts can harness their 'healing' powers. The first is lavender. Who can resist the soothing scent of this herb?But it's not just about the fragrance - this plant was thought to have healing and protective properties in ancient times.
Read more Five food items you would normally throw away that can transform your garden On St John's Day (June 24) in Spain and Portugal, people would throw handfuls of lavender into fires to ward off evil spirits, reports Wales Online . Lavender is a common ingredient in many skincare and beauty products and boasts a host of proven health benefits. These include treating skin conditions, wounds, muscle and joint pain, and even insect bites - a must for the summer.
Lavender is also widely believed to promote restful sleep, a claim backed by numerous studies. If you're fortunate enough to have a lavender plant in your garden, consider drying some of the flowers to make fragrant lavender bags. Place these near your bed to aid sleep.
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