Jody's Journal
July: The Hedgerows Are Calling
Field notes from Jody Valentina · Mid-Wales · July
July is one of the busiest months of the year for me. Everywhere I look, the hedgerows, meadows and woodland edges are bursting with medicinal plants, and many of my favourite herbs are ready to harvest. This is the time of year when I'm out gathering herbs for tinctures, infused oils and salves, while simply enjoying spending time amongst the plants.
Nettle Seed
Right now I'm looking for the female nettles, heavy with ripening seeds. I always tell people, "The ladies hang, the men stick out!" The female seed clusters hang beneath the leaves, while the males stand upright. Once harvested and dried, I rub the seed heads between my hands to separate the seeds from the dried flower material and leaves. Nettle seed has traditionally been valued for supporting energy, vitality and the urinary system.
Yarrow
Yarrow is easy to spot with its flat white flower heads and delicate fern-like leaves. I harvest the flowering tops, which have traditionally been used to support digestion and help the body's natural healing processes.
Mugwort
Mugwort is standing tall now along hedgerows and verges. I gather the flowering tops and leaves. Traditionally it has been used to support digestion and has long been associated with relaxation and vivid dreams.
Lady's Bedstraw
The tiny golden flowers fill the air with a sweet honey scent at this time of year. I harvest the flowering tops. Traditionally, Lady's Bedstraw has been used to support the lymphatic system.
Meadowsweet
You'll find Meadowsweet flowering beside streams and in damp meadows. I gather the flowering tops, which have traditionally been used to support joint comfort and occasional aches while also helping soothe digestion.
Plantain
One of the most common plants beneath our feet, yet one of the most useful. I harvest the leaves, which have traditionally been used to soothe bites, stings and minor skin irritations.
Wild Oregano (Marjoram)
Flowering now and covered in bees, I harvest the flowering tops. Traditionally it's been used to support digestion and healthy respiratory function.
Raspberry Leaf
The leaves are looking beautiful at the moment. I gather them through the summer. Raspberry leaf has traditionally been used to support women's wellbeing.
Red Clover
The pink flower heads are everywhere just now. I harvest the flowers, traditionally used to support the lymphatic system and healthy skin.
Self-Heal
This little purple flower often goes unnoticed until you start looking for it. I harvest the whole flowering plant. Traditionally it has been used to support the body's natural healing.
Cleavers
Still plentiful in shady places. I harvest the fresh aerial parts while they're young and green. Cleavers have traditionally been used to support the lymphatic system and healthy urinary function.
Calendula
Calendula flowers all summer if picked regularly. I harvest the flower heads to make infused oils and salves. Traditionally it's been used to soothe and support the skin.
Chamomile
I gather the flower heads while they're freshly open. Chamomile has traditionally been used to encourage relaxation and support digestion.
Rose
The petals are fading now and the rosehips will soon begin to swell. I harvest the petals now and the hips later in the year. Rose has traditionally been used to soothe the skin and lift the spirits.
St John's Wort
The bright yellow flowers are one of the highlights of July. I harvest the flowering tops to make infused oils and tinctures. Traditionally it has been used to support the nervous system and soothe muscles when applied to the skin.
Hawthorn
The berries are beginning to form and I'll harvest them later in the season. Hawthorn has traditionally been used to support heart and circulatory health.
Want to learn more?
Every plant mentioned here is covered in much greater detail in my book, Healing with Nature: Plant Wisdom, where I share how I identify, harvest and work with these wonderful herbs throughout the seasons.
You'll also find many of these herbs available as handcrafted tinctures, infused oils and salves in the Heart of Wales Remedies shop, alongside our detoxes and bundles.