
August Energetics: Transition Herbs for Late Summer
As August arrives, we begin to feel the subtle shift from fire to earth- from high summer's heat and expansion towards the slow descent of fall. The days may still be warm, but the light softens, the evenings stretch, and something in our bodies starts to crave grounding, nourishment, and rest.
This is a powerful time to work with transition herbs that support our digestion, immunity, and nervous systems as we shift from one season to the next. Let's talk about the energetics of late summer, why grounding is essential in August, and which herbs (like Burdock, Chicory, Reishi and Elderberry) can help you stay centered through it all.
The Energy of Late Summer: Earth Element + Transition Season
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, late summer is ruled by the Earth element, a time of harvest, nourishment, and digestion, both physically and emotionally. It's the hinge between Yang (expansion, movement, outward energy) and Yin (contraction, reflection, inward energy).
During this time, you might notice:
- Fatigue or a need to slow down
- Digestive changes or cravings for grounding foods
- Anxious thoughts or worry bubbling up
- A pull towards routine, comfort, or nesting
This seasonal shift is subtle but significant and herbs can help you move with it rather than against it.
Transition Herbs for Late Summer Grounding
🌿Burdock Root (Arctium lappa)- The Deep Cleanser
Best for: liver support, skin health, sluggish digestion
Burdock root is a deeply grounding, earthy herb that supports liver detox, gut health, and elimination. It's also rich in inulin, a prebiotic that feeds your gut microbiome, perfect for restoring balance after summer indulgence.
Use it as: decocted tea, tincture, or added to broths
🌾Chicory Root (Cichorium intybus)- The Gentle Bitter
Best for: gut health, grounding energy, easing worry
Chicory is another root rich in inulin that supports healthy gut flora and gentle detoxification. It has a slightly bitter taste that stimulates digestion and helps ground mental energy, especially when we feel scattered of overwhelmed.
Use it as: roasted herbal coffee alternative, tea, or tincture
🍄Reishi Mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum)- The Spirit Mushroom
Best for: immune support, adrenal balance, stress resilience
Reishi is a powerful adaptogen and immune tonic that nourishes the heart, calms the nervous system, and supports whole body resilience. It's often referred to as the "mushroom of immortality" for its wide-ranging benefits- from mood to immunity to longevity.
As the pace of life begins to shift, Reishi helps us stay rooted, calm, and clear.
Use it as: tincture, powder in warm drinks, or simmered in broths
🌸Elderberry (Sambucus nigra)- Immune Readiness
As cooler nights arrive, it's a great time to start preparing your immune system for fall. Elderberry is rich in antioxidants and antiviral compounds that help shorten the duration of colds and flu and boosts resilience.
Our Elderberry Cold +Flu Tincture returns in August, handcrafted to support your body naturally during seasonal shifts.
👉Shop Elderberry Cold + Flu Tincture
Creating Ritual Around Seasonal Shifts
Late summer is a perfect time to:
- Start your day with a rooted tea like our Coffee Calming Blend
- Add Burdock root to stews and broths
- Create a grounding herbal altar with earthy elements
- Reflect on what you're harvesting- emotionally, energetically, and spiritually
- Begin slowly integrating immune and adrenal support before back to school and colder weather
Small intentional herbal rituals now will pay off as the external world begins to speed up again in fall.
Suggested Root to Bone Herbal Offerings for Late Summer
Here are some plant allies from our line to support your August energetic transition:
🌿Elderberry Cold + Flu Tincture
Support your immune system naturally with elderberry, elderflower, ginger, and warming herbs.
🌿Coffee Calming Blend
A blend of Burdock, Chicory, Dandelion root, and more for a deeply grounding and gentle daily detox.
🌿Mocha
A delicious chocolaty blend with Dandelion root, Chicory root, Nettle root, and Cinnamon.
🌿Cocoa with Mushrooms
Hot cacao blend with Reishi, Turkey tail, and a hint of Cayenne pepper.
Final Thoughts: Sink Your Roots
The end of summer doesn't have to feel like a crash. With the right herbs, you can ground your energy, support your digestion, nourish your immunity, and ease into autumn with clarity and strength.
August is the moment to root deeper, soften your rhythm, and prepare your body and spirit for what's next- slowly, intentionally, and with the help of plants.
🌿Shop Root to Bone Herbal
Explore grounding herbs, root tinctures, and immune blends to support your August shift.
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