Herbal Heat Prep: Medicinal Plants to Support You Through the Southern Summer
Summer is knocking (loudly) on our garden gates here in Georgia—and with it comes sun-soaked days, long evenings, and yes, a whole lot of heat. But just like you prep your wardrobe for the season (hello flowy linen everything), your garden and herbal medicine cabinet deserve a little seasonal shift, too.
At Planted Wellness Co., we believe your plants should work with the season—not against it. That’s why we’ve rounded up a few of our favorite heat-loving, body-soothing medicinal herbs that are not only built for Georgia’s sultry summers but can also help support you through the season’s challenges.
From iced teas to stress relief to bug bite balms, these herbs pull double duty—thriving in your yard and keeping you well.
1. Holy Basil (Tulsi): The Stress Soother
Why we love it: Known as the Queen of Herbs in Ayurvedic medicine, Holy Basil is a calming adaptogen that helps the body balance stress and heat. It’s fragrant, bushy, and an absolute pollinator magnet.
How it helps in summer:
Naturally supports stress and anxiety
High in antioxidants to combat heat-induced inflammation
Makes a cooling tea (bonus points if you chill it with a squeeze of lime)
How to grow: Loves full sun and warm temps—thrives in containers or beds with well-drained soil. Regular pruning = bushier growth.
2. Lemon Balm: The Mood Brightener
Why we love it: Lemon balm brings citrusy cheer wherever it grows. A member of the mint family, it’s heat-tolerant and fast-growing, making it perfect for summer harvests.
How it helps in summer:
Calms the nervous system (perfect after a hot, hectic day)
Promotes restful sleep
Can soothe bug bites and minor skin irritations when infused in oil
How to grow: Partial afternoon shade keeps it happiest in Georgia heat. Harvest often to prevent bolting and to keep the flavor fresh.
3. Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa): The Hydrator
Why we love it: If summer had a signature drink, Roselle hibiscus tea would be it. The tart, vitamin C–rich calyxes are not only delicious but naturally cooling and supportive of hydration.
How it helps in summer:
Supports hydration and healthy blood pressure
Packed with antioxidants
Makes the most refreshing iced tea you’ve ever had
How to grow: Give it full sun and space—it’s a big one! It thrives with regular watering and a bit of patience (you’ll harvest calyxes later in the season).
4. Calendula: The Skin Savior
Why we love it: Calendula is basically sunshine in flower form—and your skin’s new best friend. This cheerful bloom helps soothe and heal all kinds of summer skin drama.
How it helps in summer:
Anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial
Supports healing of sunburn, bug bites, and scrapes
Dried petals are great in tea or made into skin salves
How to grow: Tolerates heat if given some afternoon shade and regular watering. Deadhead to encourage blooms well into fall.
5. Catnip: The Underrated Chill Herb
Why we love it: Yes, it’s great for your cat—but it’s also great for you. Catnip is a calming nervine herb that can help ease stress, aid digestion, and even repel mosquitoes.
How it helps in summer:
Acts as a mild sedative (especially in tea)
Helps with digestion after all those summer cookouts
Naturally deters mosquitos when planted near seating areas
How to grow: Full sun and well-drained soil. It can get a little wild, so containers are a great way to keep it tidy.
Tips for Growing Herbs in the Summer Heat
Water early in the day to avoid evaporation and give plants a strong start.
Mulch generously to keep soil cool and retain moisture.
Harvest frequently to encourage new growth and prevent bolting.
Plant in containers if you’re tight on space or need to control sunlight exposure.
BONUS: A Cooling Herbal Iced Tea Recipe
Cooling Calm Summer Tea
1 tsp dried Roselle calyxes
1 tsp dried lemon balm
1 tsp dried holy basil
Optional: a few calendula petals for color and skin-boosting benefits
Steep in hot water for 10 minutes, strain, and chill. Serve over ice with a splash of honey and a slice of citrus.
Ready to Plant Your Summer Wellness Garden?
We’ve got all these herbs available right now in our shop - ready to help you take on the heat with leafy green confidence.
Follow us on Instagram for daily garden inspiration, and don’t forget to tag us when you brew your first batch of iced herbal tea—we love seeing what you create.
