Summer Herbs to Keep on Hand This Season
As the days grow longer and temperatures rise, summer brings unique opportunities—and challenges—for our bodies and daily wellness routines. From staying hydrated and supporting healthy skin after time in the sun to enjoying cooling herbal teas and refreshing seasonal rituals, herbs can be a wonderful addition to your summer lifestyle.
Whether you're creating iced teas, herbal infusions, botanical skincare, or simply looking for ways to embrace the season, here are some of our favorite herbs and natural ingredients for summer.
Butterfly Pea Flower
One of summer's most beautiful herbs, butterfly pea flower creates a stunning blue tea that naturally changes color when citrus is added. Served over ice, it makes a refreshing seasonal beverage and a fun addition to mocktails, lemonades, and frozen treats.
Butterfly pea flower is rich in naturally occurring plant pigments called anthocyanins, which give the flowers their vibrant color and make them a favorite ingredient for both beverages and natural beauty applications.
Ways to enjoy:
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Iced herbal tea
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Summer mocktails
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Natural food coloring
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Popsicles and frozen drinks
Hibiscus
Few herbs feel as refreshing on a hot day as hibiscus. Known for its bright ruby-red color and tart flavor, hibiscus tea is naturally caffeine-free and delicious served over ice.
Its vibrant flavor pairs beautifully with citrus fruits, mint, and berries, making it a staple for summer gatherings and hydration-friendly beverages.
Try it in:
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Iced tea blends
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Lemonades
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Fruit punches
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Herbal mocktails
Peppermint
Peppermint is one of summer's most beloved cooling herbs. Its naturally refreshing aroma and flavor make it perfect for warm-weather teas, infused waters, and seasonal recipes.
A chilled peppermint tea can be especially enjoyable after spending time outdoors or enjoying a summer meal.
Summer favorites:
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Iced peppermint tea
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Cucumber-mint water
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Herbal popsicles
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Cooling facial mists
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm offers a bright citrusy flavor that feels perfectly suited for summer. This cheerful herb blends beautifully with many seasonal teas and beverages and is often enjoyed as a calming addition to an evening routine.
Ways to use:
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Iced herbal teas
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Herbal lemonade
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Tea blends
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Garden-inspired mocktails
Raspberry Leaf
Often overlooked outside of traditional herbal circles, raspberry leaf makes a surprisingly refreshing summer tea. It contains naturally occurring minerals and has a mild, earthy flavor that blends well with mint, hibiscus, or lemon balm.
Serve it chilled for a refreshing summer beverage.
Pairs well with:
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Hibiscus
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Peppermint
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Lemon balm
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Rose petals
Rose Petals
Nothing says summer quite like roses. Beyond their beauty, rose petals add a delicate floral note to teas, desserts, bath rituals, and botanical skincare.
Their aroma makes them especially popular for self-care routines and seasonal herbal blends.
Enjoy roses in:
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Tea blends
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Bath soaks
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Facial steams
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Infused honey
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Summer desserts
Lavender
Lavender's unmistakable scent makes it a summer favorite for relaxation and outdoor living. Its floral notes complement teas, bath products, linen sprays, and herbal sachets.
Many gardeners also enjoy planting lavender near outdoor spaces where its fragrance can be appreciated throughout the season.
Summer uses:
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Iced tea blends
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Bath rituals
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Linen sprays
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Sachets
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Garden bouquets
Sage
Sage is a versatile culinary and herbal plant that thrives during the warmer months. Its earthy flavor complements grilled vegetables, summer meals, and herbal tea blends.
Fresh sage can also be dried and stored for use throughout the year.
Try sage in:
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Culinary dishes
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Herbal tea blends
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Garden harvest bundles
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Summer cooking
Dandelion
Dandelion is one of nature's most abundant plants and has long been appreciated in traditional herbal practices. The leaves, roots, and flowers can all be utilized in various ways.
Summer is a wonderful time to enjoy dandelion greens in salads or incorporate dandelion into herbal tea blends.
Popular uses:
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Herbal teas
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Salad greens
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Botanical blends
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Seasonal wellness routines
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is one of the most recognized adaptogenic herbs and is commonly incorporated into daily wellness routines throughout the year.
During busy summer schedules, many herbal enthusiasts enjoy including adaptogens as part of their seasonal self-care rituals.
Ways to enjoy:
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Herbal blends
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Smoothies
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Capsules
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Adaptogenic beverages
Chia Seeds
While technically a seed rather than an herb, chia deserves a place on any summer wellness list. When soaked, chia absorbs liquid and creates a gel-like texture that makes it perfect for hydrating beverages and nutritious snacks.
Summer favorites:
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Chia water with lemon
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Overnight puddings
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Smoothies
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Fruit parfaits
Green Tea
Green tea remains a warm-weather favorite thanks to its light flavor and versatility. Served hot or iced, it pairs wonderfully with citrus, mint, berries, and floral herbs.
Many people enjoy cold-brewed green tea during the hottest months of the year.
Try it with:
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Lemon
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Mint
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Butterfly pea flower
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Hibiscus
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Fresh berries
Create Your Own Summer Herbal Ritual
Summer is the perfect season to experiment with herbal teas, refreshing botanical beverages, bath rituals, and seasonal recipes. Whether you're sipping hibiscus over ice, adding butterfly pea flower to a mocktail, or winding down with a cup of lemon balm and lavender, herbs offer a simple way to connect with the season.
At Herbal Rose Apothecary, we believe herbs should be approachable, beautiful, and easy to incorporate into everyday life. Start with one new herb this summer and discover how enjoyable seasonal herbal traditions can be.