Late Summer Herbal Allies for Skin + Wellness

As August rolls in and the golden light starts to soften, the landscape is full of quiet abundance. It’s a time of ripening—of slowing down just a little, feeling the heat linger, and noticing which plants are still standing strong. In herbalism, this is a beautiful window to support our skin, immunity, and nervous system with the herbs that thrive in late summer.

Here are a few of my favourite late summer herbal allies—wild, resilient, and rich with healing properties—and how you can use them to support your skin and wellness naturally.

Plantain Leaf

A herbalist'

s first-aid plant, plantain leaf is soothing, drawing, and incredibly helpful for bites, scrapes, and inflamed skin. Its cooling, anti-inflammatory properties make it a go-to for summer skincare. I infuse it into oil for salves that calm everything from sunburns to rashes.

Where you'll find it: Look for low-growing rosettes in sunny, compacted soil. And yes, it often grows where people walk—it thrives in disturbance.

Fireweed

One of the last vibrant bloomers of summer, fireweed is more than just beautiful—it’s packed with skin-healing and antioxidant properties. Traditionally used to calm irritated skin and support healing, I love it infused into oils for gentle skin restoration.

Why I love it: Fireweed is gorgeous and it speaks of resilience—it’s often the first plant to regrow after fire, making it a perfect symbol of regeneration and repair.

Yarrow

Yarrow is a longtime herbalist’s ally for everything from wound healing to fevers. Its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory actions make it a powerful addition to summer salves or bug bite balms.

For skin and beyond: Yarrow is also known for its energetic properties—it's said to help with boundaries and protection, which feels just right as we prepare to shift into the inward energy of fall.

Goldenrod

Often mistaken for ragweed, goldenrod is a supportive herb for seasonal allergies and inflammation. It’s also mildly astringent, making it lovely for toning the skin or as part of a herbal facial steam.

In the wild: You’ll see goldenrod lighting up roadsides and fields in late August and early September with its golden blooms—a final, bright gift before the plants begin to rest.

Herbal Skincare That Reflects the Season

Each of these plants inspires the way I formulate —infused with intention, using wildcrafted herbs that grow right here in Northern Saskatchewan.

You’ll find plantain and fireweed in the Essential Healing Balm, and spruce, birch, and poplar buds in our forest-infused Northern Grit Collection—both crafted to nourish, protect, and restore your skin naturally.

Tending to Yourself, Naturally

Late summer invites us to slow down, hydrate deeply, and listen to what our body (and the land) needs. Whether you're foraging, gardening, or simply spending time outdoors, the herbs around you are offering quiet support.

Take a moment to notice what’s still growing—and know that nature has your back, right through the shift of the seasons.

Want to learn more about seasonal herbs and natural skincare? Join my mailing list or follow along on Instagram @prairieapothecarysk for herbal insights, recipes, and new product highlights.