The intoxicating aroma and beauty, whether in a single flower or a grand bouquet received as a present or a gift of nature on the roadside, they have the power to heal, inspire and touch our hearts.
Flower therapy is proven to be useful in cognitive issues like memory loss, stuttering and dyslexia. Physical ailments that arise out of psychological issues such as hypertension, asthma, insomnia, eating disorders, migraines and allergies can be cured with the healing properties of flowers. They balance emotions like fear, stress and anger.
Here are the 5 Most Important Medicinal Uses of Flowers
Therapeutic Healing With Fragrant Flowers
All the flowers have aromatic oils that are responsible for their strong aroma. The oils obtained from flowers have alleviating properties. The essential oils from flowers trigger the body to heal itself by initiating the normal biochemical and physical functioning of the body. The highly concentrated form of the oil is extracted from the flower and used for the treatment of many ailments as they contain minerals and vitamins. Essential oils are usually made from the steam extracted volatile oils of flowers that can easily be absorbed by the skin. Aromatherapy primarily involves usage of these essential oils that aid with relaxation in massage techniques when applied topically. Rose, jasmine and lavender are some of the most loved fragrances in the aromatherapy.
Natural Skincare With Flower Oils And Ointments
Oils and ointments are made of flowers which are effective for external application. They can be used for healing wounds, acne and relaxing muscles.
The oils and balms are made from fresh or dried flowers by infusing the flower in a carrier oil. Carrier oils such as olive, jojoba and grape seed can also be used to infuse flowers at home. Calendula and dandelion are flowers that have high medicinal values.
Boost Metabolism With Flower Teas And Infusions
Flower teas are a part of almost all cultures across the world. Dried flowers and plant parts are used for teas and infusions. Teas are useful for relaxation as well as medicinal benefits. Flowers are commonly used in teas. Chamomile, lavender, rose, hibiscus, marigold, chrysanthemum and jasmine teas are some of the most commonly consumed flower teas.
Self-care With Flower Essence
Unlike oils, teas and other herbal preparations that use several plant parts, flower essence is are made solely from flowers. Every flower is associated with specific mental and spiritual states. Healing flowers have been since time immemorial to help fight off several ailments including psychological issues.
Flower Sachets To Alleviate Insomnia
Aromatic herbs and flowers are dried and stored in sachets that are put under pillows, in drawers, car and more for fragrance. You can make your own sachet with a linen or fabric bag with a drawstring. Fill the bag with dried herbs and medicinal flowers and add a few drops of your any flower essential oil to the bag. Tightly close the bag and simply rub the bag to release the scent.
Here are some flowers with their fascinating healing properties
1. Jasmine - For Natural Relaxation
Jasmine oil is used to cure depression and uplift mood as it regulates breathing and blood pressure. Jasmine oil is also helpful in soothing hard muscles and rejuvenation helping with body aches and cramps. Many people use jasmine to manage ulcers and improve the digestive system. It also helps with anxiety and sleep issues.
2. Calendula - For Herbal Skincare
The petals of calendula flower have been used historically to heal cuts, burns and wounds. As the flower has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, it is commonly used to heal skin conditions such as rashes, acne and athlete's foot. They are helpful with muscle spasms and ease the painful menstruation days. Calendula also encourages healthy oral health due to its astringent properties that fight the mouth bacteria.
Homemade Calendula ointment, oils and creams are best due to the purity of ingredients. A rather easy flower to grow, calendula will serve your garden in more ways than one due to its versatile healing properties. Calendula Seeds will grow well in well-tilled soil in full to partial sun.
3. Daisy - For Improving Digestive Health
Daisy has a stimulating effect on digestion and increases appetite. It has been used to treat several ailments related to the digestive tract such as gastritis, diarrhoea and constipation. Daisies have been used historically for painful cramps during menstruation and urinary tract inflammation. Owing to its healing properties, daisy flower can be used on small wounds, sores, boils, scratches, dermatitis, rash and eczema, acne. A tincture made from the herb can be used as a remedy for mouth inflammation and sore throat.
Daisy is a perennial plant that grows up to 15 centimetres high and will blossom in Autumn. Daisy flowers grow best from quality daisy seeds which can be started indoors or outdoors depending on the climate.
4.Lavender - Nature’s Own Beauty Care
Enriched with antimicrobial properties, lavender oil finds wide use in cosmetics and aroma therapies. It has stress buster properties that are known to induce deep sleep and reduce stress levels. Lavender can be consumed in the form of oil or teas. It is helpful in healing acne and other related skin infections.
The heavenly aroma of lavender makes it a popular choice in cosmetic and wellness industry and a home-gardener can also try their hands at growing lavender from lavender seeds during autumn. One key point to remember is to have good drainage and 6 to 7 hours of sunlight for good growth.
5. Rose - For Enriching Herbal Remedies
Rose has anti-inflammatory properties which make it effective for joint and muscle pain relief. Rich in vitamin C, roses are an important antioxidant for overall health. They have also proven to aid serious conditions like heart disease. Rose petals fight anxiety and depression, increase circulation and relieve infections and viruses. You could use rose petals or consume it in tea or in the form of oil.
6.California Poppy - For Relieving Stress And Anxiety
California poppy is effective for inducing sleep trouble during insomnia, nervous agitation and diseases that are related to bladder and liver. In combination with other herbs, California poppy is used for depression, long-term mental and physical tiredness, nerve pain and blood vessel problems. Its sedative properties promote relaxation and the flower is known to improve cognitive abilities, mental health and learning power.
California poppy plant is used to make tea for relaxation. You can use the flower, leaves and stems to prepare the tea. The plant grown from California Poppy Seeds can grow up to 20 to 24 inches in height and can thrive with even very little care.
7.Chrysanthemum - The Ancient Herbal Panacea
Chrysanthemum has its place in the traditional Chinese medicine for prescriptions concerning cold, headache, inflammation of eyes, sore throat and boils. Chrysanthemum is also effective in treating vertigo, tinnitus and chest tightness caused by anxiety. The flower is proven to improve conditions as high blood pressure, diabetes, fever, swelling and dizziness.
Available in more than 20 varieties, Chrysanthemum Seeds can be planted from September to November and the blooms will appear in 12 to 14 weeks.
8.Cornflower - For Boosting Liver Health
Cornflower is an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant flower that is helpful in soothing stomach ulcers. Cornflower tea can improves digestion, wards off infections as cold and detoxifies the liver. Due to its antibiotic and antiseptic qualities, strong infusions of cornflower buds have been used to treat urinary tract infections. You could use the tea to rinse the mouth to cure sore or bleeding gums.
A wildflower with glorious blue blooms grows well in acidic soils and has been ardently used as an edible flower in French cuisine. Cornflower seeds must be planted from early to mid spring for summer bloom.
9.Sunflower - For Improved Cardiovascular Health
The bright and cheerful sunflower brews the perfect tea that helps soothe sore throats and menstrual cramps. Rich in nutrients as in magnesium, potassium, zinc, and iron, sunflower seeds improve cardiovascular health, digestion and brain function. Sunflower oil has low saturated fat levels and prevents diseases that are associated with heart problems, obesity, and indigestion. It is also a good skin moisture retainer and can be used for a soothing massage.
Sunflower oil is extensively used in the food industry and is a great source of vitamin E. The tea made from sunflower bloom and foliage is a great source of antioxidants to repair free radical damage.
10.Chamomile - De-stress With The Natural Relaxant
Chamomile is a natural pain reliever making it helpful during menstrual cycles to cure cramps and general muscle pains. Chamomile oil has antioxidant properties and hence is considered good for digestion and skin. Due to its antiseptic properties, chamomile oil can be used to cure boils, blisters and scars. Research has proven that chamomile oil is an effective stress buster and provide relief from headache, anxiety and fatigue. The fruity fragrance induces calmness, relaxation and sleep. You could brew chamomile flowers in boiling water and consume this caffeine-free tea before bedtime for a deep relaxing sleep.
The floral scent of Chamomile tea is enough to relieve stress and anxiety. Chamomile can be dried or used fresh off the plant. Chamomile tea made from homegrown Chamomile will always have better aroma than store brought mixture.
11. Marigold - The Organic Antidote
Marigolds are well known for their antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, astringent properties. They are highly beneficial for purposes as improving blood circulation, headaches, cold sores, toothaches and sore throats. Consumption of marigolds can help to treat gallbladder and liver dysfunctions, detoxify the digestive system and protect the body from infection. Marigolds have been used over the years as a natural dye for fabrics and food colouring.
The bright coloured is so much more than just an ornamental flower in the gardens with impressive health benefits. The small and condensed bloom of marigold comes in various colours and can easily be grown from marigold seeds at home.
