Flower Therapy: Fresh Flowers and their Therapeutic Effects

At any hour of the day and for virtually any occasion, flowers bring an opportunity for increased joy. There’s a reason they’re given in honor of birthdays, births, retirements, engagements, weddings, promotions, deaths, and everything in between. Life’s many moments—both big and small—usually call for flowers.

Interestingly, the reason for this may be deeper than face value. From an obvious perspective, flowers are suitable to give because of their sheer beauty. They’re naturally uplifting thanks to their radiant colors and rich fragrances. People are often drawn to bouquets featuring their favorite hues and blossoms. Yet there’s another key reason why they may be so noteworthy: they provide significant therapeutic benefits.

It may be surprising to learn flowers have an intense link to both physical health and emotional wellbeing on an intrinsic level. Behavioral research studies, for example, link them to everything from improved long-term mood to better connections with loved ones. Some studies even suggest a link between botanical accents and decreased incidences of depression. What’s more, flowers are thought to boost creativity and improve feelings of self-worth. Here’s how fresh flowers can bring about notable therapeutic effects.

Roses

Throughout history, roses were championed for their health benefits. As far back as the 13th century, people used them to treat everything from eye diseases to skin disorders. Today, they enjoy the same level of popularity. Diluted rose oil may be topically applied to soothe inflammation and reduce sensitivity. Rose is a powerful fragrance with a heady note, making it a sensible choice for those seeking a natural remedy for stress and anxiety. Rose syrup can be added to homemade tonics, as it’s said to relieve digestive upset. Some people swear by a tincture of rose water and plain water to soothe swollen eyelids.

Lavender

The natural beauty of lavender is unsurpassed. The herb is widely prized for its distinctive fragrance. The purple plant is known for its relaxing properties, a key reason why it’s often incorporated into bedtime infusions like body lotions and pillow sprays. Some say that the fragrance can induce sleep and even reduce levels of anxiety. In holistic circles, people tout its antispasmodic properties. It’s not only potentially useful for digestive ailments, but also for muscle aches and breathing issues related to common colds and allergies. Because lavender is also an antiseptic, it can be topically applied to relieve discomfort, dermatitis, and acne.

Hydrangeas

The lush hydrangea is a beautiful flowering plant that adds instant color and personality to any space. Surprisingly, it may also be a powerful addition to a well-rounded diet. Packed with nutrients and minerals, including calcium and magnesium, hydrangea may help people avoid contracting several chronic health concerns affecting the heart and brain. What’s nice about hydrangea is that it’s easy to consume. Much like tea, it can be steeped in warm water for up to five minutes, then extracted. Used sparingly, it can relieve pain and discomfort thanks to its antioxidant properties.

Peonies

Lush peonies need no introduction. These pillowy flowers are showy and brilliant, making them perfect for celebrating a special occasion. At the same time, peony extract can be useful for medicinal purposes, relieving irritated skin, and alleviating itchy scalp. Peonies are naturally antispasmodic and can have a relaxing effect both on the body and the mind. People may use it to help regulate their sleep cycles, for example, or even to reduce the effects of a lingering cough.

Violets

The violet is a delightful plant that features an abundance of lush white or pale purple flowers. While it’s a wonderful addition to any landscape for its ability to brighten up a garden bed or boost your curb appeal, violet also happens to be an exceptional addition to your medicine cabinet! Prepare an infusion with about an ounce of violet flowers and a quart of water brought to a boil, then use it to soothe an irritated throat. You can also inhale violet and take in its light aroma to help drift yourself to sleep. Violet can even calm restlessness and help you feel more at ease.

Other Medicinal Flowers

You might be surprised at just how healing your garden can be! While walking in the sunshine among the radiant colors and beautiful blooms alone may be enough to lift your spirits, some of your favorites might also do wonders for your health. Jasmine, for example, may help alleviate pain. Marigold has been used for centuries to alleviate pain related to minor cuts and scrapes. It may even reduce the likelihood of developing scars! While red clover is more of a weed than a flower you grow willingly, you might be happy to learn it has an important use, after all: some people love using them in tinctures to break up mucus and alleviate a cough.

Interesting Ways to Use Flowers for Healing

It does take a little know-how to use these flowers the right way to promote healing. One option is to create a tincture using the flower of your choice and vodka. Simply fill a mason jar with your flower of choice, pour the liquor inside, and allow it to rest for at least two months. Yes, it’s a time-consuming process—but it may be fun to get started early just so you have something handy if you want to try a natural cure for a minor ache or pain.

Another option is to blend your flowers into syrup. Bring two cups of water to a boil, add a couple of cups of sugar, then stir the flowers into the mixture. Allow the sugar to dissolve, then steep for about half an hour. You can then drain the flowers and then add the syrup to anything from a cocktail to a glass of sparkling water.

Flowers undoubtedly brighten your world—and may even heal or soothe you. Experimenting with different flowers can open up an entirely new world of treatments. However, always be sure to check with your medical provider before pursuing any of these botanical remedies.