Flower Power
Flowers are certainly beautiful to look at and are a sure way to gift a loved one a smile but did you know that many lovely blooms also pack quite a healing punch?
1 - SUNFLOWERS
Bright and cheery, they also have many medicinal, and culinary uses. A tea made from the leaves is astringent, diuretic and expectorant, it is used in the treatment of high fevers. The crushed leaves are used as a poultice on sores, swellings, snakebites and spider bites. The leaves are harvested as the plant comes into flower and are dried for later use. A tea made from the flowers is used in the treatment of malaria and lung ailments. The flowering head and seeds are febrifuge, nutritive and stomachic. The seed is also considered to be diuretic and expectorant. It has been used with success in the treatment of many pulmonary complaints. A decoction of the roots has been used as a warm wash on rheumatic aches and pains.
2 - LAVENDER
Lavender has long been used in aromatherapy as an essential oil that helps many people relax and manage stress, anxiety and aids sleep.
Lavender oil also has some surprising anti-inflammatory and antiseptic benefits as a topical treatment. It's sometimes used to treat wounds, burns and even acne, as well as heal some throat and chest conditions.
Not to mention it tastes delicious as a tea, or added into cooking, lavender french macaroons are in my opinion healing for the soul.
3 - CALENDULA
Calendula is one of the most well-known floral healers.
Often called pot marigold, its petals have been used for centuries to heal cuts, burns and wounds because of its incredible antiviral, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory glycosides. The flower is also commonly used to heal many skin conditions, including rashes, acne and athlete's foot.
5- ECHINACEA
Echinacea's uses in medicine and healing date back to early Native American tribes who used the flower to treat various wounds and diseases that afflicted them.
Echinacea contains compounds called alkylamides that are effective at treating both internal and external conditions. For example, echinacea has been used to manage sore throats, colds and the flu.
People can find Echinacea: fresh or dried, sometimes in teas as a dietary supplement, in pills as a preparation to apply to the skin squeezed, as juice as an extract, in capsules
6 - ROSES
Roses, one of the most popular flowers for cut arrangements, are also commonly used for medicinal purposes.
Roses contain a great deal of vitamin C, an important antioxidant for overall health and fighting some more serious conditions like heart disease and stroke.
Rose petals can help increase circulation, fight depression and anxiety, relieve infections and combat viruses, among a number of other health benefits
You can find rose in many types of products that can be used internally or externally such as: Rose essential oil (great for aromatherapy and for use in beauty products) Rose water (delicious in food and beverage recipes as well as to soothe the skin) Rose hydrosol (a cooling and hydrating skin toner) Rose petal jam (a sweet uplifting treat) Rose tea (wonderful benefits for soothing the mind, heart and throat) Rose powder (useful in herbal formulas, skin products and culinary recipes)
7 - JASMINE
Jasmine is very popular in tea form, and not just because it makes a delicious drink. Jasmine eases many body aches and cramps and can also benefit the digestive system. People use jasmine to manage ulcers and indigestion, along with anxiety and sleep issues.
8 - PASSIONFLOWER
Passionflowers are one of the most beautiful and unique looking flowers thanks to its strange petal formations and vibrant colors.
As far as healing goes, these flowers are adept at treating many mental and emotional conditions, including stress, insomnia, depression, anxiety and panic.
The relaxant can also aid those with asthma, shingles and epilepsy. Passionflowers are such a great sedative that they've been used medicinally since the Aztecs first discovered their healing properties.
9 - HAWTHORN
A member of the rose family, hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) is a thorny, flowering tree or shrub native to temperate regions of Europe, North America, and northern Asia.
All parts of the plant—the leaves, flowers, berries, stems, and even the bark—have long been used in herbal medicine as digestive, kidney, and anti-anxiety aids.
In modern times, this ancient medicinal herb, which is widely available in many forms as a dietary supplement, is still popular for its effects on heart health, primarily to help with Angina, Atherosclerosis, Congestive heart failure and High blood pressure.
10- CHAMOMILE
Chamomile has been used as a traditional medicine for thousands of years to calm anxiety and settle stomachs. In the U.S., chamomile is best known as an ingredient in herbal tea.
It has been shown to ease upset stomach, heartburn, nausea, and vomiting and it seems to aid colicky babies.
You can visit this page to see some of the botanical gifts we carry at the studio : HEALING BOTANICAL GIFTS or return to the home page and browse a few more articles BROWE AND CHILL
