Flowers and plants don’t just look beautiful and brighten your day; they can also help you feel better!
Many well-loved plants and flowers have healing properties and have been used in medicines for hundreds of years.
Let’s take a look at some of the best flowers with healing powers.
1. Roses
One of the most stunning and romantic flowers money can buy, roses are a wonderful way to show your affection for a loved one. They’re a fantastic all-rounder when it comes to your health too.
Full of vitamin C and antioxidants, roses and their fruit (rose hips) are used to treat anything from cuts and burns to sore throats and upset stomachs.
Rose water is also a natural astringent that you can incorporate into your skincare routine to tighten your pores, reduce redness, and tone your skin.
2. Lavender
Do you ever catch the scent of sweet, soothing lavender and just want to go to sleep? This beautiful purple flower contains an oil that can encourage a good night’s sleep, as well as reduce stress levels.
Lavender also has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, meaning it’s good for bug bites and minor burns.
3. Sunflower
A gorgeous sunflower makes a glorious addition to any garden, as well as any medicine cabinet!
Sunflowers are rich in vitamin E, which can help protect the heart, remove free radicals from our bodies and boost the immune system.
Don’t forget the sunflower seeds! These yummy treats are a fantastic source of vitamins and minerals. Try them on top of a salad or in some crunchy granola.
4. Verbena
The word verbena is derived from the Celtic word for ‘stone’, and for a very long time, this cute little flower was used to cure kidney stones.
While the jury’s out on whether this blossom can eliminate kidney stones, it is used to treat wounds, relieve joint pain, and reduce inflammation.
6. Foxgloves
This purple and pink plant is an interesting one, as while it is used in modern medicine, it is also extremely poisonous.
Chemicals from the foxglove plant are used to make digoxin, a medicine used to control heart problems. The medicine does this by slowing down the heart rate, making it easier to pump blood around the body.
Note: Medicines containing foxglove should only be taken with the recommendation of a medical professional. All parts of the foxglove plant are poisonous and must not be eaten.
5. Marigolds
Is there nothing more likely to put a smile on your face than a big, colourful bunch of marigolds? The good news is this flower contains lots of resins and essential oils that cure a wide range of ailments.
Marigold ointment can reduce bruising, heal cuts, and give relief to burns, while marigold tea can relieve stomach ulcers and menstrual cramps.
7. Peony
A gorgeous summertime blossom, peonies don’t just look stunning but also help fight pain.
It’s thought that peonies block chemicals produced by the body that cause cramping, with the flower often used to treat muscle cramps, upset stomach and PMS. Creams containing peony extract are also used to help heal cracked and damaged skin.
8. Evening Primrose
These little yellow flowers may pass you by when you walk through your nearby meadow, but they pack a strong medicinal punch.
Evening primrose flowers contain a large amount of gamma-linolenic acid, which can be used to clear up acne, treat dermatitis and relieve PMS.
9. Chrysanthemums
Available in a wide range of colours, shapes, and sizes, chrysanthemums are one of the most well-loved flowers in the world.
This species of flower has been used as medicine for hundreds of years, with the Chinese boiling and eating the roots as a cure for headaches. In modern times, a cup of chrysanthemum tea will boost your immune system and help your body cool down if you have a fever.
10. Rosemary
Rosemary smells wonderful and is used in cooking everything from roast lamb to focaccia! So it comes as no surprise that this woody herb has a wide range of health benefits too.
Rosemary can help improve blood circulation, boost memory, and help with loss of appetite. The fragrant oil from this herb can also be used to prevent baldness and promote hair growth.
11. Aloe vera
Often referred to as ‘the first aid plant’, the leaves of the aloe vera plant are full of anti-inflammatory compounds called anthraquinones. These chemicals can help relieve sunburn, heal cold sores, and soothe dry skin.
Our top tip – an aloe vera plant is a must-have for your kitchen. Pop one on your windowsill and cut a bit off if you burn yourself while cooking!
12. Echinacea
While you’re not likely to find this spiky purple bloom in a bouquet of flowers, you will find it in the supplement aisle of your local health store.
Echinacea was originally used by the Native Americans over 400 years ago to treat infections and illnesses. It’s most frequently used today to help reduce symptoms of cold and flu, as well as boost the immune system.
13. Dandelion
Many people see dandelions as nothing but stubborn weeds, but the truth is that these hardy little flowers have a massive range of health benefits.
Rich in minerals and antioxidants, dandelions help reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure and can even relieve constipation! Try the stalks in a salad or whip up some delicious pesto.
14. Chamomile
These delicate, edible blossoms are often found in teas and medication that can help you get to sleep. However, did you know chamomile can help aid digestion too?
Chamomile flowers contain a chemical called bisabolol, which helps relax your digestive muscles, soothing upset stomachs and reducing nausea.
Some of the beautiful flowers we’ve mentioned feature in our range of ‘get well soon’ bouquets, a lovely gift to say you’re thinking of someone. Find out more about our range of magnificent blooms.
