Throughout history and even within the modern medical world, health practitioners have relied upon plant-based remedies to cure many common ailments. While most people tend to think of exotic greenery or special herbs as the key ingredients in these medicines, the truth is that flowers are also at the top of this list! In this manner, flowers can have many positive impacts on your health. Here are a few reasons why you should plant a flower garden now!
Why Start a Flower Garden?
There are many wonderful benefits associated with planting flower gardens. The act of gardening itself can help to improve both your body and your mind; it is so much more than a simple pastime or hobby. In short, planting a flower garden is a form of therapy that improves your physical and mental well-being. For instance, gardening is a great form of exercise. From bending frequently to light lifting, a flower garden is a great way to get your exercise in. Often considered a peaceful activity, gardening also has incredible benefits when it comes to your peace of mind. Flower gardens have been proven to reduce stress, decrease depression, lower blood pressure and improve your overall mood. Simply looking at beautiful flowers—especially their various colors and textures can help to evoke feelings of comfort, tranquility and happiness. What’s more is that flower gardens are beneficial for the planet because they help to improve air quality while also reducing soil erosion.
Top Flowers for Your Health
The therapeutic nature of healing flowers is an effective approach to improving your health with excellent results. Here are a few top flowers to incorporate in your garden and how each can benefit your health:
Periwinkles – Periwinkles are a flower with antibiotic and analgesic properties. They are used to treat infections and are also hypoallergenic, meaning that those who suffer from allergies can enjoy this flower without fear of developing common allergy symptoms like runny noses or itchy, watery eyes.
Hydrangea – Dried hydrangea roots are rich in nutrients and are a natural way to treat problems associated with the urinary tract including the kidneys, bladder and prostate. Hydrangeas are used in traditional Chinese medicine and can even be used to treat common colds because of their benefits to the autoimmune system. This is another hypoallergenic flower that will not impact allergies.
Lily of the Valley – Lily of the valley is a flower that results in positive feelings. It is often used as a herbal treatment for heart problems, especially for the elderly. This is because lily of the valley, both the leaves and the flowers, help to improve heart rate while decreasing blood pressure. It also offers many other amazing benefits including serving as a diuretic and laxative.
Roses – Roses are a classic flower often associated with love. However, there are other health benefits of roses as well. Essential oils gleaned from roses can be used to rejuvenate the skin and can also serve as an antidepressant. This is why beautiful bouquets of roses are often presented as gifts or as wonderful displays on restaurant tables. In short, roses help to put people in a good mood.
Blue Hydrangeas – Blue hydrangeas have many therapeutic properties and are great for relaxation. Native to Asia and North America, blue hydrangeas provide healing agents for improving kidney health, including removing kidney stones.
Lavender – Fragrant lavender is excellent for decreasing stress, improving mood and encouraging a full night’s sleep. Lavender is also good for improving the quality of the skin, reducing dandruff and soothing other minor skin irritations.
Chamomile – Chamomile is a flower that is high in antioxidants and is often used in teas. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and can help to reduce pain, anxiety, and depression. Chamomile further helps to improve digestion. However, do keep in mind though that chamomile is one of the worst flowers for allergies due to its high pollen production count.
Marigold – The benefits of marigold include reduction in skin inflammations like sunburn and eczema. Marigold is also used to treat inflammations of the eye, including redness and swelling.
All in all, when it comes to natural methods for healing the body, do not count flowers out. Planting a flower garden is a natural and low maintenance option for improving your health today. Planting your own flower garden goes far beyond having beautiful flowers to look at. Flowers can have many positive impacts on your health and well-being. Get started today by planting your flower garden now to reap the many health benefits later on!
The above post was provided by Naomi Shaw, who lives in Southern California with her husband and three kids. She is a free-lance journalist and stay at home mom that enjoys writing on fashion, beauty, jewelry, and health. Follow her @naomijshaw or visit her website at www.