Flowers for Wellbeing
- Image from Sabrina Grant
There’s no doubt about it, flowers are powerful little things. Tied to memories and special days, they mark many of our most profound moments and in an instant they draw the biggest of smiles. They’re such a fantastic way to communicate when you don’t know what to say or when you can’t be there. A simple gesture to let someone know they are loved. This pandemic is one big unintended life milestone for all of us so hell, why not fill it with flowers to bring even a brief moment of solace.
Throughout the pandemic, for me personally, simply being able to deliver gift bouquets has brought me so much joy. There’s nothing like that surprised look on someones face when they open the door to a bunch of flowers they weren’t expecting - it’s priceless.
And if there’s one thing that’s come out of ‘all this’, I think in some ways it’s made us take stock of our feelings, and of our overall wellbeing. Perhaps making us think about how we’re spending our time and who we’re spending it with, and think about how we could and should take better care of ourselves.
The Healing Power of Flowers
The impact of flowers lasts beyond that instant gratification of the surprise moment when you open the door or open the box, and they do more than just add a pretty touch a room. They can have a lasting uplifting effect on your mood too that can last for days. They’ve been found to ease anxious feelings, make people feel less depressed and even speed up recovery from illness.
Flowers have long been used in medicine and in herbal remedies, to cure and treat any number of ailments. There’s lots of blooms that can be eaten or steeped into teas for their health benefits and incredible healing powers.
Why Flowers Make Us Happy
Natures biggest show offs make us happy by triggering the happy chemicals in our brain: Dopamine, Serotonin and Oxytocin for both an instant and lasting joy.
Dopamine - A reward and ‘feel good’ chemical.
Serotonin - A mood regulator that contributes to feelings of wellbeing and happiness.
Oxytocin - A bonding chemical associated with trust and empathy.
Some experts suggest that these influences come from our evolution. Back when we relied on what was in nature at the time for our food, flowers were a clear signal of the abundance to come after a sparse winter. It makes sense that many of us still feel an intense joy seeing those sprouts shoot up in spring and the trees filled with blossom, knowing summer is on its way.
As we all spend more time behind our screens it’s so important to get out into nature and also to bring nature into our homes for all the benefits it brings. Whether it’s through your garden, house plants or through flowers.
Best Flowers for Wellbeing
So what are the best flowers for wellbeing I hear you ask?
Firstly, always remember to bear in mind the intended use of a flower and the reason it has been grown and produced. It’s important only ingest flowers when you know exactly where they have come from and you know for sure they have been grown free from potentially harmful chemicals. Always ask the supplier/florist if you are not sure!
With that in mind, here are my suggestions:
1. Flowers by Colour
Different colours generate different feelings and have different effects on mood. Pink is known for its calming effects, while yellow inspires warmth and happiness. Red can stimulate confidence, passion and courage, with green being a particularly grounding and peaceful choice. Each colour ‘says’ something different. Alternatively a mixed bunch of shades is great for all round joy!
2. Lavender
Known by many for its use in aromatherapy as an oil, it helps people relax, manage stress, ease feelings of anxiety or aid those having trouble sleeping. A little bunch or a bag of dried lavender flowers is perfect for those calming vibes.
Try this: Pillow Spray for deep sleep - this is my absolute favourite bedside product
3. Favourite Flowers
Do you know of your loved ones favourite flower? Something that reminds you of them, maybe there’s something you remember from their garden or that they love from yours. Maybe it’s peonies, daffodils, tulips, roses, or maybe yellow flowers or perhaps it’s meadow flowers. Sentiment is sure to bring an extra large smile!
4. Roses
One of the worlds most loved flowers in their array of shapes and sizes. The scent alone is enough to take someone back to a special moment in time. But I bet you didn’t know they’re super high in Vitamin C. During World War 2 roses were gathered and made into syrup for the soldiers and for relief from coughs and colds. Roses are also known for relieving joint pains and being used as an anti-inflammatory too. How amazing, right?
5. Chamomile
This delicate little bloom has those gorgeous wildflower vibes we love so much but not only that, the vapours from the flowers travel to the part of the brain which can turn off tension and reduce the body’s stress response. It’s often used to help induce sleep and calmness, soothe the symptoms of a cold, ease menstrual cramps and relieve digestive problems. What a special bloom.
Try this: Chamomile, Vanilla & Manuka Honey tea - for delicious calming vibes
6. Fennel
Full of health benefits and believed to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It’s commonly used in holistic remedies to soothe digestive problems, relieving bloating, gas and cramps. The flowers are pretty cute too, a great one to add to you garden. All parts of the plant are edible, you can collect the seeds, trim the flowers, feathery fronds, the stalk and bulb to then be added to your dishes. Yum!
Try this: Grow your own fennel at home!
7. Peace Lily
Plants are equally brilliant for bringing nature into the home for that beneficial mood boost. An added benefit of the peace lily is that they’re one of the very best plants for cleansing the air around you. They are said to be able to improve air quality by up to 60%!! The perfect living gift.
8. Eucalyptus
Okay, it’s not a flower but so super beneficial! Its oil is widely used in many many remedies from dental through to wounds and even insect repellant. But it’s most known for its anti-inflammatory properties and its ability to relieve congestion, headaches and coughs. The aroma also has major relaxation benefits too.
Try this: Hang a bunch of eucalyptus behind the stream of water in your shower for the release of all the oils and aromas.
A Contactless Hug
Now more than ever - while we spend more time apart than ever before, where we can’t be there in person for one another in many cases, where we can’t share a hug - flowers really feel like a hug from afar.
Flowers aren’t essential, they’re emotional. They won’t solve our problems, or the world’s problems. But for a little while, they make us smile.
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