FLOWER POWER

There’s more to flowers than meets the eye, as they can be potent healers too. We tell you how their benefits extend beyond just their beauty

The unpretentious flower, in all its glory, is much more than the mere eye candy to which we diminish it. As monsoon causes multiple diseases, and health nuts are slowly coming to realise about the medicinal utility of some flowers, we look at how they can benefit you this season. 

BOUQUET OF BENEFITS

While most of us have used them for aromatherapy or beauty treatments, we might have missed out on the medicinal uses of certain flowers. They are used extensively in Ayurveda, homeopathy and other holistic treatments. We tell you which blooms are beneficial for your health, and how they can be of value to you.

Yellow Marigold Calendula is famously called the ‘Russian penicillin’. It is exhaustively used in homeopathy, and is counted among the oldest and most popular herbal remedies; it works wonders in healing ruptured skin. In addition, Calendula is used to ease eczema.

Lavender It is known for its calming and healing properties. As a medicine, it is known to heal wounds faster. It eases throat and chest congestion as well.

Jasmine (Juhi) Jasmine has cooling properties. Hence, it is used in heat-like conditions, nasal bleeding, conjunctivitis, mouth ulcers or stomatitis. It is effective in various skin disorders. It is also used as cardiac tonic that enhances cardiac muscles.

Hibiscus (Japa kusum) This flower, if crushed, leaves a dark purple-black stain, which is used to make hair oils to prevent or reverse greying of hair.

Mango flowers (Amra manjari) They have excellent astringent properties and are very effective in acute or chronic diarrhoea. It’s also beneficial for women who suffer from menorrhagia (heavy bleeding during periods).

Cotton Flowers of the cotton plant stimulate liver functions and are effective in jaundice-like conditions. They are also useful in other metabolic disorders.

Mahua The extract from this flower is very effective for asthma, severe congestion and persistent hiccups. This flower is also diuretic in nature, hence is used in renal calculi (kidney stones).

Passion Flower The fresh or dried leaves are finely chopped and used. They provide from sleeplessness or insomnia.

Mountain Daisy The whole flowering plant, including the root, is useful. Arnica is usually given as a first-aid remedy following a fall, accident, surgery, childbirth or dental treatment. It is also used for joint pain (arthritis) fever, and some skin problems.

TEA(M) IT UP

One of the best ways to consume flowers is to brew them as teas. Not only do they enhance the flavour of the beverage, they also turn it into a potent healer. These are the flowers that go well with tea: 

When separated from the base of the flower, Carnation petals can be brewed to make an excellent tea to reduce anxiety, agitation, stress and fatigue. Moreover, it also has healing effects on the skin and can bring down swelling. 

Chrysanthemums make great tea when steeped in hot water. Drinking it brings marked relief for those suffering from fever, headache or common cold. 

Consuming a brew made from sunflowers helps greatly against ulcers and menstrual cramps. It can also be used as a wash for gargling when you have a sore throat. 

EVERY ROSE HAS ITS THORN

Though flowers are natural, there are a few precautions to be kept in mind. Not all flowers are edible, and some can be downright toxic. So, don’t experiment without thorough knowledge. Try a small amount to check for any allergic reactions or digestive problems before using any of the above-mentioned concoctions. Avoid flowers from the roadsides, or ones bought from a shop, as those are generally sprayed with pesticides. Rather, try and grow your own medicinal flower garden.