Flowers are a natural way of expressing feelings and emotions. With them, we express joy, greetings, love, friendship and healing. Yes, they have the power to heal, inspire and touch our hearts.

Helping plants to grow and thrive has been proven to reduce stress. In fact, back in 2010, a much-cited scientific study found that simply walking in a forest (known in Japan as ‘shinrin-yoku’ or ‘forest bathing’) can lower your blood pressure and make you feel calmer. And like many therapies, consuming or applying certain herbs and flowers can successfully treat a host of common health problems too.

From mint and basil, both of which relieve the symptoms of bloating and indigestion, to anti-inflammatory calendula and antibacterial aloe vera, the healing properties of plants are incredibly awe-inspiring.

No wonder that many modern medicines contain plant-derived ingredients. Today, we are having a peek into the beautiful, aromatic world of flowers and plants that are blessed with incredible medicinal properties and we can rightly call them nature’s little doctors. So let’s introduce you to some of these finest doctors.

Aloe vera

Aloe vera is a fleshy succulent, commonly cultivated for agricultural and medical uses. It is also one of the most popular plants found in most households. Its popularity has grown in the recent years, since people have come to know its usefulness in many ways, such as using it for your hair, skin or bone strength.

The unique thing about this plant is that it needs very low maintenance. For instance, it can easily be grown in pots and shady places, because too much sunlight takes away its green colour.

Aloe vera contains powerful antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties, some of which are:

• It helps heals burns.

• Treats inflammation such as psoriasis and eczema.

• Reduces dental plaque build up.

• Speeds up mouth recovery of ulcers.

• Reduces constipation.

• Helps treat acne.

Peace lily

Peace lily is a beautiful flowering plant. The leaves are dark green, while the flower is white with light yellow buds inside. No doubt, this glossy tropical plant is an Instagrammable addition to your bedroom and is another low-maintenance house plant.

Keeping a peace lily plant indoors can remove harmful toxins from the air, such as ammonia and formaldehyde, and increases humidity levels. However, it is to be noted that peace lilies do produce some pollen and floral scent, so it may not suit people with allergies such as hay fever.

Peace lily thrives in a shady and slightly moist environment and helps to aid:

• Better breathing,

• Increase humidity which relieves irritated throats and noses,

• Freshen the air.

Snake plant

Another widely known plant gaining more attention with every passing day is the snake plant. The plant has got its name from the dark and light pattern on its long slender vertical leaves. It is commonly known for its hard sword-like leaves that stand tall in a pot.

Various studies have found that the plant emits oxygen and absorbs carbon dioxide at night, while removing harmful formaldehyde and benzene from the air. You can keep it in your bedroom, living room or anywhere you want, it needs very little maintenance, avoid direct sunlight and water it on alternate days.

It is found to:

• Improve breathing for a better night sleep,

• Defends against air-borne allergies,

• Improves overall air quality.

Fern

Fern has the ability to purify the air. And believe it or not, it has actually been studied by Nasa for its amazing quality. Boston ferns are a powerhouse for removing compounds like plastics, formaldehyde and smoke from the air. These toxic compounds get magically absorbed by the bushy leaves of the fern and turned into materials that the plant can use for its own growth and wellbeing.

Fern are considered among the top-ranking plants for offering wellness and health benefits.

Dandelion

Dandelions are considered weeds as they grow alongside the main plant, but they are actually highly nutritious edible flowers. Dandelion contains beta-carotene, an antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage.

The flower itself contains polyphenol, which is yet another type of antioxidant. Botanists consider it as a magical healthy herb.

There are various ways you can use dandelions such as brewing the roots and consuming them as tea, using its leaves in salad or in soups. And if you don’t find one, look around your neighbourhood or parks to get the plant as they grow abundantly in many parks, gardens and fields.

As a typical ‘weed’, it requires no care. The benefits of dandelion include:

• If used in diet, it can lower bad cholesterol.

• Aids in digestion.

• Boosts the immune system.

• Detoxifies liver and supports overall liver health.

Rosemary

Rosemary is a common cooking ingredient as it provides a fresh flavour. It is native to the Mediterranean region, rosemary is a rich source of antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds. It also boosts the immune system and improves blood circulation.

Studies have found that regular use of rosemary can boost memory and improve concentration. But growing rosemary at home needs proper attention and pruning from time to time.

Marigold

The beautiful orange and yellow blooms of marigold are commonly seen in late autumn. This plant is full of antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which can treat various skin related diseases. Moreover, it reduces inflammation and treats infection.

And let me add here, with its amazing properties the plant is a natural insect-repellent as well. At home, you can dry out the marigold flowers and brew them as a tea or apply a cream/ointment topically.

Marigold is very easy to care for. Plant them in any area that receives enough sun, and they only need good watering once a week when they are fully mature.

The benefits of marigold include:

• It is used in fast healing of wounds.

• It reduces inflammation caused by eczema and dermatitis.

• Heals nappy rash.

• Treats yeast infection.

Rose

There are around 150 types of roses around the world, in many sizes and colours. The amazing thing is that roses are all edible, but none of them taste the same.

Most ancient civilisations used rose for its incredible aromatic and health related benefits in their cuisines and medicines, because rose has natural ability to heal skin-related problems, support immunity, inflammation and symptoms related to cramps.

The flower has traditionally been used for medicinal and cultural purposes dating as far back as the seventh century in the Middle East and for thousands of years in traditional Chinese medicine practices.

Rose petals and whole rose blossoms are used by drying and making a brew into rose tea, as well as if applied topically, it can soothe the skin. This healing flower contains polyphenols, powerful antioxidants that protect the body from free radicals and cell damage. Roses are also loaded with vitamins and minerals.

Some of the benefits of roses are:

• They support the immune system,

• Contain antibacterial properties,

• Relieve stress and anxiety with their softly sweet scent.

Chamomile

You may have heard about chamomile tea’s relaxing and soothing properties. But kids, this flower is full of medicinal properties such as it reduces anxiety and improves sleep quality.

The flower closely resembles daisies, albeit much smaller. To take most benefit from the flower, it is advised to brew or heat the flowers in water to extract their flavours and bioactive compounds. The leaves and flowers are usually dried first but can be used fresh.

Purslane

Honestly, speaking, I had no idea about the qualities of purslane. I have witnessed it grow in my small garden several times a year, thinking it was just a weed, taking all the nutrients from the soil of my main plants. So I routinely pulled it out. But while researching and writing this piece, I was taken aback to know that this small succulent with tiny, yellow flowers and thick, fleshy leaves — both of which are edible and may be eaten cooked or raw — is quite significant for our health.

Historically, purslane was considered no more valuable than a garden weed. However, this little plant has recently soared in popularity due to its rich nutrient content. Purslane is filled with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, but its biggest claim to nutritional fame is its omega-3 fat content. In fact, purslane provides more omega-3s than almost any other vegetable of its kind, studies say.

The flowers and leaves of purslane can be served raw in many salads and sandwiches. They may also be sautéed or steamed with other vegetables as a side dish or can be added into the soups.

Echinacea purpurea

Also called, purple coneflower, a review by some researchers carried out in 2015 concluded that this popular herb can also cut your risk of catching a cold by an impressive 35%!

“Echincea roots are used to boost the immune system, reduce inflammation and relieve the symptoms of common respiratory bugs,” says Kendall Platt, also known as The Mindful Gardening Coach.

Goldenrod

“These bright yellow flowers have been used traditionally for centuries as a valuable remedy for urinary infections,” says Louise, who has been working medicinally with herbs for nearly 20 years.

“Prior to modern medicine, it was sought out to treat life-threatening ailments like nephritis (sudden inflammation of the kidneys) and less serious, yet still painful, problems like cystitis. Its saponins (a type of naturally occurring plant chemical) are also helpful against fungal overgrowth.”

Today, goldenrod is often drunk as an infusion to ease sore throats and congestion — Louise suggests adding some raw honey to make it more palatable. It also makes a good mouthwash.

St John’s wort

Named after John the Baptist, the flower is thought to contain chemicals that act as messengers in the nervous system that regulate mood. The benefits of St John’s wort include:

• Relieves anxiety,

• Help manage moods.

• Relieves symptoms of depression.

• Soothes skin irritation.

It’s currently being studied for possible use in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease.

English ivy

This is an evergreen climbing plant that can grow well inside and outside the house. English ivy is very beautiful to look at, if you have been to the up-north areas of Pakistan, then you must have seen English ivy growing abundantly on trees and alongside the walls of the houses and buildings. They are well grown in colder temperatures than the warm.

English Ivy has some unique features, such as it purifies airborne mould particles. It is also believed to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiarthritic properties. This in turn relaxes airways, treats asthma symptoms, loosens mucus and improves air quality. But a point worth mentioning here is that English ivy is poisonous, so it should not be consumed and should be kept high up, out of reach from children and pets.

The list of flowers and plants with health benefits doesn’t end here, it is long and there are still many more including lavender, honeysuckle, nasturtium, borage, squash blossom, pansy, orchids, cornflower, sunflower, hibiscus to name a few. All have health benefits of their own.

So, kids, nature has an endless supply of different plants and flowers. From their appearance to the way they smell, and even how they feel when touched, every single detail is endlessly fascinating and possesses many positive effects on our health. Whether you decide to go to the park or find a plant in your home, you can enjoy the beauty of plants and flowers. Make sure you are doing it for the right reasons, though; it doesn’t matter how many health benefits they have if you aren’t enjoying them!

Published in Dawn, Young World, November 12th, 2022