Flower Power - How Your Blooms Can Improve Your Health

Now, contrary to popular belief, us florists are a strong breed. It’s not all rainbows and roses, but rather long exhausting hours and back breaking work (you might think those large arrangements are light, then you are sorely mistaken). But there is definitely many reasons why it’s worth every cut, bruise and expensive post-season massage. I have met many florists who will attest to the title of this post. That floristry, whilst hard and tough at times, is also incredible for mental, physical and emotional health. For me personally, floristry was the lifeline I needed when life got too hard - read more about that in my story post earlier this year. In this time of both lockdown and transition where we are all struggling in one way or another, I thought I could vouch for flowers as a way to ease some of the anxiety, stress and, in some cases, extreme loneliness that you may feel. It’s sometimes cheaper and a lot healthier than that family sized box of chocolate or 7th bottle of wine - though I can attest that they have their own benefits too!

There’s been a lot of studies that have looked into this topic, from how eating flowers improves physical and mental health, to floral mindfulness, can improve our lives. Here are some helpful ways to use blooms to boost both your inner and outer health!

EDIBLE FLOWERS & HEALTH BENEFITS - I must start this section with saying some of the flowers I researched didn’t have a lot of scientific evidence behind them in terms of their health benefits, however, I have mentioned in this post the ones that there is substantial data to back up their claims. Make sure you read up how to properly prepare the flower before consuming, but most come in some sorta tea-form.
If you are looking to reduce your anxiety and stress levels, and grab yourself some zen, then try and incorporate Rose, Chamomile or Lavender into your bedtime mug. Lavender and Rose petals can be featured in dry rubs, herb mixes and salads, or alternatively you could try all 3 in desserts and cake form too (don’t have to tell me twice….).
Dandelion, Nasturtium and Pansies are often used in a decorative fashion on plates, but they also have great health benefits too. There’s lots of evidence to suggest they contain a variety of minerals and health-promoting compounds that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. You can eat all 3 raw, but I wouldn’t recommend just picking them off the side of the road, but rather going to a specialist supplier instead!
Some flowers have also shown to have great heart health benefits, especially Hibiscus. Found in relish, jam and syrups, this sour flower has been known to reduce blood pressure and cholesterol. Get creative with your dinner plate, boost your mood, and feel better on the inside too!

FLORAL MINDFULNESS - We all know that time away from your screen improves your well being, but it’s harder to be idle in this busy lifestyle we lead. Fill that time up with making your own floral creation!
Take the opportunity to make a date with yourself, and plan an explorative adventure, leave the phone at home (or in your bag if you can’t bare to part completely). Venture out your local florist, chat to them about the flowers you would like and learn about the ones you choose, then treat yourself to a coffee on the way home to power your creativity.
Take the time and set up a calm space, cleaning away the clutter of your life so you can focus on you. Put on some chilled music, think about the best vase and spot for your blooms to shine. Take a moment to focus on the smells, the colours and the textures you get to have fun with, and create over and over until what you’ve made makes you in equal parts proud and happy. Step back and look at what you’ve made, then have a little dance of celebration. You deserve it! Then Instagram it - you know you want too.

CUT FLOWERS - As with our Floriography series, certain flowers will help provide that calming feel more than others.
Blue and green hues are both colours that bring tranquility and will help relax you. Yellow, pink and purple tones will help boost your mood and promote feelings of happiness and joy. Colours to avoid are reds and oranges, as these can sometimes remind us of anger, business and urgency. Soft aromas will also provide relief and peace, so go for flowers like stocks, freesias and some roses (season depending). Lavender and jasmine are well known for aiding insomnia, so why not include these in your arrangement, before drying them out to keep under your pillow forever.
Studies show that having flowers in your home increases longevity of joy, tranquility and relaxation for days after you bring them home. There’s also evidence to suggest that being in a room with fragrant flowers will increase your memory - who’d have thought it?

GET WITH NATURE - There is SO MUCH to say with plants and improvement in well-being that I might do a full post on this topic. But, in particular, when you are looking after many plants and managing to keep them all alive, I personally get such a strong sense of achievement. I know it might sound silly to think of them as children but still, I can’t help myself.
The research into how even just being around nature can incredibly help your well being is endless and extensive. It can improve mood, reduce stress, encourage positive physical behaviour, improve cognition, reduce aggression and enhance overall well being, to name just a few. Bringing plants into your home can have a similar effect, and there are some amazing plants you can incorporate into your living space to have a great affect on your psyche.
Gardening itself can also have an affirmative influence on your sense of calm and self esteem, and studies show spending just a few hours in your garden cultivating your own jungle/veg patch can greatly improve your mood and quality of life. So, get out there and hug a tree, it’ll do you some good.

I hope this has given you some insight how flowers and the outdoors can bloom your mood and well being to new heights. Let me know if you’ve noticed the effect nature has had on you, and if you would like me to delve more into the health benefits of plants! And most of all, look after yourselves!