Did you know flowers can provide so many more benefits than just their delightful scent? It’s easy to get caught up in what commerce wants you to consume or buy in the moment of need with prescription pills and surgeries, but little people realize that many of the necessities we really need to survive are already here, natural and accessible to anyone willing to find it. 

For several centuries, medical practitioners have long acknowledged the therapeutic properties of certain flowers. More than just spanning time, this knowledge also spans many cultures around the world. One of the greatest advantages is that flowers and plants offer completely natural medicinal properties, often without the scary side effects that modern pills and medications bring on. Furthermore, remedies made from flowers can be much cheaper than drugs marketed by pharmaceutical companies. 

According to HealYourLife.com, here are 10 of the most common flowers and their healing properties: 

Black Cohosh – Women should be very careful when using Black Cohosh as it is an extremely potent flower. Black Cohosh can be used as an emmenagogue, which means that it stimulates the uterus. Women with menstrual problems can effectively use low doses of this flower to help regulate their cycles and relieve pain. In the same vein, pregnant women should avoid it since it can bring on a miscarriage or early labor.  

Cornflower – Corn Flower tea acts as a laxative and also as a mouth cleanser. It is safe to consume the flowers in their raw state. A paste made from cornflowers brings relief to acne and tired or irritated eyes. 

Dandelion – Dandelions are very effective for cleaning the blood and also helping with related issues, such as anemia. 

Gardenia – Featured heavily in Chinese medicine for blood cleansing and disorders, bladder problems, and physical injuries, gardenias also work to alleviate depression, stress, anxiety, insomnia, and similar disorders. 

Jasmine – Sweet, exotic jasmine flowers do not only make a delicious cup of tea, but they also aid in digestive issues, insomnia, anxiety and stomach ulcers. 

Honeysuckle – These flowers are safe to eat raw and can be used to create an antibacterial gargle wash for sore throats. Skin rashes or inflammation are also effectively treated by applying a paste made from the flowers.  

Lilac – Lilacs can be steeped to make a tonic that reduces fever and to get rid of internal parasites. Skin burns or wounds are soothed and heal well when a paste or gel made from lilacs is applied. 

Passionflower – This flower contains medical properties best suited for treating disorders such as insomnia, agitation, anxiety, and epilepsy. It also acts on the nerves to reduce pain and induce a calming sensation. 

Peony – Medicinal use of Peonies date back to the ancient Chinese civilization. Consuming a tonic made from the flower is helpful as a muscle relaxant in cases such as general muscular pain and cramps and also menstrual discomfort. 

Rose – Roses contain a good deal of Vitamin C and are very safe for human consumption. The petals can be eaten raw to increase blood circulation, and they also relieve depression. Rose tea acts as a mild laxative. A paste or cream made from the petals does wonders to improve the condition of the skin, especially on the face. 

Looking to get started with using flowers for medicinal purposes? The best places to get dried flowers or their essential oils are from local health stores like Whole Foods. Make sure to be careful when preparing tonics and other mixtures since some flowers can be very potent. Pregnant or nursing mothers, in particular, should always consult with their doctor before using any essential oils. Let me know what your go-to flower is for ailments in the comment section below!