Flowering Herbs and Medicines: Common Treatment Flowers to Grow in Your Garden

It is not surprising if you encounter somebody treating their illnesses using many beautiful flowers in their garden. Lots of these plants are known to you for a long time already, and sometimes it becomes ironic because you knew them as ornaments, and suddenly you find them edible and therapeutic.

Archeological evidence tells that the use of medicinal or therapeutic plants dates back 60,000 years ago, while documented written evidence only 5000 years ago. The evidence included the list of plants commonly used as medicines or treatments for some illnesses. Some of these plants are commonly grown in your garden; some are even ornamentals you know as flowers. Familiarize some of their identification in this list below.

Lobelia

Lobelia is a flowering plant that belongs to the bellflower family. It is native to almost all regions in the world with temperate and warmer climates except the region of eastern Europe and Western Asia. Lobelia has more than 400 species, and many are grown as ornamentals because of their attractive flowers.

Among the number of species that exist is the Lobelia inflata, which belongs to the medicinal species of Lobelia. The plant has long stems, green leaves, and tiny flowers. This particular species contains a lobeline compound that makes it popular for its medicinal purposes. Lobeline is the main compound that helps fight asthma, expels mucus, and other respiratory problems.

Lobelia inflata also helps fight depression and other memory issues. It is also known as a sedative and helps a person relax. Use the above-ground parts of the plant as medicines for muscle relaxation, insect bites, heal bruises, ringworm, etc. Warning: high doses are toxic and may cause serious side effects. To learn more about Lobelia plants, please visit GardenersPath.com and be educated about the proper way of growing them.

Lavender

Lavender plant comes from the mint family, commonly used as an ingredient in potpourri, and a good source of quality honey. Lavender has been used in aromatherapy since the time of the Roman Empire. According to an expert horticulturist Rose Marie Nichols McGee, a Japanese study confirmed that lavenders create a feeling of relaxation. Accordingly, the aroma diffused from lavender oil helps calm geriatric patients.

The fragrance of fresh Lavender leaves gives off a very calming aroma when crushed. Also, dried lavender stems give off fragrance even if stored for several months, which is a good insect repellant that drives away mosquitoes and other insects. The Lavender flower is also a famous culinary herb. The crushed flower is used as a sweetener to simple cookies or as a basting sauce for your lamb or chicken grills.

Echinacea

Echinacea, commonly known as coneflower, is a herbaceous wild flowering plant from the family of daisies. Echinacea has a significant contribution to traditional medicine and believed that each species possesses different health benefits. The herbal species are commonly cultivated, but most of the species still grow in the wild.

The plant’s health benefits include immune system booster and can reduce symptoms of common cold and infections. Active substance content of the plant has an antiviral property. The plant contains phenols used as ingredients in many treatments. Today, Echinacea supports the treatment of many illnesses; among them are coughs and colds, bronchitis, influenza, HIV, AIDS, and many more.

Calendula

The yellow and orange calendulas are easy to grow in cool weather. When you remove the seed heads before reaching maturity, the flower blooms longer for weeks or months. Among the many medicinal uses of calendula, the most significant ever is its use as a topical cream or oil for burned skin. In a recent study, the ointment successfully treated cancer patients on radiation therapy. It is proven effective in preventing radiation burns on the patients’ skin.

For home use, you can make your concoction of calendula oil for your first-aid use. Just dry a blossom of calendula, crush, mix with olive or almond oil. Put the mixture in a clean, dry jar, and keep for two to three weeks in a temperate environment. Squeeze the oil and let it settle for days before straining, and it is up for use.

Nasturtium

Nasturtium flower grows in foliage and is best recommended for children gardeners because it quickly grows when given proper care. The plant is native to Peru who used the plant as medicine for a long time ago. The immature leaves of the plant contain glucotropaeolin, a sulfur compound with good antibacterial properties.

Also, the leaves and flowers of nasturtium are edible. These can be concocted into a palatable appetizer and peppery-sweet vinegar.

Takeaway

If you want to combine bloom and medicine in your garden, think of flowers that have medicinal uses. There is a countless list of herbal and medicinal flowers with different effects and uses to treat illnesses. Think about Lobelia, Lavender, Echinacea, Calendula, and Nasturtium to grow in your garden because they are the most popular and easy to grow.