Medicinal Flower-Based Herbs
For thousands of years people have known that herbs can work and some of them work better than over the counter drugs if used and prepared properly. Here is a guide to a list of flower-based herbs that work wonders on the human body.
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
“Nosebleed” was once the name of this beautiful feathery leaved plant. Yarrow has been used as an astringent in order to produce blood clots. This herb is wonderful for treating wounds, fevers, and relaxing blood vessels in people with high blood pressure. Yarrow is very pungent and works as a digestive stimulant that is often added to other herbal remedies in order to alleviate urinary and menstrual disorders. The parts that should be used on this plant include: the aerial parts, essential oils, and fresh leaves, just be cautious of skin rashes and caution during pregnancy when using it.
Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis)
The Romans used this beautiful pink flowered plant as a delicacy along with the roots that were saut�©ed with onions and butter. However, besides the delicious functions, this plant has a medicinal purpose too. Marshmallow works amazingly well for soothing respiratory and digestive ailments because of it soft and silky nature. Marshmallow has been used as an expectorant for chest coughs and even bronchitis. This beautiful pink herb is very soothing for inflamed mucous membranes in the digestive and urinary systems. The parts of this plant that should be used include: the leaves, root, and flowers.
Pasque Flower (Anemone vulgaris)
If you have terrible menstrual cramps or other painful conditions in the reproductive area then you must consider using this vivacious purple flower. This popular garden plant has been used as a sedative for painful conditions. Besides treating men and women’s reproductive disorders, this plant has been proven to relieve earache pain if taken internally. You should never exceed the dosage amount and you have to dry the plant before using. Never use this plant while it is fresh. The parts of this plant that can be used would include: the aerial parts, dried because this plant is toxic if used fresh.
Arnica (Arnica Montana)
This yellow flowered plant should be used as a cream or prepared homeopathically diluted. You should never take Arnica internally because it is extremely toxic. If this plant is used properly it will be very useful for healing conditions where a person may experience poor circulation, for example frostbite. Internal arnica homeopathic concoctions mixed with an arnica ointment can help with the treatment of traumatic shocks or accidents. You should never use Arnica cream on broken or open skin wounds; and never eat this plant unless prepared in a homeopathic dose that is diluted.
Echinacea (Echinacea angustifolia)
Who could ever forget the tremendous Echinacea phenomenon? “Purple coneflower” was once the name of this beautiful pink flowered plant. Native Americans used Echinacea for treatment of snakebites, fevers and wounds. Early settlers also found uses for the plant and today it is used as an immune stimulant and antibacterial. Echinacea is excellent for treating viral, bacterial or fungal infections and is often the first choice for treating colds, flu, and kidney infections. Echinacea has also been helpful in viral based arthritis and can be applied to skin externally for certain conditions. The root of this plant should be used.
California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica)
This delightful yellow garden flower, a.k.a. “nightcap”, is a very gentle sedative that works wonders for people suffering from sleeplessness. It is so gentle that even children can use it. The California Poppy has no addictive side affects like its relatives and is very safe to use. If used properly this plant serves as a sedative for the nervous system and is perfect for treatment of stress and tension and can be added to teas. If you have an overactive digestive system then you should consider using this plant. You should use the aerial parts of the California Poppy.
Eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis)
This anti-phlegm plant can be found in meadows and chalk down lands. Nicholas Culpeper a great 17th century herbalist used the Eyebright plant as and eye infection remedy. The Eyebright is one of the absolute best remedies for the treatment of congestion and phlegm and is very useful for hay fever and common colds. The parts that should be used on this plant are the aerial parts.
Fennel (foeniculum officinalis)
Fennel is a skinny-yellowed flowered plant that is very common in this day and age; almost as common as it was to the Ancient Greeks who called it “marathon” meaning to grow thin. Many medieval churchgoers would chew the seeds of the fennel in order to reduce stomach rumbles during the boring sermons they attended. Today fennel is a common garden plant that is often added to fresh salads. Originally this plant was used in order to aid with digestive problems such as indigestion, nausea or to relieve stomach pains. Fennel has also been proven to increase the milk flow in nursing mothers and to help respiratory problems. The best part of this plant to use would be the seeds.
St.-John’s-Wort (Hypericum perforatum)
St.-John’s-Wort is a very common herb that has been used in order to treat burns, wounds, and joint problems. The red extract that is produced from the flower heads of this plant is one of the best remedies for treating these types of symptoms. This yellow flowered plant is also used to help with nervous system disorders including depression and anxiety. Recently the extracts from this plant have been tested for alleviating immune-deficiency problems. You should not prolong use of this herb because it can lead to photosensitivity. The most effective parts of this plant would be the aerial parts and the flowering tops.
Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis)
The Ancient Greeks used this dainty purple plant as a cure for asthma and catarrh. Hyssop has also been used in treating some forms of epilepsy. This plant works as a very beneficial remedy for treating respiratory problems, especially children. It is also a stimulant that works well for digestive problems. The parts of this plant that should be used are the aerial parts and essential oil.
Lavender (Lavandula officinalis)
These beautiful purple flowers are very popular in herb and flower gardens because of their delightful scent. The Romans would use this plant to scent their bath water as many people still do today. The Ancient Greeks would also use it to treat coughs. Lavender is a very effective sedative and calming remedy for digestion. It is perfect for the treatment of migraines and headaches and can be used as massage oil. Lavender oil is extremely soothing to sunburns. The aromatic effectiveness of lavender has the potential to calm a cranky baby or to relax an individual while taking a warm peaceful bath. Women should avoid high doses of lavender while they are pregnant. The flowers and the essential oil are the most effective parts of the plant.
Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica)
The Chinese, as a treatment for feverish colds has used honeysuckle and in the Western world they have been used for chest problems and urinary infections since the Roman age. During the 17th century Nicholas Culpepper considered “honeysuckle conserve” as a fundamental element for the household dispensary. The flowers of this plant should be used for treatment of feverish colds and flu.
Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)
This white and yellow flowered plant has a beautiful distinctive smell which has been describe by the Ancient Greeks as “ground apple.” Chamomile’s flowers are popular for producing a marvelous tea. This plant has been used as a good sedative and calming herb for the digestive system. Chamomile works wonders on babies by easing their colic and teething pains. It is a great herb for treating insomnia and is also used for the treatment of some skin conditions. You should not use chamomile oil if you are pregnant and the fresh growing plant can cause a skin rash if contacted by sensitive persons. The part of this plant that should be used are the flowers and essential oil.
Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis)
This plant has become very popular during recent times because of its high gamma-linolenic acid content. This fatty acid is critical in order to maintain normal bodily functions that some people’s bodies are unable to produce on their own. The seed oil of the evening primrose is used for many conditions including skin problems, arthritis, alcohol abuse, and menstrual irregularities.
Elder (Sambucus nigra)
Elder has been known as “natures medicine chest” because of its many uses throughout various parts of the plant. The flowers are more widely used during this day and age but some herbalists still make the “green ointment” which is a traditional concoction. The Elder flowers are perfect for treatment of colds, flu and hay fever and they reduce internal and external fevers and inflammations. The berries of this plant provide an excellent source of Vitamin C. The flowers should be used on this plant.
Wood Betony (Stachys betonica)
This is one of the most popular medieval plants and has been recommended for many disorders including insanity and prostate problems. This bright pink flower is not as common today and is now mostly used as a sedative to help with treatment of digestive problems. Wood Betony works wonders for headaches because it promotes blood circulation and also has a tonic for the elderly. Women should avoid high doses of this plant if they are pregnant. The aerial parts of this plant should be used.
Dandelion (Taraxacum offinale)
Who can ignore this yellow flowered weed that pops up every spring throughout the land? “Piddley bed” (country name of dandelion) has been used medicinally in Europe since the 15th century. The leaves of the dandelion plants are rich in potassium and are a more potent diuretic than the root. They also taste great on salads. Dandelion makes a great liver tonic and is useful in treating many digestive problems. The skin and arthritic problems can also be treated with this plant. The leaves and the root should be used for treatment.
I hope that God Willing this will be very useful for you. Please try all herbs at your own risk.
