The Healing Benefits of Flowers: Nature’s Springtime Remedy

The Healing Benefits of Flowers:
Nature’s Springtime Remedy

Springtime bursts with color as flowers bloom, bringing not only beauty but also healing benefits. San Diego had a lot of rain last month, so March showers are bringing lots of April Flowers. I have been enjoying the beautiful flowers everywhere on my morning walks. And, yes, I stop to smell the fragrances along the way. My favorite scents are the Freesia and the Lantana (which I think smells like grape candy.) I also had a lovely visit to the Japanese Friendship Gardens to see the Cherry blossoms and to the Carlsbad Flower Fields to enjoy and photograph the colorful Ranunculus flowers in bloom. The Wisteria in my backyard just burst into bloom this week, and I have been taking my lunch break outside to enjoy it.

Research has shown that flowers can positively impact mental and physical well-being. A study by Park and Mattson (2008) found that hospital patients with flowers in their rooms required less pain medication and had lower blood pressure compared to those without. Rutgers University published a series of studies that linked flowers to happiness, memory, and social networking, and revealed that flowers improve mood, reduce stress, and increase feelings of happiness.

Spring is the perfect season to embrace the therapeutic effects of flowers. Whether through gardening, aromatherapy, or simply placing fresh blooms in your home, flowers can boost emotional health and promote relaxation. Lavender, for example, has been shown to reduce anxiety, while chamomile aids sleep; both promote relaxation. As nature awakens in spring, take advantage of its healing power—surround yourself with flowers and let their vibrant energy refresh your mind, body, and spirit.