Grow a natural healing garden with medicinal flowers like peony, hydrangea, and saffron, studied for their therapeutic properties in treating inflammation, arthritis, cancer, obesity, and Alzheimer’s.
Okay, so you’re thinking about adding a touch of natural healing to your garden? We’ve all got our go-to remedies, but did you know your flower garden could be more than just pretty? That’s right, some flowers have medicinal properties, and they’ve been used for ages.
We’re gonna take a closer look at some blooms that might just become your new favorite natural healers.
- Flowers Used in Making Medicines
- Peony flower (Paeonia suffruticosa)
- Hydrangea flower (Hydrangea macrophylla)
- Saffron flower (Crocus sativus)
- Geranium flower (Geranium dissectum)
- Narcissus flower (Narcissus poeticus)
Flowers Used in Making Medicines
Here are the most prominent ones:
Peony flower (Paeonia suffruticosa)
Also known as tree peony, it’s considered a type of flower used in making medicine to treat inflammation, here are the details:
Possible therapeutic effects
The peony flower may help reduce the symptoms of inflammation, and that’s through interrupting or altering the pathway that is related to glycosylation.
Inflammation is one of those tricky health problems that can be addressed comprehensively; this discovery could offer new hope for those dealing with inflammation.
How the medicine works
This medicine works to reduce the activity of a certain type of white blood cell called Neutrophils, which although part of the immune system with the goal of fighting inflammation, but for those with osteoarthritis it may work in a harmful way causing increased pain, inflammation and damage.
The medicine doesn’t prevent the production of this type of cell, but it stops its work, as it provides a protective barrier to protect the body from any external attack.
Lab experiments
The results of treatment using this flower remain under what’s called “the peony-based drug” after testing it on animals, it was promising, and researchers intend to start studies on humans soon.
Hydrangea flower (Hydrangea macrophylla)
Also known as lacecap hydrangea, it’s a type of flower used in making medicines for treating rheumatoid inflammation, here are the details:
Possible therapeutic effects
Researchers suggest that the hydrangea flower contributes to treating rheumatoid inflammation because it largely results from an attack by the immune system on some of the body’s cells, tissues and organs.
How the medicine works
The medicine works by preventing the immune system from producing substances of type (Th17), which is the main type responsible for attacking healthy joints.
What happens here is that the drug works specifically to reduce the production of amino acids necessary to supply these harmful substances with energy, and the drug doesn’t prevent the immune system from producing any other harmful substances or immune cells.
Lab experiments
This medicine was tested on animals, however performing the experiment on humans hasn’t begun yet.
Saffron flower (Crocus sativus)
It’s considered a type of flower used in making medicines for treating cancer, here are the details:
Possible therapeutic effects
Researchers are working on developing what’s called an anti-cancer smart bomb, which can eliminate the new cancerous tumors.
How the medicine works
The main chemical compound found in the new drug that was named (ICT2588) is Colchicine, which is naturally found in the saffron bulb.
Knowing that this chemical compound, when extracted in its natural state, is toxic, made scientists work on developing a form of it in which its toxic properties are significantly reduced, until it becomes able to target cancerous cells, and at the same time become effective enough to damage its immune system, and thus become effective in dealing with its toxic effects surrounding it.
The good thing is that this treatment doesn’t target healthy cells or greatly harm them, which may give it an advantage over current cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy.
Lab experiments
The new drug was tested on mice with cancerous tumors to eliminate tumors completely, and doctors will soon begin testing this drug on patients with advanced cancer.
Geranium flower (Geranium dissectum)
It’s considered a type of flower used in making medicines for treating obesity, here are the details:
How to use it and lab experiments
Researchers are working to investigate the benefits of using a certain type of this flower in reducing obesity and eliminating harmful fats, especially fats that accumulate around internal organs and which may cause heart disease and diabetes.
Narcissus flower (Narcissus poeticus)
It’s considered a type of flower used in making medicines for treating Alzheimer’s disease, here are the details:
Possible therapeutic effects
This white spring flower contains a high percentage of a chemical compound called Galantamine, which is a compound that’s included in the formation of a drug for treating Alzheimer’s.
How the medicine works
The medicine works to treat moderate or mild symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease by interrupting or altering any damage that may affect the neurotransmitter called Acetylcholine, which is responsible for transmitting nerve signals between nerve cells and the brain.
This neurotransmitter is found in Alzheimer’s patients in a lower amount than normal.
Lab experiments
It’s important to consult a doctor before taking it in the form of herbal pills or liquids that contain large quantities of various blood and blood components.
That said, the world of medicinal gardening isn’t limited to just those listed, but these are the primary ones. What about other common garden blooms like calendula (for skin healing) or echinacea (for immune support)? These also deserve a spot in any medicinal garden discussion. Perhaps we can explore them further in another piece!
Key takeaways
- Medicinal gardens use flowers like peonies, hydrangeas, and saffron for their therapeutic properties.
- These flowers are being studied for treatments of inflammation, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, obesity, and Alzheimer’s.
- Consult healthcare professionals before using medicinal flowers for treatment due to potential interactions and side effects.
FAQ, Myth & Facts
Are medicinal garden flowers a substitute for prescribed medication?
No, while they may offer some benefits, they should not replace medications prescribed by a healthcare professional. They can be used as complementary treatments but not as a primary solution without consulting your doctor.
Can I use any part of the flower for medicinal purposes?
Not necessarily. Some parts of the flower may contain higher concentrations of beneficial compounds, while others may be toxic. It’s crucial to research and understand which parts are safe and effective for medicinal use.
Is it safe to grow and use medicinal garden flowers if I have allergies?
It depends on your specific allergies. Some flowers may trigger allergic reactions, so it’s essential to choose flowers that are less likely to cause allergies and to take precautions when handling them.
Do medicinal garden flowers have any side effects?
Yes, like any other medicinal substance, garden flowers can have side effects. These can range from mild to severe depending on the individual, the flower, and the dosage. It’s always best to start with small amounts and monitor for any adverse reactions.
Is it better to use fresh or dried medicinal flowers?
That depends on the specific flower and its intended use. Some flowers may be more potent when fresh, while others may retain their medicinal properties better when dried. Follow the instructions for each flower or consult with a herbalist.
“I always scoffed at the idea of ‘natural remedies’ as being just old wives’ tales um, but after reading about the science behind some of these flowers, I’m starting to see things differently. It’s fascinating how nature can provide potential solutions to health problems.”
“I tried growing some calendula in my garden after hearing about its skin-healing properties. I didn’t do much research before trying it, and I didn’t notice much of a difference in my skin. I believe there are still many things to understand about these plants and that more research is needed to reach correct conclusions about it.”
“I’ve always been interested in traditional medicine, and medicinal garden flowers are a natural extension of that. The potential to heal with plants is intriguing and empowering, but it’s important to be well-informed and cautious.”
So, what’s the takeaway here? Well, while I’m no doctor, diving into the world of medicinal garden flowers has been, um, eye-opening. I’m def thinking of adding a couple of these to my own garden next spring. But as always, do your homework, chat with your doctor, and remember—nature’s powerful, but it’s not magic.
