Flowers add color and scent to your space, and many also support wellness in practical ways. Some blooms offer benefits for stress relief, immune support, and skin comfort. This guide shares 15 flowers that heal, plus care instructions and simple preparation ideas you can try at home.
If you want to enjoy these healing flowers in your space, you can order bouquets online. You can also explore this guide on types of flowers to learn how different blooms grow and behave.
Healing Flowers and Their Uses
Did you know that some flowers have the power to heal you? Healing flowers have been used for centuries to help fight off a variety of common ailments as well as help treat chronic issues like stress, insomnia, and high blood pressure. Check out these ten medicinal flowers that are more than just a pretty object to enjoy.
1. Chamomile: Remedy for Digestive Comfort
Chamomile has a long record of use across Europe and the Middle East. Traditional healers used the flowers for sleep, digestion, and stress relief. Modern findings support its calming effects, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, which highlights its usefulness for mild anxiety and sleep support. Chamomile also provides antioxidants that support overall well-being.
Care: Grow it in full sun with light, well drained soil. Water when the top layer dries. Clip blooms as they open to promote new growth. Chamomile grows well in containers or garden beds and tolerates modest temperature changes.
Preparation for relief: Steep one tablespoon of dried or fresh flowers in hot water for 5 to 10 minutes to support sleep or digestion.
2. Lavender: Remedy for Better Sleep
Lavender grows throughout Mediterranean regions. Its scent supports relaxation and stress reduction. A study in the journal Evidence Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine reports lavender’s usefulness for mild anxiety and sleep quality. Topical use also helps soothe skin and support healing of minor irritation.
Care: Use sandy soil with good drainage. Provide full sun. Water sparingly and prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape. Lavender dislikes heavy soil and excess moisture.
Preparation for relief: Add a handful of dried flowers to a warm bath to support relaxation.
3. Calendula Remedy for Skin Soothing
Calendula appears in many herbal skin products. Its petals contain anti inflammatory and antimicrobial compounds according to a review in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology. Calendula supports skin healing, improves hydration, and helps calm irritation.
Care: Grow it in full sun or partial shade. Water regularly but avoid soggy soil. Remove spent blooms to promote continuous flowering.
Preparation for relief: Warm a half cup of petals in one cup of carrier oil for several hours. Strain and apply a thin layer to dry or irritated skin.
4. Rose: Remedy for Stress Relief
Rose petals contain antioxidants, including vitamin C. Rose water helps calm redness, balance skin, and lightly hydrate. A study in Pharmacognosy Reviews reports mild antibacterial and anti inflammatory effects. Rose tea supports mild digestive discomfort.
Care: Provide at least six hours of sun daily. Use fertile, well drained soil. Water deeply at the base and prune yearly to promote strong growth.
Preparation for relief: Steep a small handful of clean petals in hot water for 5 minutes for a tea that supports digestion.
5. Hibiscus: Remedy for Heart Health Support
Hibiscus grows in tropical regions and offers vibrant flowers. Research in The Journal of Nutrition shows hibiscus tea supports healthy blood pressure levels. It also provides powerful antioxidants.
Care: Give full sun and consistent moisture. Use warm temperatures and well drained soil. Pinch back stems for a fuller shape.
Preparation for relief: Steep dried flowers in hot water for 10 minutes for tart tea that supports heart health.
6. Echinacea: Remedy for Common Cold
Native American communities relied on echinacea for immune support and general healing. A study reviewed by the National Institutes of Health reports immune system activity and shortening of common cold duration in some users. The flower contains alkamides and flavonoids that support immune response.
Care: Plant in full sun. Water lightly once established. Echinacea tolerates heat and moderate drought.
Preparation for relief: Steep fresh petals and leaves in hot water or use them in tincture preparations for seasonal immune support.
7. Yarrow: Remedy for Better Circulation
Yarrow appears in Greek and Indigenous traditions for wound care and circulation support. The flower contains tannins and flavonoids. Research summarized in Planta Medica highlights its anti inflammatory and astringent qualities.
Care: Grow in full sun with dry, rocky soil. Avoid overwatering. Yarrow spreads easily, so give it space or use containers.
Preparation for relief: Steep one teaspoon of dried flowers in hot water for ten minutes to support digestion and circulation.
8. Elderflower: Supports Inmune System
Elderflower grows on elder shrubs found across Europe and North America. The blooms support immune health and seasonal comfort. A review published in Nutrients shows elderflower and elderberry extracts support faster recovery from seasonal symptoms.
Care: Grow shrubs in full sun and moist, fertile soil. Prune to maintain airflow and structure.
Preparation for relief: Infuse two tablespoons of fresh elderflowers in hot water for ten minutes to support immunity.
9. Jasmine: Remedy for Mood Support
Jasmine’s scent supports mood balance. A study in the journal Natural Product Communications reports antioxidant and calming benefits. Jasmine tea also supports digestion and relaxation.
Care: Give full sun or bright light and regular watering. Provide a trellis for vining varieties.
Preparation for relief: Add a teaspoon of dried jasmine flowers to green tea for a calming blend.
10. Violet: Remedy for Irritaed Throat
Violet appears in European herbal traditions for respiratory comfort and gentle cleansing. The flowers contain mucilage, which coats irritated throat tissue. A study in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology highlights these soothing qualities.
Care: Grow in partial shade with moist, rich soil. Keep soil evenly damp and pick flowers regularly.
Preparation for relief: Steep a handful of fresh violet flowers in hot water for a throat soothing tea.
11. Chrysanthemum: Remedy for Eye Comfort
Chrysanthemum tea supports relaxation, eye comfort, and normal temperature regulation. A study in Food Chemistry verifies its antioxidant content.
Care: Provide full sun and fertile soil. Pinch stems early to increase bloom production.
Preparation for relief: Steep fresh flowers in hot water for five minutes until the tea turns pale yellow.
12. Lotus: Remedy for Digestion
Lotus occupies an important role in Asian wellness traditions. The petals and stamens support digestion and cooling effects. Research reviewed in the journal Molecules highlights its antioxidant and antispasmodic compounds.
Care: Grow in containers submerged in shallow water. Provide full sun and warm conditions.
Preparation for relief: Steep dried petals in hot water to create a calming digestive tea.
13. Bee Balm: Remedy for Digestive Relief
Bee balm grows throughout North America. Indigenous communities used it for digestive relief and respiratory comfort. A review published in Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects highlights its natural antimicrobial oils.
Care: Give full sun or light shade. Maintain moist soil. Divide clumps every few years to prevent overcrowding.
Preparation for relief: Steep one tablespoon of fresh petals in hot water to support digestion.
14. St. John’s Wort: Supports Mood
St. John’s Wort supports mood balance and topical relief for minor skin irritation. A study in Systematic Reviews reports benefits when users follow dosage guidelines.
Care: Grow in full sun with well drained soil. Water moderately and prune lightly.
Preparation for relief: Infuse flowers in oil for several weeks. Apply a small amount to the skin for comfort.
15. Dandelion: Supports Digestion
Dandelion supports digestion. The flowers contain antioxidants and mild diuretic properties described in a review in Journal of the American College of Nutrition.
Care: Harvest spring blooms when they taste sweetest. Grow in full sun with moderate watering.
Preparation for relief: Steep fresh flowers in hot water for a digestive tea.
Additional Flowers with Healing Properties
Evening Primrose: For Skin Conditions and Stress Relief
While all parts of the evening primrose plants have healing properties, the plant is primarily cultivated for its oil-rich seeds. These seeds contain an essential fatty soil known as gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). Since GLA is an anti-inflammatory, people use it to help with conditions ranging from eczema to arthritis.
The plant is known for being especially helpful for dealing with irritability and mood swings that can often be a part of PMS.
Jasmine: For Liver Issues and Abdominal Pain
Over the years, people have used jasmine as a natural pain reliever for liver issues ranging from hepatitis to liver scarring. Some people also find it helpful to relieve the symptoms of diarrhea as well as to improve mental alertness.
Marigold: For Cuts and Abrasions
Marigold is a cheerful little flower that is great for all sorts of skin ailments. By incorporating it into a salve made from beeswax and a plant-based oil, you can moisturize your skin as you apply calendula’s healing properties.
Calendula flowers are members of the marigold family that are specifically helpful for burns and scrapes, as they encourage healing and discourage scarring. Plus, this edible flower makes a great adornment for salads and cakes!
Hawthorne: For Heart Health
A member of the rose family, hawthorne is prized for its healing properties. Both the leaves, flowers, and fruit contain flavonoids which act as antioxidants. While these compounds may benefit various parts of the body, they are partially heralded for their ability to improve circulation, lower blood pressure, and improve heart health.
Passionflower: For Improved Sleep
Perhaps one of the most unique-looking flowers out there, passionflower is also a helpful flower to have around if you’re looking to manage stress. It is used to help relieve tension and anxiety, as well as improve sleep. And since it is native to parts of the Eastern United States, you may be able to find it growing just outside your home!
Red Clover: For Respiratory Health
While red clover is often found as a weed and animal forage, that doesn’t make its healing properties any less powerful! Red clover flowers are great for issues like coughs and bronchitis, since they help loosen mucus and also have compounds that help with muscle spasms.
How to Use Medicinal Flowers
Medicinal flowers can be used in a variety of ways for healing and soothing. One of the best ways to make use of the healing power of plants is to create a tea. But there are also other ways you can use healing flowers every day.
Make a Sachet
Herbal sachets make use of aromatic herbs and flowers and provide an aromatherapy experience. You can place sachets under your pillow, in drawers, in your car, or even at your desk. To make a sachet, get a linen or open-weave fabric bag from the craft store. Fill the bag with dried herbs and medicinal flowers and add a couple of drops of your favorite flower essential oil, then tightly close the bag. When you want to release the scent, simply rub the bag.
Make a Flower Tincture
A tincture is a concentrated herbal extract that uses alcohol as a solvent. When it comes time to take a tincture, you can mix a few drops into your favorite beverage or place the tincture right on your tongue.
While making tinctures may sound like an overwhelming process, it’s actually quite simple!
To start, grind or chop up the fresh or dried flower or herb of your choice. Next, fill a mason jar with the herbs while leaving the top inch empty. Then fill the rest of the jar with vodka, being sure to completely cover the plants.
This mixture should sit for about six to eight weeks. For a full tutorial, check out the Mountain Rose Herbs blog.
Mix Up a Floral Simple Syrup
Another way to utilize these healing flowers is to make a simple syrup! While this method may not make all the beneficial compounds available, it sure is delicious.
Begin by boiling two cups of water on the stove. Once the water has come to a boil, add two cups of sugar, and a few handfuls of your favorite flower or herb. Stir until the sugar is dissolved then allow to steep for at least 30 minutes. Drain your flowers and then use the syrup in cocktails, seltzer water, or any other way you please.
A Brief History of Healing Plants
Herbalism, or the use of plants and flowers for healing and medicine, can be traced back as early as 3000 B.C. in Shen Ning’s Pen Ts’ao. This list of medicinal herbs is the oldest known in existence and contains Chinese herbal remedies to combat health problems of the past and present. Through the ages, herbalism has been used by civilizations to heal, prevent, and ease the symptoms of major illnesses and those as simple as the common cold.
When the printing press was invented in the middle of the 15th century, herbalism became more accessible to the medical community. Because herbalism utilized plants that were often easily available, people who could obtain and read printed herbal guides could use them as a guide to find relief.
Today, many of the traditional uses for healing plants and medicinal flowers are the same and can be used for everyday ailments. While anyone can start experimenting with medicinal flowers and plants, it’s important to remember improper use of these natural remedies can cause harm. Therefore, you may want to seek out guidance from a certified herbalist.
Mental Health Benefits of Flowers
Outside of ingesting or smelling flowers, just seeing a beautiful Bouq of fresh flowers can do wonders for your mental health and creativity. Whether you want to beautify your home or office, we have a variety of seasonal flowers that are sure to make you smile every time you see them–happiness guaranteed.
If you’re looking to order flowers online for delivery, The Bouqs Co. offers an extensive selection of beautiful and relaxing bouquets to choose from. Give the gift of healing flowers with only $15 delivery nationwide for non-subscribers.
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