Uses of Flower
Some flowers are used in the manufacture of perfumes, although they have been replaced largely by chemically manufactured products.
The oils of lavender, thyme, and rosemary are three perfume oils taken partly from flowers. Flowers are also used to a certain extent as drugs. The drugs arnica and cannabis both come from the flowering tops of plants. The nectar of flowers is used by the bees in the manufacture of honey. But the principal value of flowers to man is for beauty and the fruits which follow them. Great business enterprises deal with seeds, the breeding of young plants in nurseries, and the sale of trees, shrubs, and flowering plants as well as cut flowers.
Florists are able to produce blooming plants all year round by planting in greenhouses and through artificial forcing. In forcing tulips as potted plants for an early Easter, the florist keeps them at a low temperature for a considerable period and then at a higher temperature to promote growth and flowering. In certain other plants, length of exposure to light each day is most important. For example, chrysanthemums can be forced into earlier bloom by covering them with a black cloth morning and night so that they receive light for only 10 to 12 hours a day; on the other hand, poppies bloom only when exposure to light periods are long. For greatest amount of bloom, plants should not be given an excess of nitrate fetilizer.
Flower production by potted plants can sometimes be increased by growing the plants in rather small pots so that root growth is limited. Flower production by shrubs can sometimes be increased by pruning, so that the remaining branches get more light; but care must be taken not to remove so many leaves that food manufacture for the entire plant is decreased.
Medicinal uses for flowers
| Flower type |
Medicinal benefits. |
|
Begonia |
Eliminate toxins, promote blood circulation, treat coughing of blood, and externally applied for trauma, burns, pain and toxic sores. |
|
Calendula |
For ulcers, canker sores, menstruation pain, gum disease, sore throats, tonsillitis |
|
California Poppy |
Treats anxiety, sedative, nervous tension, sleeplessness, pain relief, menstrual cramps |
|
Chrysanthemum |
Used to cure colds, fevers, headaches, eye inflammations and hypertensions. Good to drink in hot summer weather. |
|
Cornflower |
Conjunctivitis, strained eyes |
|
Dandelion |
Treats anaemia, jaundice, nervousness, blood purification |
|
Honeysuckle |
The blossoms have antiviral and antibiotic properties, effective for all inflammatory conditions, sore throat. The stems and leaves are also used for arthritis. |
|
Hyssop |
Eases congestion for colds and the flu, gargle for sore throats, reduces inflammation, heals cuts and bruises, herpes |
|
Morning Glory |
The root can be used as a cathartic. |
|
Nasturtium |
Fights bacterial infections, anti-microbial, respiratory infections, influenza, the common cold, reproductive and urinary tract infections |
|
Plum flowers |
Can be used to cure cough and diarrhea. In traditional Chinese medicine, wumei (the smoked fruits) are believed to be effective against parasites, as well as in stopping ulcers and promoting a strong digestive system and heart. |
|
Rose |
The petals can be used for cooling, blood circulating and anti-depressive. |
|
Sunflower |
Ulcers, canker sores, menstruation pain, gum disease, sore throats, tonsillitis |
|
Tiger Lily |
The bulbs are used to treat insomnia. |
|
Valerian |
Relaxing, sleep aid, insomnia, anxiety, nervousness, tension headaches, migraines, rheumatic pain relief, relaxes spasms, muscle and menstrual cramps |
|
Viola |
Eczema, varicose veins, coughs, bronchitis, urinary problems, cystitis |
|
Yarrow |
Can be used for a wide range of conditions including hangovers, externally for hemorrhage, menstrual cramps relief, colds, flu, eliminate toxins, aids digestion, cleansing, pain relief, swelling |