[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2015\/02\/health-benefits-flowers\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2015\/02\/health-benefits-flowers\/","headline":"So Sweet: The Surprising Health Benefits of Flowers","name":"So Sweet: The Surprising Health Benefits of Flowers","description":"Flowers have become a universal sign of love, but are there other reasons to love them? Discover the many physical and mental health benefits of flowers.","datePublished":"2015-02-17","dateModified":"2022-05-24","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/","name":"UPMC","url":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/upmc\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/UPMC_Flowers_BT_C1.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/UPMC_Flowers_BT_C1.png","height":527,"width":791},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2015\/02\/health-benefits-flowers\/","about":["Living and Wellness"],"wordCount":398,"keywords":["alternative medicine","flowers","infographic","medical benefits","relaxation","snake bites","swine flu"],"articleBody":"Flowers have become a universal sign of love and affection, but are there other reasons to love these colorful plants? Not only can a bouquet of colorful flowers lend a touch of beauty and a pleasant aroma to the room, they can actually have a whole host of other health benefits, too.Many studies show there are both mental and physical benefits to embracing flowers, from their petals down to the roots. In fact, one study showed that patients with flowers in their hospital rooms needed less pain medication, had lower blood pressure, and were less anxious and tired than patients without flowers at their bedside.So, the next time you’re feeling blue, skip the comfort food and try treating yourself to a bouquet! In addition to brightening up a room, flowers can also be used in teas or taken medicinally, if prepared properly. Here are just a few flowers with proposed medicinal benefits:Echinacea: May help enhance your immune systemLavender: Promotes a feeling of relaxation, lavender water can act as a skin wash to treat acneFoxglove: Used to treat cardiovascular issues (atrial fibrillation and heart failure); The drug Digitalis, is made from foxglove extractLily of the valley: Helps treat heart conditions and dropsy. In the past, it was used to help WWI soldiers recover after gas poisoning.Rose: High in Vitamin C, anti-inflammatory properties, treats coughs and coldsChamomile: Soothes anxiety and headaches, aids sleep and digestion, and helps relieve stomach cramps and indigestionEvening primrose: May help relieve depression and balance hormonesLonicera Flower: Antiviral and antibiotic properties, used to treat colds, flu, and sore throats in Eastern medicine, part of the remedy for swine fluViola Flower: Anti-inflammatory and anti-pyretic properties; used to treat fevers and infections; used to treat snake bitesPagoda flower: Used in the treatment of bleeding disordersChrysanthemum: Treats dry eyes, fevers and headaches; used to aid digestive, circulatory and nervous system issues in Western medicineSafflower: Used to treat blood clots, heart disease, joint pain, menstrual cramps and flat wartsMagnolia: Nasal congestion, effectively clears nasal passages and relieves sinus headachesLotus: Treats bleeding disorders, irritability and feversSome plants may interact with certain medications, so please to talk with your doctor before adding anything new to your health regimen.Editor's Note: This article was originally published on February 17, 2015, and was last reviewed on May 24, 2022."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"2015","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2015\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"02","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2015\/\/02\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"So Sweet: The Surprising Health Benefits of Flowers","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2015\/02\/health-benefits-flowers\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]