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Flowers and herbs have long been more than just beautiful additions to our gardens or aromatic additions to our meals. They are the whisperers of the earth, the medicine of the yard. They contain stories, symbols, and powerful medicinal properties that have been recognized and used by cultures around the world for centuries. From the mysterious language of Victorian tussie-mussies to the powerful healing properties of common yard herbs, the natural world offers a wealth of wisdom waiting to be rediscovered, a wisdom that connects us to our ancestors and to the land beneath our feet.
The Secret Language of Flowers: Victoria’s Tussie-Mussies
Consider for a moment that words are not enough, or may be too dangerous, to express the true desires of the heart. In the Victorian era, when societal pressures often prevented open expression, flowers became a secret language. Tussie-mussies, small bouquets of carefully selected flowers, were used to convey complex emotions that were considered taboo to speak aloud. Each flower carried a special meaning, allowing people to express feelings of love, longing, regret, or even hatred. A red rose, then as now, symbolized emotion, while a sprig of rosemary represented memory. But the language was far from these common examples. Flower arrangements, tussie-mussie placement – whether held in front of the heart or offered at arm’s length – and even the ribbon used to tie the bride can further the message. A carefully crafted tussie-mussie can be a powerful and nuanced conversation, a silent conversation in the language of flowers, a secret code understood only by those who know how to read.
Flower Auras: Modern Symbolism and Energetic Properties
In addition to the Victorian language of flowers, each flower also has a unique “aura” – a symbolic meaning that often rests on its literal properties and sometimes extends into the realm of energetic properties. Sunflowers, with their bright faces turned towards the sun, represent optimism, joy and worship. Delicate lilies of the valley, blooming in early spring after a long winter, represent purity, freshness and humility. Red flowers, often associated with remembrance, especially of fallen soldiers, can also represent sleep and peace, perhaps due to their calming and slightly sleepy qualities. These modern interpretations often combine historical associations with observations of flower growth, form, and characteristics. Some people believe that flowers also emit subtle energetic vibrations that can affect our mood and well-being. Another concept of herbal medicine refers to the idea of flowering plants used in Bach flower remedies.
The Healing Power of Flower Water: Hydrosols and Their Uses
Flower juices, also known as hydrosols, are created during the evaporation of essential oils. They are gentler than essential oils and can be used directly on the skin, making them ideal for sensitive skin types. Rosewater, with its delicate fragrance, is known for its soothing and moisturizing properties. It can be used as a toner, added to bath water for a nice and relaxing soak, or used to flavor foods and drinks. Lavender water is prized for its soothing and relaxing effects. It can be used to soothe irritated skin, promote sleep, and reduce anxiety. A lavender spray on your pillow before bed can create a calming and peaceful atmosphere. Chamomile hydrosol is gentle and soothing, suitable for sensitive skin and can be used to reduce redness and inflammation. It is often used in skin care products for babies and children. These lovely flowers are another kind of yard treat!
Medicinal Flowers: Beyond Beauty and Fragrance
Many flowers have powerful medicinal properties, extending their value beyond their aesthetic appeal. Chamomile, with its delicate white petals and apple scent, has been used for centuries to calm anxiety, induce sleep and ease digestive upset. A cup of hot chamomile tea is a classic remedy for insomnia. Calendula, with its bright orange flowers, is known for its excellent skin-healing and wound-healing properties. It is commonly used in creams and lotions to treat rashes, burns and eczema. Even the humble dandelion, often considered a weed and cursed by gardeners, offers many medicinal benefits. Its leaves are a natural diuretic, helping the body eliminate excess water, while its roots support liver health and detoxification.
The Wisdom of Herbs: Beyond Cultivating Uses
Plants, however, carry rich symbolism and powerful medicinal properties, which often extend beyond their culinary uses. Thyme, which is often used in cooking to add flavor to delicious foods, is also a powerful and promising antiseptic. It can be used for coughs and sore throats, and its antimicrobial properties make it useful for treating minor cuts and bruises. Rosemary, often associated with memory and focus, is also known for its ability to improve memory and cognitive function. Its stimulating aroma can help sharpen the mind and increase focus, making it a valuable tool for students and anyone in need of a mental boost. Lavender, with its calming and floral scent, is a well-known remedy for stress, anxiety and insomnia. It can be used in aromatherapy, added to bath water for a relaxing soak, or infused in essential oils for massage.
Nature’s Pharmacy: Right in your backyard and beyond
The most amazing part? Many of these powerful medicinal plants and herbs are likely growing right in your own backyard, in meadows, and even in urban areas. In the Columbus, Ohio area, we are blessed with a bounty of natural remedies that are often overlooked and dismissed as weeds. Dandelions, those delightful “yellow herbs,” provide a wealth of vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, C, and K, as well as potassium and fiber. Their leaves can be added to salads, their roots can be roasted and used as a coffee substitute.
Plantain, another common “herb” that often grows in mixed soil, is a powerful wound healer, drawing out toxins and promoting tissue repair. Its leaves can be crushed and applied directly to cuts and bruises to soothe inflammation and promote healing. In meadows, purple flowers (echinacea) boost the immune system and help the body fight infections. Their pale purple flowers and distinctive cone-shaped centers make them easy to identify.
Yarrow, with its feathery leaves and clusters of white flowers, can stop bleeding, reduce inflammation, and relieve muscle pain. It is a great herb to have in any natural first aid kit. Even nuts, which are often overlooked and dismissed as mere tree droppings, can be ground into flour, providing a nutritious and sustainable food source rich in complex carbohydrates and fiber. Native Americans used the bark extensively as a food source, extracting tannins to flavor them.
Reconnecting with nature’s gifts: A call to discovery
This blog is dedicated to raising awareness of the incredible power of the plants that surround us and the backyard medicine that is right outside your door. Natural medicine for our bodies, minds and spirits is all around us, waiting to be discovered. I invite you to join me in my garden! A living laboratory where we can study these plants together. To learn about their symbolism and medicinal properties, and rediscover the earth’s cousins. Let’s unlock the secrets of the plant kingdom and reconnect with the healing power that nature has to offer. Join me on this journey of discovery, and let’s learn together to listen to the whispers of the earth. I am excited to share my knowledge and passion for these unique plants with you.