Do you want to save money and be healthy? Of course, you do, we all want that. Whenever you can grow your own food, you should do it. Not only is this cheaper, but it’s the true organic option and when it comes to medicinal flowers, it can really improve your health.
There are things I think are go-to’s you should grow in your garden besides medicinal flowers. Some easy ones that come to mind are tomatoes, peppers, garlic, green onions and all the herbs you have room for. These things will cost you pennies to grow and they are some amazing foods you should include in your diet.
The first garden I grew I was five years old and my mom cleared a little patch of dirt at the back of our yard and I remember being blown away at the first tomato I grew. This was life-changing at the time and I learned over the years what things grew best where I lived. I continued to grow plants over the year and even last summer I made an entire soup out of things from my garden as it was a tomato basil soup that included fresh garlic and herbs. This was better than any soup I had ever paid for.
Some flowers fall into an even better category as they can provide great medicinal benefits but without the crazy side effects that come from Big Pharma medications.
Here are 7 medicinal flowers you can grow in your own garden.
1. Calendula
This is a great flower you can use externally especially for things like rashes, dry skin, and any uninfected wounds you might have. It has a bright orange color, resembles a daisy, and you can use the dried flowers to make your own washes, oils, and creams.
The flowers show promise as an immune system booster as they are edible but they have a bit of a spicy/peppery flavor so it might not be to your taste.
2. Dandelion Flower
I’m sure you’re familiar with this and possibly use it in tea form from time to time. With dandelion flower, you can not only use it as a tea but make a tincture that can help you with your aches and cramps. Dandelion oil can be made which is like a natural anti-inflammatory cream to rub into any aching muscles or joints.
The flowers can also be eaten and are full of beta-carotene.
3. Roses
You’re probably surprised to see roses on this list but they are one of the true medicinal flowers. Rose hips are often used as a vitamin C source and combined in vitamin C supplements to help with absorption. Rose hips can be made into teas, syrups, and jams and are good at helping dissolve mucus from colds and infections.
Many people use rose water which is great for soothing the skin and inflamed eyes.
4. Nasturtiums
This is a smaller red-colored flower that looks similar to a poppy. They are rich in vitamin C and all the plant has medicinal uses. The nasturtium has anti-microbial properties making it good for infections. The petals can be used to treat acne by being crushed up and lightly rubbed onto any inflamed areas.
The flower is edible and works well in soups and salads. At the same time, since it’s so high in vitamin C, it’s great to use if you have a cold or the flu.
5. Violet Flowers
These are another form of flower that will make your garden look great but also are another one of the best medicinal plants. Violets act as a laxative along with being anti-inflammatory and antiseptic. You can also use the flowers to make syrups that help with respiratory issues and congestion.
These can also be eaten and can be tossed into salads to give them even more visual appeal along with all these great health benefits.
6. Lavender
Another classic you may use from time to time. Lavender is one of the go-to medicinal flowers and you probably know how lavender is a great calming and balancing plant.
You can use it for aromatherapy and helps with anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Making lavender tea is a great way to help combat nausea and it can relieve gas and even headaches.
If you ever find yourself with a flea or fly problem, keep fresh lavender in your house as it repels those insects.
7. Lady Ferns
This may be another new one to you but the lady fern is a long, light and green plant you can use the roots and stems of for their medicinal qualities. It’s effective for a lack of appetite, helps balance the digestive system and the respiratory issues as violet can. Lady fern can also be used to improve asthma, bronchitis, and pneumonia.
The leaves can be used for relief from cuts and sunburns similar to tea tree oil, but it’s much easier to grow.
8. Sage
Sage falls into a grey area. You may consider it a herb which it is, but it’s also a flowering plant with some very nice looking blue/purple flowers. It’s also an extremely healthy plant and one you should definitely grow indoors or outdoors if you can. Health-wise sage does a lot including being one of the best antiseptic herbs there is.
It also can help with stomach and digestive issues, prevent infection to the throat and lungs and combat depression. Sage is very versatile and can be used in a multitude of dishes, salads, and soups.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, this list shed light onto why you should be growing and using your own medicinal flowers.
You may have to do more research to see how the different plants will hold up depending on the climate and location you live in. But for something that is so inexpensive, medicinal flowers need to appear in your garden along with your diet.