The healing power of flowers
We are all familiar with giving flowers to someone for a special occasion or just to show how much we care, but in TCM flowers are also known for their ability to heal. Our emotions play an important role in the Five Element Theory for the health of our organs. Joy, the emotion experienced by most people when they receive flowers, promotes qi flow in the heart and leads to relaxation. Patients who are exposed to flowers after surgery heal more quickly and are more positive about their health. The scent of certain flowers can have a calming and cooling effect on the liver, relieve stress and irritability and help qi and blood to circulate. Smelling a bouquet of flowers promotes deep breathing to allow qi to flow downward via the lungs.
Flowers are also used in TCM for herbal remedies and teas. Here are some of the more common ones.
The lotus flower is one of the most widely used flowers in TCM for treating conditions relating to fevers, bleeding and irritability.
Orchid flower tea made from the golden orchid is prescribed for lowering blood pressure and for a good sleep. It is said to benefit the immune system, enhance kidney qi and improve eyesight.
Chrysanthemum tea is one of the best teas to drink to cool down the system and release excess heat from the body. It also helps sore throats and reduces fever. This is a nice tea to have with the little blooming flowers floating in hot water in a glass teapot.
Rose petal and rosebud tea have been used in TCM for thousands of years for depression, anxiety, digestion and blood circulation. Rose is often combined with green tea to increase its benefits. Rosehip tea is a good source of vitamin C.
Dandelion tea is widely used in Chinese medicine to cleanse the liver. It is recommended in the treatment of hepatitis, jaundice, skin abscesses and is also a diuretic for the kidneys.
Japanese Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) is traditionally used to clear heat and remove toxins. It is good for upper respiratory tract infections, asthma, diarrhea and skin infections.
Another popular shrub which is sometimes combined with honeysuckle is forsythia. Its benefits include detoxifying the blood and reducing fevers and headaches. It is well known for its use in treating viral infections and bronchitis.
Not only can flowers be drunk as a tea, but they may also be eaten. The Chinese culture was one of the earliest to use flowers as food. For more information on cooking with flowers here in the West see
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