Effects of Flowers and Plants on a Cancer Patient

Fighting cancer is a lengthy, costly and draining process. While chemotherapy and radiation serve as important cancer treatments, many patients and practitioners explore the effects of alternative therapies, such as the use of flowers and plants. Some of these plant remedies fall in the category of unproven herbal healing techniques, though there is research that supports the effectiveness of others. Flowers and plants affect cancer patients in many ways, on both physical and emotional levels.

Flower Remedies

• Flowers are a somewhat controversial holistic healing method for cancer.

  Herbal medicine practitioners use a variety of flower remedies to combat cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. These remedies, usually made of diluted flower solutions mixed with preserving agents such as brandy, are administered to cancer patients in small doses. Proponents of flower treatments claim that these natural remedies alleviate stress and negative emotions. They say this supports the body's healing process, relieving skeletal and muscular pain. Though 38 different varieties of flowers are used to create the remedies, no scientific evidence supports the effectiveness of the flower solutions in treating cancer or its emotional effects.

Medicinal Plants

• According to the National Cancer Institute, tests prove that the Chinese Ziziphus mauritiana plant helps combat melanoma cells. The plant's betulinic acid content inhibits the growth of cancer cells, stopping tumor growth three weeks after the end of treatment with no toxic effects, according to the NCI tests. Other research by the universities of Rochester and Minnesota found that 10 grams of flax seed powder coupled with a low-fiber diet increases the luteal phase, or latter phase of the menstrual cycle; creates less suppression of ovulation; and decreases the frequency of ovarian dysfunction. These effects lower the risk of hormone dependent cancers, such as breast cancer. Research by the University of Texas has shown that another plant, the Astragalus, stimulates the immune system and increases stem cell growth in marrow and lymph tissues. Due to these effects, this plant can restore the immune cells of cancer patients in some cases. Astragalus may also be used to recover immune systems damaged by chemotherapy, radiation and bone marrow treatment.

Emotional Effects

• As cancer patients cope with emotional issues in addition to physical problems, giving the gift of flowers may serve as more than just a simple gesture. A 10-month long study by Rutgers University showed that flowers have a positive link to day-to-day moods and stress. According to the study, flowers immediately impact happiness, causing delight and satisfaction in the recipient. They also have long-term positive effects on depression, anxiety and agitation. Flower recipients report feelings of enjoyment and satisfaction, as flowers create a more welcoming and inviting space. On this note, the Hope in Bloom non-profit organization plants gardens for male and female breast cancer patients; according to the group, these gardens serve as therapeutic sanctuaries that help cancer patients on psychological and emotional levels.