Flowers & Depression

Studies undertaken at the State University of New Jersey show that having flowers in our living and working spaces deters depression. The beauty and color of flowers lifts peoples' emotions and facilitates positive social interaction. People of all age groups and from all walks of life experiencing anxiety or sadness can benefit from receiving, growing, and being around flowers.

History

• Lemon balm eases a bad case of malaise.

  The history of using flowers for depression ties directly to the history of herbal arts. Around the world healers sought out nature's apothecary for assistance in everything from healing woulds to curing melancholy. For example, Arab physicians and European healers in the Middle Ages used the Queen of Flowers, roses, to alleviate sadness and hopelessness. During the 1600s, John Evelyn, an English writer and avid gardener, wrote about lemon balm flowers as a spirit-lifting tonic. Lemon verbena flowers appeared in European healer's kits in the late 1700s specifically to soothe nervousness and ease depression.

Choosing Flowers

• Lavender has calming qualities.

  Besides roses, lemon verbena and lemon balm, there are many other flowers that you might choose for easing depressive states. For stress-related depression try passionflower, as Native American Shamans did. Modern aromatherapists still use passionflowers for this purpose, sometimes combining them into teas or tinctures with other flowers or herbs like Valerian for improved effectiveness.

  Use lavender for depression that's tied to sleep disorder or nervousness. Lavender appears throughout history as part of the healer's kit for all these purposes. When fresh flowers aren't available, substitute essential lavender oil as a type of aromatherapy. Note that many people are allergic to lavender. Use cautiously.

  Another option, Hibiscus, appears in numerous remedials in both China and India. This flower's aroma acts like an emotional tonic, promoting relaxation as well as improved self confidence.

Flower Symbolism

• Carefully chosen bouquets send messages of hope and well-wishes.

  During the Victorian era the Language of Flowers developed as a means of communicating specific messages to people without having to use words. So if a friend or lover was depressed and didn't really want to talk about problems, a person could pick a fresh bouquet communicating well-wishes, hoping to lift his or her spirits. For example, a gathering of red daisies, elderflower and snowdrop told the recipient that you treasure their beauty, offer comfort during these difficult times, and that hope is always on the horizon, respectively. While not scientific by any means, most people appreciate such a thoughtful gesture and accept it with a smile.

Flower Power: Timing & Expectations

• Because the color and aroma of flowers have a subtle impact, each person reacts to them a little differently and individually. Some find that a bundle of fresh flowers or a growing, blossoming plant immediately lightens the mood, particularly when placed where they can be seen frequently. Other people find it takes time and experimentation to find the right flowers for specific depressive states, and others still may find they don't help at all. Gauge your expectations accordingly.

  Aromas and colors have observable psychological results. A little experimentation yields information that helps in choosing flowers. For example, what colors make you happy? What floral aromas energize you? Look for blossoms that fit your personal color and aroma guidelines for happiness, and beautify your living space at the same time.

Available Forms

• There are various ways to experience flowers so they offset depression besides living or fresh-cut flowers. Options include preparations like lavender bath salts for relaxation, rose lotions for improved happiness, dried flower potpourri for a blend of good feelings, and perhaps a cup of Mr. Evelyn's lemon balm tea to calm those nerves and lift depression.

  Alternatively, there are also Bach flower remedies, designed to work subtly on a person when taken internally for improved well-being. To create the remedies, manufacturers gather flowers from various plants put them into a solution that's repeatedly diluted until all that remains of the plant is what they call an energy signature. Some of the Bach flower remedies specifically recommended for depression include agrimony, centaury, gorse, mustard, sweet chestnut, and wild rose.

Warning

• Pregnant and nursing women and individuals with current medical issues should always consult with a physician before trying any floral folk remedial. Some flowers interact badly with medication, while others like pennyroyal and tansy may cause miscarriage.