Flowers have long been known for their soothing effect. And we use them to celebrate happy occasions because they also make us happy. But in 2018, a research study conducted by Nancy Etcoff, Ph.D., of Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, showed just how much flowers can help to reduce stress in every day life. From providing a boost of energy, happiness and enthusiasm at work, to helping people feel more compassionate toward others, have less worry and anxiety, and feel less depressed.
So, as April is the official Stress Awareness Month, we thought that we’d take a quick look at the best flowers for helping to keep stress and anxiety in check.
The Five Best Flowers for Tackling Stress and Anxiety
1. Roses
There’s a reason why the rose is repeatedly named as the UK’s favourite flower. It is elegant, beautiful, and can carry the most sumptuous of scents. And combined, this has a fabulous effect on our endorphins. Helping to make us feel calmer and happier.
2. Sunflowers
The sunflower season is not far away in the UK (we'll have some beautiful arrangement for you soon!). And with their big, bright blooms, the mere appearance of sunflowers is enough to make most people smile. And smiling plays at least a small part in the battle against stress, releasing endorphins and serotonin (even if you trick yourself into doing it). But sunflower seeds also contain tryptophan, which aids in the production of serotonin. So, whether you look at the flowers, or eat the seeds, sunflowers are bona fide stress-busters.
3. Lavender
Although not generally used as a cut flower, no list of stress-relieving flowers would be complete without lavender. Whether you grow it in the garden, in a pot on a sunny windowsill, or have it dried in bunches around your home, lavender is the ultimate floral stress reliever. Containing a high concentrate of linalool, its scent is known to be deeply calming. When coupled with the softly shaded and delicate flowers, and the gentle buzzing of bees (when outdoors) lavender is practically a powerhouse of peace!
4. Jasmine
As pretty as jasmine is, its scent is its most alluring feature. Heady and sweet, it can fill a room or a garden. And it directly effects the production of the brain chemical Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA). GABA is responsible for calming anxiety and alleviating depression and stress. And it works almost instantly. Soothing, calming, diffusing aggression, and helping us to feel happier.
5. Chrysanthemum
We’ve talked before about how under-rated the chrysanthemum is. But even if you like them for their lovely blooms and cheerful colours, you probably won’t be aware of just how good for you they are. When used in a tea (do purchase chrysanthemums intended for tea, to ensure that you have the right ones), chrysanthemums deliver a really good dose of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, including potassium. This brings all sorts of health benefits, from improving heart and kidney function, to reducing stress. While the scent of the flowers have been shown to improve both mood and memory.
Humans have always been attracted to flowers. With their bright colours, interesting shapes, and appealing scents, they make us happy. But it goes deeper than that. Somewhere, deep within our minds, we know that flowers have the potential to heal. And for that, they are truly invaluable.
And of course, the gesture of receiving flowers can help improve the mood and reduce stress and anxiety too.
If you’d like to lift the moos of someone you care about with a beautiful floral arrangement, browse through Blue Florist’s super selection.