Wednesday, September 28, 2016

FFFF: Flowers

The Newsy Neighbour
September Issue 107
www.thenewsyneighour.com

My Favourite, Fabulous, Fantastic and Fun Stuff: Flowers




Do you know what I think is truly fabulous? Flowers. After all, what woman in this universe does not love flowers? They just make me feel happy inside. When you look closely at any flower, it is like looking into the center of the universe. I wish I could grow flowers in my home all year long. I miss my lilacs and hollyhocks in the winter months but there are some flowering house plants that will do second best.
These plants are not only beautiful to look at, but they are also very beneficial for your health. They can improve the flow of positive energy in your home or at work. They are a living breathing thing and they can provide us with a sense of tranquility and happiness. Some plants actually have the power to purify the air you breathe. Who would have thought that having a plant as a friend could actually improve your overall health?

This first plant is one of my favourites. I used to have two rather large peace lilies in my office until I ran out of room and I gave them away. I gave one to my daughter, so I’m glad she will be reaping the healing benefits of this plant (I wonder if it is still alive).  The peace lily increases the flow of positive energy by purifying the air and neutralizing harmful gases. This plant grows well in shaded or dark places like an office or in a corner. Having at least one peace lily in the bedroom will provide you with a sense of peace and restful sleep.
 
Jasmine’s sweet and pleasant smell will soothe a stressed mind and boost energy levels. You should put this plant near a south-facing window when indoors. The health benefits of jasmine tea are fabulous and include a reduced risk of heart attacks, a stronger immune system, and the prevention of diabetes. It also helps prevent cancer, while reducing stress, improving digestive processes, and lowering cholesterol. It has also been found to eliminate harmful bacteria and ease chronic inflammation like muscle aches and pains.
 
In addition to its ability to purify the air, Rosemary also promotes physical and mental well-being. The amazing smell of rosemary can instantly improve your mood, reduce fatigue and anxiety, and enhance memory. Some studies even suggest that rosemary can treat insomnia. You should place rosemary in a sunny spot and be careful not to over-water it. Rosemary is said to improve memory and help to increase intelligence and focus. While many of those claims are still being researched and studied, its effects on the brain do indicate an increase in memory retention, which is never a bad thing; keeping your mind quick will help to keep it young. 

For hundreds of years, Lucky Bamboo has been used as a symbol of good fortune and prosperity in Asia. According to feng shui, the vertical shape of this plant represents the element wood, which influences our vitality, energy, and physical activity. We recommend you place it in a corner of a room that has low light and keep it in a glass bowl with approximately 1 inch of water.

The long-lasting flowers of Orchids have a sweet and pleasant smell that will improve your mood. These plants are also known to release oxygen at night. Therefore, you should have at least one orchid in your bedroom. Did you know you could also make tea from your beautiful orchids? The Chinese were the very first people to discover the healing effects of these plants. The most common use today is as a medicinal tea. Dried Dendrobium are said to have healing properties that aid in the treatment of cancer, poor eyesight, and a weak immune system. They can even be used to increase libido.

Besides its powerful healing properties, the Aloe Vera plant also brings good luck and positive energy. Put it in indirect sunlight and water it regularly. Aloe Vera can’t tolerate standing water, so make sure that it has proper drainage. Aloe Vera has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries from relieving heartburn to slowing the spread of cancer; researchers are only first beginning to unlock all of the powerful uses of this universal plant and its many amazing by-products.

According to feng shui, holy basil purifies the air of negative energy and attracts positive vibrations to the environment. It is one of the few plants that release oxygen 20 hours per day. This amazing plant is also known for its strong antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. Holy basil should be placed in a north, east or northeast area of your home or garden and must be directly exposed to sunlight. Basil also is considered one of the healthiest herbs. It's best when fresh and has an impressive list of nutrients. Vitamin K, essential for blood clotting, is one of them. Just two tablespoons of basil provides 29 percent of the daily recommended value. Basil also provides vitamin A, which contains beta-carotenes, powerful antioxidants that protect the cells lining a number of numerous body structures, including the blood vessels, from free radical damage. This helps prevent cholesterol in blood from oxidizing, helping to prevent atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and stroke. Other vitamins and minerals in basil include iron, calcium, manganese, magnesium, vitamin C and potassium.

Chrysanthemum has the ability to purify the air and remove toxins from the home. It will also provide you with a sense of calmness, so make sure to have at least one chrysanthemum at your home. The Chinese always seem to figure these things out first; they have used the chrysanthemum for hundreds of years. They have used this fabulous plant to treat respiratory problems, high blood pressure, and hyperthyroidism. They also say the flower can reduce inflammation and calm your nerves.

In addition to its many strong medicinal properties, Sage also promotes the flow of positive energy in your home. Don’t place Sage in places that are very dry or have low humidity. Sage is an herb native to the Mediterranean, belonging to the Lamiaceae (mint) family along with oregano, lavender, rosemary, thyme and basil. Due to its high antioxidant capacity, sage can help protect the body's cells from damage caused by free radicals, which often results in cell death, impaired immunity, and chronic disease.

When I sit in my garden in the summer surrounded by all my flowers and herbs, I now know why I have such a wonderful feeling of peace and tranquility; the plants that surround me are exuding positive energy. When I think about all of the above fantastic plants and flowers, I realize that I can be surrounded by beneficial plants even in the wintertime—all these incredible indoor plants can surround me with peace and tranquility.

Head out to your local garden store and purchase yourself a little bit of heaven.

Kathryn Hartwell

References: besthealthyguide.com, medicalnewstoday.com, organicfacts.com, mercola.com and healthline.com

 

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