Overview
The relationship between people and flowers has existed since prehistoric times and goes beyond simple appreciation of the beauty of blooms. Over time, other uses for flowers have been found beyond their decorative function, including use in food, medicines, beauty products and as a wildlife attractor.
Besides beautifying your garden, flowers have other uses.
image by "Beautiful White Flower (Frangipani) in our Building" is Copyrighted by Flickr user: Swami Stream (Swaminathan) under the Creative Commons Attribution license.
Perfumes
With their heady scents, flowers are often used in perfumery, not only in fragrances but also in potpourri, herb cushions, pomanders and sachets.
Beauty and Hygiene Products
Flowers are frequent additions to beauty products. Elderflowers in an infusion are used to soften skin. An infusion of chamomile can be used as a mouthwash.
Food and Drink
Some flowers are edible. Borage flowers (and leaves), for instance, have a cucumber-like flavor. They can be used in salads or crystallized to decorate cakes. Add the flower to wine for an hour before straining to impart a cucumber flavor.
Medicine
Many flowers have traditionally been used in tonics, teas and infusions. An infusion of marigold flowers is said to be good for poor circulation, while fresh or dried bergamot flowers can be used in hot milk as a sedative.
Attract or Repelling Wildlife
Flowers not only can attract helpful pollinators like bees, they also can attract, depending on the flower, butterflies and bats, which can control mosquitoes. Dried lavender flowers repel moths.
- The Herb Book; Arabella Boxer, pilippa Back; 1980
- Uses of Flowers
- Edible Flowers
Keywords:
flower uses, flowers as food, flowers medicine, flowers as insect repellent, flower pollinators
About this Author
Sophie Johnson is a freelance writer and editor of both print and film media. A freelancer for more than 20 years, Johnson has had the opportunity to cover topics ranging from construction to music to celebrity interviews.
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