Flower power in health
Flowers have long been used as traditional remedies, but they’re now being used to treat conditions from dementia to depression. Here’s an overview of an array of flowers which may have some benefit to your health.
Flowers have long been used as traditional remedies, but they’re now being used to treat conditions from dementia to depression.
Snowdrop
This small white flower reportedly can be used to treat mild to moderate dementia.
Reminyl, one of the main type of drugs used to treat mild to moderate dementia, is derived from galantamine, a compound found in snowdrop bulbs.
It helps increase levels of acetylcholine, a brain chemical involved in the transmission of messages from nerve cells.
Crocus
A member of the iris family, the crocus is being tested for toothache and the eye condition age related macular degeneration.
When it comes to the eyes, saffron affects the amount of fat stored by the eye, making vision cells tougher and more resilient, according to University of Sydney researchers.
Crocin, the compound that gives saffron its vibrant colour, has also been shown to boost memory and improve mental functioning in a study at the University of Tokyo.
Lavender
This flower, native to the western Mediterranean, has been known to help with insomnia, anxiety and stress.
Oil from the fresh plants has been shown to help with insomnia, alopecia, anxiety, stress and post operative pain, according to the University of Maryland.
Trials have shown lavender oil improves mood, and is a possible antidepressant, which might help explain its pain killing effects.
Milkwort
A plant with rose pink flowers, milkwort reportedly has a protective effect on brain cells.
Men and women who took a plant extract three times a day for four weeks showed more significant increases in recall and made fewer mistakes than those given a placebo.
Root extracts have also shown promising effects on memory in humans in two trials. It is not yet known how it works.
Daffodil
The bulbs of daffodils are said to be a source of galantamine, which is used to treat Alzheimer’s disease.
Daffodils contain compounds that can get through the blood brain barrier (a semi permeable barrier that prevents many drugs from entering the brain).
A Chinese study also suggests daffodil compounds can kill off certain cancer cells (such as leukaemia).
