“A garden to walk in and immensity to dream in--what more could he ask? A few flowers at his feet and above him the stars.” ― Victor Hugo, Les Misérables
Flowers are companions for us. They can be company in a lonely present,
witness to memory and a promise for the future. The purpose of flowers in
nature is simple: reproduction. With their shiny petals and beautiful
scents, they attract insects to their pollen-filled centers to facilitate
fertilization and plant survival.
Flowers have had a power over society since the dawn of time. Throughout
the ages, the use of flowers has continued to develop. Although there is
no doubt that flowers are beautiful to look at, there is more to them than
that. Indeed, many flowers actually have healing properties that make them
as useful as they are beautiful to look at. While sunflowers, for example,
are known for their brightness and cheerfulness, they can also be brewed
in tea to help relieve sore throats and menstrual cramps! In aromatherapy,
lavender has long been used as an essential oil that helps many people
relax and manage stress, anxiety and sleep disorders. Jasmine helps
relieve many body aches and cramps and can also be beneficial for the
digestive system. Many people use jasmine to manage ulcers and
indigestion, as well as anxiety and sleep problems. Roses are high in
vitamin C, an important antioxidant for general health and for fighting
some more serious diseases as heart disease and stroke. Chinacea has been
used to treat sore throats, colds and flu. Passion flowers are such a good
sedative that they have been used in medicine since the Aztecs discovered
their healing properties.
At times, flowers can be a genuine source of inspiration. I find flowers
very supportive, with their scent, colors, shapes, and touch. Flowers are
also very much represented in art. Regardless of the kind of art that is
being used, the impact of flowers is consistently inspiring. This French
song
"Le Pouvoir des fleurs"
(The Power of Flowers) was written by Laurent Voulzy as a hymn to peace
and respect for nature and the environment. It has become an emblematic
song for ecology since it encourages respect for nature and especially for
animals.
Flowers are and will undoubtedly continue to be very important in society.
Their beauty, as well as their different properties, make them essential
for both nature and for us.