“In joy or sadness,
flowers are
our constant friends.”
~ Okakura Kakuzo

For the past month or so, Kathy and I have been visiting the downtown Campbell Farmers Market on Sunday mornings. Along with a variety of fresh fruit, health drinks, and other organic products, Kathy has also purchased several plants and bunches of colorful fresh flowers for our home. When we return home, she puts the flowers into decorative vases which are then placed throughout the living room, dining room, and kitchen. These flower arrangements have made a positive difference in the ambiance of our home. They certainly did today as we celebrated Easter with the family.

Providing more than just an ornamental improvement to the home environment, fresh flowers have a number of documented health benefits, as well. Dr. Jeannette Haviland-Jones, a professor of psychology at Rutgers University in New Jersey, explained, “Science shows that not only do flowers make us happier than we know, they have a strong positive effect on our emotional well-being.”

By increasing levels of serotonin in our body, flowers can significantly improve our moods, emotions, energy level, memory, sleep, happiness, and overall emotional well-being. At the same time, flowers have the ability to decrease levels of anxiety, stress, and depression.

Research conducted at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center found that different types of flowers can be used to enhance different aspects of our health:

Lavender promotes feelings of relaxation. Roses can be used as an anti-inflammatory and to treat coughs and colds. Chamomile soothes anxiety and headaches while aiding sleep and digestion. Honeysuckle has antiviral and antibiotic properties, enabling them to treat colds, flu, and sore throats. Chrysanthemums are used to treat dry eyes, fevers, and headaches. Magnolias can minimize nasal congestion and sinus headaches.

All this sounds very promising, but the simple presence of flowers around our home has added a touch of class to our residence. Again today, I am grateful for the simple things in life.