Flowers Can Help with Stress & Anxiety

August 01, 2022

Few things are more inspiring or peace-inducing than the sight of beautiful flowers. Flowers have a plethora of psychological benefits. Believe it or not, flowers have the power to improve mental health issues including lowering stress levels and reducing anxiety.

How Do Flowers Reduce Stress?

Flowers in all their bright, beautiful glory can help increase positive energy, which can grow into positive emotions and positive experiences. Flowers just have a way of making someone feel better and it's easy to imagine why they might be great for reducing stress.

In addition to their aesthetics, flowers release chemicals called Mycobacterium vaccae that signals the brain to release serotonin. Serotonin is known as a “feel good” hormone that lifts mood and brings on a sense of calm.

We suggest that you take a moment to stop and literally smell the roses, or whatever beautiful bloom you are near to reap its stress-reducing benefits.

How Do Flowers Help with Stress & Anxiety?

The serotonin released from Mycobacterium vaccae can also help with anxiety and should be considered a natural way to help balance your mood if you are feeling overwhelmed.

Types of Flowers That Can Improve Mental Health

Many flowers have been linked to improved mood and increased mental well-being. Amazingly, each of the flowers on this list has different properties that act as triggers for the brain to open up and work overtime to push out negative thoughts.

Here are some flowers to consider if you’re looking for support to reduce stress and feelings of anxiety:

• Lavender - It’s no surprise that lavender makes the list of plants that reduce stress and anxiety. Lavender can be found in products, from lotions to pillow sprays, all claiming to aid in relaxation which is key to combating stress. Lavender is believed by some to go beyond stress and anxiety reduction, to alleviate mild forms of pain.
• Jasmine - The calming scent of jasmine provides therapeutic benefits. Jasmine is often infused into medicinal alternatives for conditions like depression, stress, anxiety, and even insomnia.
• Chamomile - Chamomile is another well-known plant lauded for its relaxation benefits. Chamomile inspires calm.
• Snake Plant - Snake plants work by improving the quality of indoor air, and by absorbing toxic pollutants from the environment. Your mood and energy levels may both increase when you add a snake plant to your home.
• Aloe Vera - Aloe vera is a cool-looking plant, but it also has the power to purify the air, making it great for anxiety and stress reduction.
• Peace Lily - The peace lily packs a real punch as an indoor plant, filtering harmful toxins out of the air. Having a peace lily in your home can improve air quality and subsequently improve your mood and your mental health.
• Rosemary - Rosemary is far more than an ingredient used in recipes. Studies have found that fresh rosemary can reduce stress by lowering the level of cortisol in the bloodstream.

Each of these flowers makes excellent indoor plants to try for their healing properties and stress-reducing benefits.

Choose A Plant to Improve Your Mental Health

We believe that plant ownership can be a wonderful way to practice natural, healthy self-care. Contact the team at Flower Works to speak to one of our floral curators and we can help you choose a plant that will bring joy and peace to your home.

Also in Flower Works Blog