People have been making salves and ointments out of plants like primrose and peonies for hundreds of years. Unfortunately, much of the lore surrounding wildflowers is disparaged as “old wives’ tales” and “witchcraft”. As such, we’ve developed a suspicion of wildflower medicine and usually opt for over-the-counter treatments instead.
However, besides sprucing up yards and public spaces, wildflowers like dandelions and sage can have genuine health-boosting properties. Dandelions, AKA “Cankerwort”, are proven to have a mild diuretic effect, while valerian has served as a helpful sedative for millennia.
Tending to a wildflower lawn can also improve your mental health and well-being. Watering a sea of chicory and yarrow is a great way to destress and can improve your long-term memory. So, leave the lawn mower in the shed and consider sewing a few healing wildflowers into your lawn instead.
A Word of Warning
Wildflowers can improve your health and help you overcome mild illnesses. However, some wildflowers may interfere with prescribed medication and mitigate the effectiveness of your treatment plans. Before making an ointment or tea, speak with your doctor to ensure that your favourite flower won’t undermine your general health.
You should also take care to wash and prepare any wildflowers you harvest properly. You don’t want to accidentally ingest a dandelion tea that has been “seasoned” with dog urine. Make sure everything you plan on ingesting is cleaned and take common-sense steps to reduce the risk of contamination.
Chamomile
Chamomile is easy to grow and will add a pop of bright white and yellow to your wildflower lawn. Chamomile, or Mayweed, grows naturally in the U.K. and is native to Britain. This means you don’t have to worry about it spreading beyond your garden and overwhelming other ecosystems.
Chamomile can alleviate common digestive issues like Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Typical symptoms of GERD include:
- Heartburn
- Difficulty swallowing
- Gas
- Difficulty sleeping
The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) suggests growing chamomile in a sunny, free-draining area. Opt for varieties like Chamaemelum nobile and Matricaria recutita as these will respond well to our conditions and produce leaves that can be used in tea.
Valerian
Valerian is a perennial flower that typically produces white, pink, or red flowers. It roughly resembles baby’s breath in appearance and can grow to be nine feet tall. Valerian has also been touted as a sedative that can aid sleep and decrease stress.
It’s worth noting that the research surrounding valerian’s sleep-boosting benefits is a little murky. However, this doesn’t mean that you should overlook valerian if you’ve been struggling to sleep and have exhausted the treatment options that modern medicine has to offer.
Valerian may help you drift off and avoid common symptoms of sleep deprivation like mood changes, brain fog, anxiety, and depression. You can prepare a valerian brew by harvesting the roots and storing them in an air-tight container until you’re ready to boil them.
Lavender
Wild lavender primarily grows in Southern France where well-draining soil and intense heat combine to provide the perfect conditions for the perfume-like plant. However, English variations grow in gardens across the country and can be a welcome addition to any wildflower lawn. The health benefits of lavender include:
- Improved sleep
- Reduced inflammation
- Alleviates anxiety and depression
Lavender can be used as an antiseptic, too. Essential oils and extracts can be made into bath soaps, oils, and teas. Think of your lavender patch as your own personal aromatherapy supply and harvest the leaves in late autumn before the first frost comes in.
St. John’s Wort
St. John’s Wort — a yellow flowering shrub that grows to be 80 cm tall — is named after St. John the Baptist and usually flowers in late June. It’s well known for its medicinal properties and, when prepared properly, can help stave off symptoms of anxiety and depression. St. John’s Wort may also be a useful tool if you are experiencing conditions like:
- ADHD
- Somatic symptom disorder
- OCD
- Menopause
St John’s Wort may help with skin conditions, too. Some evidence suggests that the plant helps heal wounds, clear up bruises, and alleviate general aches and pains. Just speak to your doctor before brewing a cup of St. John’s Wort. The plant has been known to interfere with some medications and can be dangerous if used incorrectly.
Yarrow
Yarrow is a hardy plant that grows across Britain’s grasslands. It’s part of the Aster family and is used in antibiotics, antioxidants, and antiproliferatives. Studies suggest that Yarrow can help with common health conditions like:
- Skin inflammation
- Wounds
- IBS
- Dysmenorrhea
Yarrow is also a good pollinator. Bees and beetles will be attracted to your yarrow patch and spread the plant far and wide. This can make Yarrow a “must-have” in your garden if you want to improve biodiversity and protect wildflowers.
Conclusion
Our gardens have been a source of medicine and botanical cures for millennia. Common plants like yarrow and chamomile can reduce inflammation and alleviate the symptoms of chronic conditions like GERD. Speak with your doctor if you’re interested in growing some healing wildflowers in your yard. They may be able to help you choose plants that improve your health without interfering with modern medication.
