Calendula, Lavender, Echinacea - all flowers that we consider today to be healing power houses.  These ideologies draw on traditional knowledge and cultural practices passed down from generation to generation.  Throughout history, people from all over the world have turned to locally available plants as a primary source of healing, using their unique characteristics to prevent, alleviate, or treat various physical and mental ailments.  Indeed, many of the modern drugs of today have been discovered by isolating the bio-active compounds found in these plants that show medicinal effects - not only from flowers, but also from the roots, leaves, bark, etc.

An incredibly significant connection is found between humans and the natural world.  Ancient civilizations often integrated herbal remedies into spiritual, religious and cultural practices.  Traditional medicine of the eastern world, and their holistic approach to health and wellness, has relied on plant-based systems for thousands of years.  Monasteries of the Middle Ages cultivated extensive medicinal gardens and documented the healing properties of plants.  The Age of Exploration and the subsequent Colonial Era presented the opportunity of a worldwide exchange of indigenous plants and plant knowledge around the globe, that continues today.  All of these examples show an important, ongoing, interconnection of the human body with nature and the environment.

Plants also hold many symbolic values and are believed to possess spiritual as well as medicinal properties.  Nicholas Culpeper of the 1600's defines plants by both their healing uses and their astrological positions among the planets and the moon in his The English Physitian: An Astrologo-Physical Discourse of the Vulgar Herbs of this Nation.  A very interesting read, the cover states the following, which implies the significance of utilizing that which is found in local, natural surroundings:

Being a Compleat Method of Physick, whereby a man
may preserve his Body in Health; or cure himself, being
sick, for three pence charge, with such things only
as grow in England, they being most fit
for English Bodies.

Flowers contain a variety of bio-active compounds that contribute to their therapeutic properties.  They work synergistically to promote healing and wellness.  Some of the key bio-active compounds that can be found in flowers include:

Edible flowers have long been used in folk remedies, and recent studies have supported these traditional health benefits, revealing their rich composition in bio-active compounds and their correlation to functional properties. 

Scientific research on the topic of the therapeutic benefits of flowers is vast and ongoing, important for our evolving understanding of both historical and modern relationships we have with the natural world.  Much of the newer research revolves around edible flowers, nutraceuticals and various qualities of particular interest today, such as antioxidant activity which is touted as aiding in the combat of diseases such as cancer. 

Something to take note of is that while many flowers are edible, some are extremely toxic to humans or other animals and there are quite a few that land in the middle of this range which can be tolerated in small amounts.  This being said, the expertise and guidance of a certified herbalist is advised when using flowers in natural healing.  Also, take into account that only a small percentage of edible flowers have been subjected to modern day research, and more studies are required so that we may efficiently use them medicinally and know their full benefits and side effects.

With the modern rise in the use of essential oils and companies such as Young Living or Doterra educating the public on their uses, the healing properties of flowers is relatively common knowledge in today's world.  Here follows some of Young Living's descriptions of the benefits of these floral essential oils.

Dr. Edward Bach (1930's), which we will discuss in more detail below, describes his healing remedies a bit differently.  While Young Living plays to the desired result the essential oil will bring to you, Bach recognizes a state of a person's being that may be overbearing and subsequently matches a flower essence to this in order to help remedy the disorder or ailment.  This is a longer list, hopefully not too tedious, but there are some interesting "conditions' amongst his descriptions.  This list is paraphrased and abridged so as to shorten as much as possible.

* The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy by Valerie Ann Worwood (published 1991) starts her book off with this WARNING:

"Not all natural plant products are beneficial to health.  Deadly nightshade can be poisonous and stinging nettles sting.  The following essential oils should NOT be used under any circumstances."  (Note that some of these have been mentioned above).  Again, I urge anyone wishing to pursue using natural products as a remedy to consult certified herbalists before doing so.

The use of floral scents to stimulate, calm and heal has been around probably since the beginning of time.  Archeologists have found baths dating back as far as 5000 year BC.  In written history, the Ramayana (India, 2000 BC) mentions perfumers, incense makers and bath attendants in its account of celebrations.  Hippocrates (4th century BC) has stated "the way to health is to have an aromatic bath and scented massage every day."  Avicenna (Constantinople, 900's) wrote over a hundred books, the first of which was on the beneficial effects of the rose.  Increasing travel, including the Crusades, helped to spread this knowledge to Europe, and it is known that people who used various aromatics were protected from some of the worst plagues that rampaged through the continent in those earlier days.

Rene-Maurice Gattefosse (France, 1920's), a cosmetic chemist, accidentally stumbled upon the healing properties of Lavender after burning himself in the laboratory.  He subsequently dedicated his life to the study of plant essential oils to unlock these remarkable characteristics.  The word "Aromatherapy" originally came from this scientist and his body of work.

Aromatherapy can be broken down into three basic applications - body, water and room.  Without formally studying these forms, most of us are quite familiar with them, as they've been around for a long time.

1. Candles - essential oils added to molten wax
   
2. Diffusers - allows molecules to be released into the air
   
3. Light Bulbs - use of heat from the light bulb
   
4. Humidifiers - essential oils added to the water
   
5. Radiators - cotton ball with essential oil can be placed on warm pipes
6. Room Sprays - essential oils added to water and sprayed throughout the room
   
7. Water Bowls - essential oils added to boiling water and allowed to diffuse through room
8. Wood Fires - essential oils added to logs prior to burning
   

  

One way to utilize flowers as therapy, is to relax in a "flower bath".  Combining physical flowers with essential oils is a wonderful way to help combat daily stresses and leave the cares of the world behind.  In fact, I personally took up bathing as part of my healing ritual while going through breast cancer treatments.  I feel I originally started bathing to see if it would help alleviate lymphedema in my arm, which I feel wasn't a permanent solution.  However, this practice has been unmatched in it's ability to calm nerves and redirect perspectives on life.  There is nothing like a warm bath to give you permission to slow down, meditate and take stock of gratitudes that are often overlooked while busying yourself about your day.  My baths include not only notes of essential oils and flowers, but also epsom salts and baking soda.  If it's been a while since you've bathed, I suggest trying one TODAY!

In addition to flower baths, you can tap into flower based healing through what is known as floral therapy or flower essence therapy, which harnesses the therapeutic properties of flowers to promote emotional, mental and spiritual well-being.  This discipline involves the use of flower essences, which are potent infusions made from the energetic imprint of flowers.

In the 1930's, Dr. Edward Bach, a British physician and homeopath, developed a system of flower essences, called the Bach Flower Remedies, designed to address emotional imbalances and promote holistic healing.  He believed that physical illnesses often had underlying emotional or spiritual causes and sought to create gentle and natural remedies to restore harmony to the mind, body and spirit.  His system of remedies identifies and classifies 38 different flower essences, each corresponding to a specific emotional state or personality trait (outlined briefly above).  You can tap into flower based healing using this method of flower essence therapy to promote emotional, mental and spiritual well-being.

You may wonder what a flower essence is.  It is not an essential oil, at least not as we have come to know them with modern extraction processes.  A flower essence is a potent infusion "imprint" created using flowers picked during their height of vibrancy in order to capture the true energy of the plant.  These flowers are then added to filtered water, covered to protect from debris and sunlight, and allowed to infuse through natural sunlight.  The energy of the sun is allowed to infuse the water with the essence of the flowers.  This infusion is then strained and bottled, and alcohol can be added to preserve for longer shelf life.

These essences can then be used orally (a few drops directly on the tongue, or added to water, tea or other beverages), applied topically to pulse points, acupuncture points or added to your bathing ritual for a soothing experience. 

In contrast to most processes of essential oil extraction, the whole process of creating a flower essence is gentle and natural, maintaining a sense of gratitude and reverence to the flowers and the healing energy they provide.   Reading about this aspect of the process reminds me of conversations I've had with Native Americans in my younger days.  The honor and respect given to the natural world in their culture is absolutely amazing and it's something I've carried with me throughout my life.  Use this approach to connect deeper with the healing wisdom of nature and to cultivate greater inner balance and harmony within your life.

Although some of the concepts outlined here may seem a bit on the "woo woo" side of things, don't discount them entirely.  I personally don't disagree with most of the teachings of Bach, and believe they are worthy of consideration.

Flowers and their uses, like most natural resources, are highly dependent on the culture that surrounds them.  Where you live will inevitably determine what plants and flowers are available to you - at least historically speaking.   Your location then, guides what flowers are traditionally used in your region.  Whether it's as simple as what we eat, or more complex as what's used during religious or holiday rituals, geography and culture strongly dictates what is common knowledge and ultimately what we utilize in our lives.

In today's world, if you want something from halfway around the globe, you can generally obtain it.  With this being said, it may be outrageously expensive, or you may doubt the validity, purity or quality of said product.  Is this actually what they say it is?  A simple question that has come up pertaining to olive oils imported into our country over the last several years.  Has it been diluted with something else in order for it to be made more cheaply?  Were pesticides used while growing the plants?  If so, are they chemicals that are known to be safe?  Could they possibly be something that our country has banned?  So much to think about when making a purchase!  Although it is time consuming and oftentimes a lifetime journey to master, backyard gardening and processing yourself will alleviate many of these worries, if it's at all possible in your climate.  Do some research through local apothecaries, local garden centers, your county coop extension and even local authors on the subject, and you may find some beneficial flowers that easily fit into your lifestyle.

After the long, dark and dreary winter months, it's always inspiring to bring the vibrancy of color and new life more fully into well-used living spaces, both indoors and out.  Here are some ways that you can integrate flowers into daily routines for health and well-being:

Let's explore some of the floral ingredients ASC Soapworks adds to their products. 

Our soaps start with an outstanding recipe of organic oils and varieties range from containing no scent, to those with essential oils and those with combinations of essential oils and fragrance oils.  Some people discern between these categories, some do not, and the differences are not necessarily subtle. 

Fragrance oils are typically much stronger than the essential oil scents and there have been questions over the years concerning their safety, leading to changes in how they are manufactured and processed.  My personal journey began without knowing the difference and, as I've aged, my knowledge has grown.  Fragrance oils are continued to be used in some of our bars because customers ask for scents like lilac, apple and pumpkin that are unavailable in the more naturally derived essential oils. 

I have a belief that the industry does their best to minimize any harmful effects and that they adapt to the most current knowledge, rules and regulations etc. that surround their products - same as essential oil manufacturers, who often will also use chemicals to extract the "goodness" from the plant.  Most fragrance oils today are made free from parabens and phthalates, hot topics not commonly talked about only twenty years ago, and I research this quite thoroughly before using them, only sourcing from well known and respected companies.  Our knowledge of the safety of materials is continually evolving and if there ever comes a time when research or my thoughts on this change, we will reevaluate their use.

Below you will see which category each of our scents fall into.  For leave on products, I personally prefer the essential oil blends, however I just made some Rose Patchouli Body Butter that is just lovely :) 

There is controversy surrounding whether or not the beneficial characteristics of essential oils are lost in the harsh process of soap making.  While it's definitely true that their ability to work is less hindered in "unadulterated by lye" formulations like body butters or oils, I have found certain benefits do come through in soap - aromatic value is one, and soaps containing tea tree oil still seems to help my skin.  You are free to make your own assumptions on how they personally work for you.

Most of the essential oil varieties tend to be more earthy in scent than floral, and some on that list may not be what you would consider a floral at all, such as Sweet Orange.  All of this depends on how the scent is extracted from the plant, at least in the case of the essential oils.  Fragrance oils are typically more chemically derived, using ingredients that are more akin to perfumes. 

In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in herbal medicine and natural healing modalities.  This revival reflects a growing awareness of the limitations and side effects of conventional modern medicine, as well as a desire for us humans to reconnect with nature and traditional knowledge that's threatened of being lost.

I hope that this post has provided you with some knowledge you didn't have before and inspiration to bring the healing properties of flowers into your life more fully.

The English Physitian: An Astrologo-Physical Discourse of the Vulgar Herbs of this Nation, Nicholas Culpeper, Peter Cole Printing Press Cornhil London, 1652

https://www.verywellhealth.com/flavonoids-5209844

Margida Teixeira, et al, Anthocyanin-rich edible flowers, current understanding of a potential new trend in dietary patterns., Trends in Food Science & Technology, Volume 138, August 2023, pages 708-725

Tania C.S. et al, Edible flowers:  emerging components in the diet, Trends in Food Science & Technology, Volume 93, October 2019, Pages 244-258

Qi Chen et al, Edible flowers as functional raw materials: A review on anti-aging properties, Trends in Food Science & Technology, Volume 106, September 2020, Pages 30-47

Jameel M Al-Khayri et al, Flavonoids as Potential Anti-Inflammatory Molecules:  A Review, Molecules, 2022 May; 27(9):2901

Ayu Masyita, et al, Terpenese and terpenoids as main bioactive compounds of essential oils, their roles in human health and potential application as natural food preservatives, Food Chem X, 2022 Mar 30, Vol 13

https://coffeeaffection.com/where -does-caffeine-come-from/

Cristian Dima et al, Essential oils in foods: extraction, stabilization and toxicity, Current Opinion in Food Science, Volume 5, 2015, Pages 29-35

The Complete Book of Essential Oils & Aromatherapy, Valerie Ann Worwood, 1991, New World Library, Canada

https://sownsow.com/a-complete-guide-to-20-edible-flowers/

https://www.bachcentre.com/en/remedies/the-38-remedies/

The Twelve Healers and Other Remedies, Edward Bach, 1936, CW Daniel

...can be INCREDIBLY confusing!

So...let's talk about ingredients.  What are they?  Where do they come from?  Are they beneficial? Are they safe?  Do their supposed properties translate into the final product?  There are so many questions that have evolved over the years - both in the media and in my personal experiences - and I'd like to explore them. 

My desire to do this stems from several thoughts and considerations. 

I want to live the healthiest life I can, while still being ME.  So, I read ingredient labels for not only foods my family eats, but also for personal care products, cosmetics, clothing I wear etc.  This activity even overflows into things that most don't think about and may seem quite apart from your personal body, things we take advantage of - such as sources of these items, gardening techniques or even the quality of the air we breathe. 

The world is always evolving and recent technology has brought about situations in our world that our ancestors could never have dreamed of.  How are these technologies, and the decisions made about them by "the powers that be",  affect our quality of life and our health?  I feel that this blog will expand and grow over time, but for the moment, its purpose is to...

I encourage this to be a space of inquiry and discussion.  Your comments, questions and concerns would be highly valued by me and the greater community as a whole. 

Let's dive deep into this aspect of the personal product world and help to create a healthier, more informed base of consumers!