Flowers have always been used to express love, admiration, as a tribute to beauty, and in tense situations as a "peace offering".But some of the most beautiful and common flowers also bear a myriad other less well-known, yet equally important uses.
Daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare)
The entire plant, especially the flower has medicinal properties.It is used for anti-spasmodic, anti-inflammatory and diuretic effects.Sunflower (Helianthus annuus)
The seeds and oil have diuretic properties and have been used with success in the treatment of bronchial, laryngeal and pulmonary affections, coughs and colds, also in whooping cough, ulcers, canker sores, menstruation pain, gum disease, sore throats, tonsillitis.Rose (Rosa canina)
Rose hips collected from the "Dog rose" or Rosa canina are used to prepare teas, extracts, purees, marmalades and soups.All of these are high in vitamin C content. The extracts are used in a number of vitamin preparations, including tablets, capsules, syrups and so on. Rose hips also have a mild laxative and diuretic effect. Rose petals are used to ease menstrual pain and have anti-inflammatory properties.Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus)
The carnation is traditionally used in European herbal medicine to treat coronary and nervous disorders. Also, tonics prepared using carnations have stimulant and spasmolytic properties.Baby's Breath (Gypsophila elegans)
Recently Japanese researchers have discovered that this plant contains Gypsophilin-a ribosome inactivating protein.Ribosome inactivating proteins are used in an anti-viral capacity.
