Photo courtesy of @enelaycreative/Twenty20
As we get deeper into spring, green-thumbs across the country are eagerly plotting how to bring their dormant beds to life. And while home gardening is known to bring color to your yard, encourage biodiversity, reduce the impact of food waste, lower stress levels, and promote community bonding, picking up a horticulture habit can also pay off in your beauty routine.
Many low-maintenance flowers happen to come with a range of herbal properties that may help give you that “healthy glow.” Picked fresh or dried, and then made into a tea, these powerful herbs offer a range of perks to freshen and revitalize, both inside and out.
But first, it could be helpful to consult a native plant authority to help you choose the best plants for your location, conditions, and season; not all plants will thrive in all climates, and some may be invasive to your local ecosystem. Also, it’s good practice to avoid consuming plants that have been sprayed with harmful chemicals. Opt instead for organic gardening practices to ensure that your teas will provide natural goodness and nothing else.
Photo couresty of @charity.lynne/Twenty20
While tea can be brewed from many different types and parts of plants (leaves, seeds, roots, fruit, and flowers), making tea from flowers is actually quite simple:
- Plant your flower.
- When ready, pick your flower from its bed.
- Hang to dry (store in a cool, dry place to prevent molding).
- When the flower feels crisp and is dry enough to crumble, place a few flower heads into a tea bag.
- Steep, steam, and enjoy.
Here are the four flowers we recommend for your herbal tea starter garden:
Rose
In addition to their stunning and diverse looks, roses yield multiple seasons of benefits for a gardeners in the know. Rose petal tea, for instance, is known to have high concentrations of vitamin C, polyphenols, vitamin A, various minerals, and antioxidants — all of which have been associated with slowed cellular aging and helping to promote clearer, healthier skin.
Calendula
These sunny orange and yellow blooms conjure up luminous summer days — ironically, calendula is sometimes even used to treat sunburns given its naturally soothing properties. The flower also contains high amounts of flavonoids, which are thought to increase new blood vessel formation and quicken cellular regeneration.
Chamomile
For millennia, herbalists have looked to the soothing properties of chamomile to treat a host of common complaints. Its dainty white and yellow flowers may look unassuming, but the naturally sweet tea they produce has been associated with powerful anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.
Hibiscus
Those living in milder climates and looking to add a tropical flair to their gardens have plenty of reasons to consider hibiscus. These vitamin-rich blooms also contain natural alpha hydroxy and omega‑3 fatty acids, making them a solid plant-based source of an essential nutrient more commonly associated with seafood. When steeped, hibiscus blossoms create a rich, aromatic tea (hot or iced) that may support healthy skin, hair, and nails.
It’s important to note…
Herbal teas vary in their potency, efficacy, and appropriateness for every individual, so consult a doctor before incorporating these or any other plant-based remedies into your personal care routine.
Articles from The Natural should not be considered medical advice. If you have any questions about your health, please consult a medical professional.