Floriography: An Introduction to the Language of Flowers

The romantic and emotive significance of flowers is fairly commonplace, but the bouquet you gift to a dear friend could hold more symbolism than you think. Learning about the different meanings each flower has historically held based on their type and even color could make your modern floral arrangements and gifted bouquets more interesting, fun, and meaningful!

Victorian England

Though the significance of flowers has been present for centuries, it is believed that the specific meanings associated with flowers became popular during the Victorian Era, most notably in England. The construction of the “language of flowers” began during this time, and many books, called “floriographies,” were published in attempts to decode the meanings of certain flowers.

Historians now believe that it was rare for anyone to send bouquets containing messages spelled out in flowers, but the widespread popularity of the trend suggests otherwise. Even if the ordeal was largely a game, the associations between emotions, sentiments, and flowers remain popular and prevalent today.

Hanakotoba

Much like the English Language of Flowers, eastern nations like Japan also have set meanings to their flowers. The Japanese Hanakotoba is not as actively popular as its western counterpart, but it is still in practice in some regions today. Because of the strong Buddhist influence on Japanese culture, many of the meanings held by some flowers are directly tied to religious beliefs and natural beauty. The variety of different languages, associations, and meanings for similar flowers can shed some light on cultural values and beliefs. Flower languages can serve as bridges between unique individuals and cultures.

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How to Support Pollinator Populations

Pollinators are essential for sustaining life on earth; without bees, we wouldn’t have much of the food we currently enjoy, and our overall health would suffer. With a globally recognized decline in pollinator populations, many gardeners are looking for ways to help attract and support honeybees, mason bees, and more. Fortunately, making a difference is relatively easy. Below are a few simple ways you can help support pollinator populations.

Plant Bee-Friendly Flowers

Though most gardens will inevitably attract bees, there are certain breeds and varieties that are better for pollinators because of their pollen production and habitat provision. Among these key plants are:

Lavender
Oregano
Black-Eyed Susans
Catnip
Sunflowers
Daisies
Asters
Mint
Snapdragons

There are dozens of additional varieties to consider planting in your garden. Consider choosing plants that come in blues, purples, and yellows as these colors are more attractive to bees. Flowers with concealed nectar spurs are also popular among long-tongued bees. Be sure to look into what plants are best and assess the amount of care necessary to maintain a garden with such plants.

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Where to Apply Essential Oils

Essential oils are increasing in popularity at a rapid pace, and while many people use these oils in a diffuser to improve the quality of their air, oils can be even more useful when applied directly to the body. That said, you need to be careful with the approach you take. People with sensitive skin can experience irritation, so it’s important to be cautious whenever you use essential oils.
Diluting vs. Applying Directly
Pure essential oils are very strong, and that’s why most dedicated users dilute their essential oils before applying it to their body. Doing this can minimize the negative effects of oils and also save you a significant amount of money. For adults, it’s generally recommended that you apply two drops of essential oil for a teaspoon of carrier oil. Though some users apply essential oils directly, you should always proceed with precaution. Consult with an aromatherapist before applying a new blend of essential oil directly, and test it on a small and less sensitive part of your body before applying it anywhere else.
Common Areas to Apply Essential Oils
Pretty much any part of your body can be safe for applying oils, but certain parts of the body are more popular locations than others. Here are some of the most prominent advantages you can get from applying essential oils.

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What is Balneotherapy and Is It Right for You?

Water has been a source of comfort and healing for thousands of years. If you peruse texts pertaining to Ancient civilizations such as the Celts, Greeks, or Romans, you will find many recorded examples of their people utilizing hot springs or other bodies of water to help with ailments. Today, we still find solace in the warmth of a bath when we need to relax sore muscles or give our minds a rest.

What is Balneotherapy?

Balneotherapy is a form of hydrotherapy that involves the use of bathing, often in waters that are rich in natural mineral content, to help treat health issues. Today, you can easily partake in this type of hydrotherapy by visiting a spa or hot springs resort.

The Effect of Balneotherapy

Balneotherapy uses the warmth of the water helps to stimulate blood circulation. The minerals found in naturally occurring springs often contain sulfur and magnesium. These minerals are used tostimulate your immune system so it can more effectively fight off illness. It is also thought to relax you, thereby releasing stress and bringing your blood pressure down.

Treatable Conditions

We often will naturally look to the water, especially warm water, in our regular daily life to help ease minor pain and escape the stresses of the day, sometimes even adding salts or using aromatherapy to amplify the results. Studies behind the effectiveness of balneotherapy are limited, but some research shows promise that it does have a positive effect on certain conditions, here are just a few.

Insomnia- When a warm bath is used 20- 30 minutes before bed, the cooling of your core body temperature and its ability to relax you can allow for a more restful state.

Arthritis- The European Journal of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine published a study that found evidence that mineral baths may help relieve arthritis by naturally reducing pain and inflammation, relaxes stiff joints, and helps prevent microbial infection.

Psoriasis- Balneotherapy shows it may have a substantial effect as an anti-inflammatory. This can help with psoriasis or conditions such as fibromyalgia. More studies are needed but it can be used as a supplemental treatment. In addition, it is a more gentle alternative to many medications and typical treatments.

What to Plant in July

The approximate time of harvest is a clue to what to plant in July. An important factor in planting in July is the zone in which you live. In most cases, planting Zones 1 through 6 allow a gardener to plant vegetables and flowers for harvesting in autumn without suffering frost damage.

In a hotter climate, planting in July may not be as restrictive as in colder climates with early winters. In warmer climates, a bumper crop of green leafy vegetables like spinach, kale, cabbage, lettuce and collard greens produce a full crop by late September and early October.

In colder climates where winter begins in October, plant cabbage, potatoes, squash, pumpkin and herbs like Rosemary, Basil, Sage and Thyme in July. Further north where winters arrive early, plant beans, broccoli, brussels sprouts and cabbage.

The Basic Guide to What to Plant in July

Coordinate planting zones with the species of vegetables and flowers. Be aware that planting certain types of flowers planted in July are determined by the flower genus. For example, in Zones 1 through 6, plant bulbs like tulips, crocus and daffodils in late summer so they will bloom in early spring.

The basic guide for planting vegetables in July is to consider the plants ability to withstand sudden changes in temperature. Plant root plants like carrots and radishes in the first week of July to produce a crop by mid September.

In the warmer climates, plant black eyed peas, bush beans and cowpeas in July for harvest in late September or early October.

Soil and Water is Important to July Planting

Take note of the condition of garden soil in July. Many vegetables love sandy soil while others do poorly. This also applies to water and rain events. Vegetables and flowers need a certain amount of water and adequate rainfall to encourage natural growth.

July is a good planting month in most areas since there is optimal amounts of warm sunshine. The amount of sunshine affects plants’ ability to evolve from seeds to seedlings within a few weeks. Ideally, your July plants should be at the midpoint of the harvest stage within four weeks.

In MidAtlantic states in July, you can plant kohlrabi, leeks, rutabaga, beets, cucumber and turnips as well as peas, scallions and parsnips for fall harvesting.

What Is Reiki?

Also known as energy healing, reiki originated in Japan and is a form of alternative therapy. Reiki involves transferring and changing energy between the practitioner and the patient. Believers in reiki say that if you have free-flowing energy in your body, you will feel good both physically and mentally. If you have energy blockages, however, this can lead to health problems and an unhappy life.

Reiki is a way to treat physical and psychological illnesses. Even if the session does not end up heal any specific ailments, participants will still go home feeling more relaxed, less stressed, and happier.

What Does A Reiki Session Involve?

During a reiki session, the practitioner gently holds her hands on or over different parts of the patient’s body. She will hold her hands in various positions and keep them on each area of the body for a few minutes until she senses that energy has stopped flowing there. Sessions typically last between 15 and 90 minutes. Patients may need just one session to feel better while others require multiple sessions to experience significant results.

A reiki session is very versatile. It can take place anywhere that has a calm, quiet atmosphere. Patients can sit in a chair or lie down on a table. Soothing music can be played if it will put the patient into a more serene state. The reiki practitioner may also recite positive mantras in order to reduce stress and clear out mental and emotional turmoil in the patient.

Different people have different experiences during their session. Some say their practitioner’s hands feel very hot or cold while others feel waves of pulsating energy flow through their bodies.

Read the rest at GretchenReuter.net and be sure to check out Gretchen’s other blogs on holistic healing methods!

How Nature Can Improve Your Mental Health

As a result of our industrial, technological society, it can be easy to feel distanced from ourselves and others, creating a sense of isolation from natural elements, as well. This can subsequently affect our mental health, increasing our feelings of depression and likeliness of other mental illnesses taking hold of our brains.

In recent years, it has been discovered that there is actually a relationship between our mental health and natural elements surrounding us. This was demonstrated in a study conducted and analyzed by the University of British Columbia which concluded that one’s mental health and overall stability can be significantly improved by exposing yourself to nature.

This realization is the result of an ability to be present. Being able to observe the natural ebb and flow of nature can inspire one’s mind to relax, subsequently curbing many of the negative mental effects that modern-day stress might have on one’s well-being.

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The Science of Acupuncture

Acupuncture is an ancient medical art that involves the strategic placement of small needles across the body with the intention of alleviating pain, fatigue, or any number of other maladies. It has been in practice in the Far East for more than three millennia and has recently become popular in the West.

Acupuncture is remarkably effective, and it is often covered by insurance. The archaic language of acupuncture, centered around the concept of mystical life forces and energy lines, does little to offer a modern scientific explanation. The few clinical trials that have been performed have demonstrated acupuncture is most effective against chronic pain such as osteoarthritis and nausea, such as the type that chemotherapy patients suffer. Although no studies have yet revealed a mechanism of action, some doctors have proposed a few ideas to explain why acupuncture works so well.

There are several possibilities that might explain acupuncture’s effects on pain. The following are the most popular running theories.

Endorphins

Our bodies release natural painkillers in response to painful nerve stimulation or sudden stress. These neurochemicals act on the brain in a way similar to morphine. Studies demonstrated that levels of endorphins were elevated in test subjects after acupuncture.

Learn about the other theories at GretchenReuter.net

Floriography Video

I made my blog on the art of flower arrangement into a video, and I’m sharing it just in time for Valentine’s Day. Check it out below!

The romantic and emotive significance of flowers is fairly commonplace, but the bouquet you gift to a dear friend could hold more symbolism than you think.

Spice up your gift-giving by arranging a bouquet for a loved one that holds intentional meaning.

Native North American Plants and Their Uses

The North American Native Plant Society (NANPS) is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to conserving and restoring North American plant habitats as well as all their native flora. Their aim is to also educate people about the historical and modern day uses of these plants, from medicinal and nourishing to clothing and even shelter. Flora of North America (FNA) is an online/printable resource that keeps a database of all the 272 families of both indigenous and naturalized plants and trees currently in North America, as well as their uses and origins.

Echinacea

Echinacea is one of the most common medicinal plants seen today. It is used to treat a variety of topical illnesses and dietary needs, as well as acting as an immunotherapy agent.

Black cohosh

Black cohosh is a flower that is also used for many modern-day ailments. One of its nicknames is bugbane because of its insect-repelling odor. It is also used to reduce premenstrual discomfort and aid in menopause.

Blackberries

The entire blackberry plant – the berries, leaves, and roots – can all be used to make medicine, and the fruit is eaten regularly. There are many ailments that have been known to be improved by drinking blackberry tea or by simply eating the fruit. People suffering from diarrhea, fluid retention, diabetes, and inflammation have been known to turn to blackberries and it is being researched as a fighter in the battle against cancer and heart disease.

Read about three more North American plants at GretchenReuter.com

4 Things to Avoid When Storing Essential Oils

Depending on the variety, essential oils tend to have a decent shelf life. However, there are a number of factors that can negatively affect their color, properties, and potency. Avoiding the components of oxidation, the process that causes oils to break down, as well as materials that will react with the oils can help you ensure the essential oils in your collection are effective for a longer span of time.

Plastic

Typically, essential oils will be initially stored in glass bottles. This is because essential oils are corrosive and can eat away at a plastic container. If you need to transfer your oils for any reason, make sure you use glass bottles to prevent corrosion.

Light

Exposure to sunlight, especially for a prolonged amount of time, can lead to a change in chemical composition as well as an accelerated deterioration of the oils and their potency. Storing essential oils in dark glass containers away from direct sunlight is the best option for safe storage. Never store oils on windowsills or in a car, as extended exposure to light will have lasting effects.

To learn about the next two things you should avoid, read the rest on GretchenReuter.net