The Positive Effect of Flowers

Ever wonder why the sight of a flower has such a cheerful effect on you? Humans have known for years that flowers bring comfort to those who are ill, or mourning a lost loved one. Flowers have also been a symbol of love and compassion throughout history. There is evidence that for more than 5,000 years, humans have cultivated flowers. Particles of pollen have been found in Neanderthal graves, indicating that flowers were used as part of their burial rituals.

Recent studies conducted by researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, showed that participant's moods improved after seeing a bouquet of flowers. During the studies, participants who viewed a bouquet showed less anxiety, and generally felt a greater sense of enjoyment. Not only were they more cheerful, but they also felt more compassionate towards others, and had more energy throughout the day. This benefits others that come into contact with the upbeat person, in a condition called "mood contagion" where one's mood is transferred to those around you.

Additional studies conducted by the Flower Council of Holland showed that being exposed to floral bouquets or plants in the workplace had a significant impact on the reduction of stress in the office. In general, they improved the overall mood of employees. Some of the findings reveal that plants in general help us concentrate and increase productivity, while at the same time, clean the air that we breathe and reduce dust particles. This is good news since the air inside office buildings can be as much as 10 times more polluted than the outside air.

The color of a flower has also been shown to have a scientific effect on human's moods. It is thought that the color black can make one feel powerful and confident; pink can have a soothing and calming affect; blue is also calming and has been shown to lower blood pressure; yellow makes one feel energetic; red increases the pulse and is associated with passion; and green relaxes the mind and body.

Not only the sight, but also the scent of a floral blossom has been proven to impact the human spirit. The smell of lavender can act as a sedative for some people. In a study by German scientists, it was proven that women who were exposed to the scent of roses while they slept had much "sweeter" dreams.

While all of this scientific evidence is quite convincing, we don't need to be told how therapeutic time spent in a flower garden can be. Planting and nurturing a variety of flowers to be arranged as bouquets for your home, or given as gifts to friends will surely spread cheer and goodwill among all those who receive them. And the added bonus is the joy and feeling of exhilaration the gardener feels as they tend to their scent-sational floral displays.