Medicinal Value of Flowers Trivia Quiz

Answer: Carl Linnaeus

Carl Linnaeus (1707-1778) collected, classified and experimented on a vast number of plants during his lifetime. He is looked upon as the father of modern taxonomy and ecology. His published works in the field of botany alone span several volumes, and he was hailed, during his lifetime, as one of the leading scientists in the world. After being granted nobility by the Swedish king in 1757, the design of the coat of arms for the Linnaeus family included the begonia.

This beautiful plant is a perennial bloom from the same family as pumpkins, melons and cucumbers. With over 1,500 different species, an infusion of the begonia has been used to rid the body of toxins. Rubbing its flower on burns and sores is also said to be helpful to help ease the pain of same. As with all alternative medicines and cures, however, it is wise to consult an expert in the trade first, rather than rushing out and madly trying these cures for yourself.

Answer: Saffron

Saffron is the most expensive spice in the world, so the little marigold makes an ideal substitute. Grown profusely in the Mediterranean area, the calendula marigold is of a different species to other marigolds from the Tagetes family of the Americas, such as the corn, marsh or desert marigolds. Scientific studies on this plant reveal that it also has an efficient anti-viral, anti-genotoxic and anti-inflammatory action. Those who work in the alternative medicine field use the calendula marigold as a treatment for acne, dermatitis, constipation, cramps, sore throats, small skin cancers and to control bleeding.

The little marigold is a little miracle.

Answer: Chrysanthemum

Herbalists use a soothing lotion made from this plant as a drink to cure colds and fevers, to dab on tired and inflamed eyes, and to ease headaches and tension. Extracts from the plant are also used as a powerful and biodegradable insecticide. The other three gentlemen of the four plants used frequently in Chinese art are the bamboo, orchid and plum tree blossoms.

The chrysanthemum was initially cultivated as a herb in China, but over the centuries has evolved to be used for ornamental, medicinal, artistic and literary purposes, and food consumption as well.

Answer: Stops bleeding

Found growing everywhere in the Atlantic area of the world, the bluebell, with its sweetly scented bell-like flower, can be seen either as an ornamental plant in gardens or growing freely anywhere in woodlands or fields. Wherever they grow with abandon in the wild is an indication of the state of the soil in those areas, and botanists can quickly identify same as a result. Even though the bluebell is rich in nectar and pollen, it is ideal for keeping away pesky insects.

In addition to its well known medical properties, some of its extracts are remarkably similar to those used by scientists in the treatment of HIV and cancer. Such is the esteem in which this dainty little flower is held, it is used as the symbol for the Botanical Society of the United Kingdom.

Answer: High temperature

This is a plant you shouldn't even attempt to use unless you're trained in the field of herbalism or alternative medicines. Its essences, if taken in too large a quantity, can cause skin irritations, vomiting and diarrhea. However, with the right supervision, it can be beneficial in the treatment of high fevers.

A Christian religious legend associated with the flower of this bold and showy plant is that it represents the Star of Bethlehem, with its vivid red leaves said to represent the spilled blood of Jesus Christ following his crucifixion.

Answer: Fertility

Nettles have been used effectively to treat arthritis and rheumatism, tension, diabetes, gastric complaints, headaches, colds, skin diseases, prostrate cancer, male fertility problems, and an astonishing number of other conditions that plague humans. Materials woven from its fibre have been found in ancient burial sites, it is used in various forms of cooking, and because its hairs are a deterrent to many animals, it is a ready source of succour for butterflies, moths and tiny birds.

Interestingly, one method of treating arthritis with nettles was whipping the sore joint with the plant rather than consuming its derivatives. Various modern studies investigating this method have shown that this actually works.

The act of whipping stimulates the body to release chemicals that decrease the pain and swelling of this painful condition.

Answer: To treat sores on cattle

Butterworts could well be the miracle plant of the coming centuries. They contain a strong bactericide which prevents insects they have trapped from rotting. As a result of this, cattle farmers have used it for years to treat sores on their animals, but this ability, if applied to other areas of the health field, has unlimited potential. Added to this is the fact that in the second half of the twentieth century, almost fifty new varieties of the plant have been discovered in Mexico, an area of the world where it grows most profusely. An international organisation whose purpose is to study the properties of this plant more fully was set up in the 1990s, so who knows what exciting breakthroughs may be waiting just around the corner for mankind for the hungry little butterwort?

Answer: A cough suppressant and expectorant

Such is the value of the hyssop plant that it is even found mentioned in the Christian Bible. This plant can be harvested twice a year, it handles dry weather efficiently, and it is used moderately in various culinary dishes. Not too many, though, as it has a rather strong flavour.

It is also used to flavour some liqueurs, particularly that of Chartreuse. As a medicinal plant, it is remarkably effective as a cough suppressant and expectorant, but its health giving properties extend wider than this.

It is also used as an antiseptic, and in eye drops and mouthwashes as well, but beware. Do not attempt any home made varieties for yourself without consulting a herbalist. If consumed in excessive quantities, it can provoke epileptic seizures and convulsions.

Answer: Hibiscus

There are several hundred different species of the hibiscus. Apart from its lovely ornamental display, every part of the plant can be utilised. Its nectar attracts butterflies and bees and various birds (and apparently husbands), it can be used to make paper, a delicious tea, and, when mixed with sugar and spices, a potent alcoholic drink.

It is utilised in various foods as a vegetable or food flavouring, or candied and eaten as a treat on its own, and it is gradually being used more and more as a natural food colouring, replacing the somewhat risky artificial ones. Children make use of its sap for blowing bubbles, and it is incorporated in the making of grass skirts, and even wigs. Medicinally, it is said to be excellent for lowering high blood pressure, as a natural diuretic, for coughs, for skin care, and finally, for hair colouring and a shampoo and conditioner. Wow!

Answer: To treat spear and sword cuts

The common little daisy is full of astringent properties and is still used today by those in the alternative medicine field to treat wounds on both humans and animals. Roman doctors soaked bandages with its extracts to bind the many battle wounds they dealt with daily. Daisies are also excellent for controlling the spread of weeds in the garden, and can be eaten either raw or cooked in sandwiches, stews or soups.

A quite tasty tea can also be brewed from the leaves, and this has the added advantage of being a vitamin booster as well.