A Guide to Flowers in Indian Healing Traditions

Flowers have held profound medicinal significance in Indian healing systems since ancient times. In Ayurveda, flowers are called “Pushpa” and also known as Sumana, Kusuma, and Prasuna. Beyond their ornamental and nutritive value, flowers possess miraculous medicinal properties that have been utilized for over 5,000 years. According to estimates, 43% of India’s total flowering plants are reported to be of medicinal importance. Ayurveda originated in India over 5,000 years ago and represents one of the world’s oldest holistic healing systems.

Historical Foundations

Ancient Texts and Origins

The use of medicinal flowers in India traces back to the Vedas, particularly the Atharvaveda, which formed the foundation of Ayurvedic medicine. Classical texts such as the Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita, dating back thousands of years, extensively documented the medicinal properties and applications of flowers. These ancient texts provided detailed descriptions of flower-based remedies and their therapeutic uses.

In the Sushruta Samhita, approximately 201 classical medicinal preparations incorporating flowers were documented across different sections: 10 preparations in Sutrasthana, 4 in Sharirasthana, 57 in Cikitsasthana, 30 in Kalpasthana, and 100 in Uttarasthana. The text also included 100 flowers prescribed for medicinal purposes, plus 5 flowers mentioned as poisonous to be avoided.

The Bhavaprakasha Nighantu, another important classical text, dedicated separate chapters to flowers, explaining medicinal flowers and emphasizing their significance in healing practices.

Pushpa Ayurveda: The Science of Flower Therapy

Pushpa Ayurveda represents a specialized branch of Ayurvedic medicine focused specifically on the therapeutic potential of flowers. The term combines “Pushpa” (meaning flower) and “Ayurveda” (meaning knowledge of life). This unique approach emerged partly in response to traditional Ayurvedic practices that utilized animal products, with notable figures such as Mahavira promoting the use of flowers for healing, emphasizing compassion towards all living beings and the principle of Ahimsa (non-violence).

Pushpa Ayurveda emphasizes the holistic approach to health and wellness through the integration of botanical substances, addressing physical, mental, and emotional ailments through the therapeutic power of flowers.

Theoretical Framework

The Three Doshas

Ayurveda operates on the fundamental principle that health depends on balance between three doshas: Vata (air and space), Pitta (fire and water), and Kapha (earth and water). Flowers are classified according to their effects on these doshas, helping practitioners select appropriate remedies for individual constitutions.

The Six Tastes (Rasa)

Medicinal flowers are categorized by six tastes: sweet (madhura), sour (amla), salty (lavana), pungent (katu), bitter (tikta), and astringent (kashaya). Each taste has specific therapeutic properties and effects on the doshas.

Energetic Qualities

Flowers are classified by their virya (energetic effect) as either heating (ushna) or cooling (sheeta), and by their vipaka (post-digestive effect). These properties determine their therapeutic applications and suitability for different conditions.

Sattva and Spiritual Properties

Many medicinal flowers, particularly tulsi, are considered high in sattva—the principle of light, perception, and clarity. These sattvic herbs are believed to infuse divine energy into the body, mind, and soul, promoting mental clarity and spiritual awareness.

Methods of Floral Application

Pushpa Ayurveda employs various methods to harness the healing properties of flowers:

• Darsanam: Visual therapy through gazing at flowers
• Sparsha Vidhanam: Wearing floral garlands or clothing
• Alepana Vidhanam: Applying flower paste topically
• Aghrana Vidhanam: Nasal administration and smelling of floral essences

Traditional preparation methods include:

• Juice (swarasa) and decoctions (kashaya)
• Powders (churna) and pastes (kalka)
• Oils (taila) and ghee preparations (ghrita)
• Fermented preparations like asava and arishta
• Tinctures, syrups (leha), and teas

Key Medicinal Flowers

Tulsi (Holy Basil – Ocimum sanctum)

History and Significance: Within Ayurveda, tulsi is known as “The Incomparable One,” “Mother Medicine of Nature,” “The Queen of Herbs,” and “The Elixir of Life.” It has been used within Ayurvedic medicine for more than 3,000 years and is thought to have originated in north-central India. Tulsi is a highly revered herb in Hindu religious tradition and is worshipped as an avatar of Lakshmi. It is commonly planted in courtyards of Hindu houses and temples.

Properties: Pungent in taste, heating in energy, pungent post-digestive effect. Balances Vata and Kapha doshas. High in sattva, promoting clarity and awareness.

Traditional Uses:

• Respiratory ailments including cough, cold, influenza, bronchitis, and asthma
• Fever and common everyday ailments
• Digestive disorders and hepatic diseases
• Skin diseases and wound healing
• Mental health: sharpening memory, reducing stress, anxiety, and depression
• Mouth ulcers and oral infections
• Water and food purification
• Adaptogenic properties to combat physical, chemical, metabolic, and psychological stress

Special Properties: Called “liquid yoga” for its ability to nourish body, mind, and spirit. Increases and protects ojas (promoting joy, vigor, and healthy immunity) and prana (life force).

Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera – Kamal)

History: All parts of the lotus—leaves, seeds, flowers, fruit, and rhizomes—have been used in traditional medicine for over 1,000 years. It is the national flower of India and holds sacred significance in Hinduism and Buddhism.

Properties: Cold in potency, astringent and sweet in taste. Balances aggravated Pitta. Acts as a tonic for the heart, liver, and skin.

Varieties: Two main types—Kamal (pink or reddish-pink petals, also known as Rakta Kamala) and Kumud (white petals, known as Pundarika or Sveta Kamala).

Traditional Uses:

• Bleeding disorders, especially controlling excessive loss of blood during heavy menstruation
• Diarrhea and dysentery (due to anti-enteropooling and antispasmodic properties)
• Gonorrhea and urinary infections
• Calming the mind and treating irritability
• Fever management
• Skin rejuvenation and moisturization

Note: The properties of lotus flowers often differ from other parts of the plant, demonstrating the unique medicinal value of the flowers specifically.

Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis – Gudhal/Japa)

History: Hibiscus has been referenced in both Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine systems. Over 300 species exist, with Hibiscus rosa-sinensis and Hibiscus sabdariffa being most commonly used medicinally.

Properties: Sweet and astringent in taste, cold in potency. Reduces Pitta and Kapha doshas. Contains important phytochemicals including flavonoids and anthocyanins.

Traditional Uses:

• Hair care: promotes hair growth, prevents premature greying, and controls hair fall
• Skin conditions: pimples, sunburn, and aging signs
• Bleeding disorders: menorrhagia (excessive menstrual bleeding), bleeding piles, bleeding gums
• Cardiovascular support: purifies blood, supports heart and circulatory system
• Gynecological conditions: painful menstruation, leucorrhea
• Fever and inflammatory conditions
• Digestive health: diarrhea and constipation

Application: Flowers used as paste with coconut oil for hair, hibiscus tea for internal consumption, face masks for skin care.

Jasmine (Jasminum sambac)

Properties: Cooling and fragrant, used extensively in Ayurvedic and Siddha medicine.

Traditional Uses:

• Skin diseases and eye irritation
• Calming effects and sleep aid
• Mood enhancement and anxiety reduction
• Aromatherapy for stress relief

Cultural Significance: White jasmine flowers including Arabian jasmine, Crape jasmine, and Indian jasmine are used in Indian traditional medicine and religious ceremonies.

Marigold (Tagetes erecta – Genda)

History: African marigold is the state flower of Gujarat and is very popular in Indian culture, especially during the festival of Deepawali for decoration and religious events.

Varieties: Hazara (big flowers), Kaukhan (red-yellow flowers), and Surnai. The Calendula variety has notable healing abilities.

Properties: Contains lycopene and vitamin C. Acts as a natural mosquito repellent due to its sharp smell.

Traditional Uses:

• Cancer prevention: antibiotic quality that may kill cancer cells
• Piles: both bleeding and painful hemorrhoids
• Skin treatment: pimples, wrinkles, pigmentation, and signs of aging
• Cracked skin: leaf juice mixed with ointments for hands and legs
• Mouth and stomach ulcers
• Urinary disorders
• Detoxification

Preparation: Herbal tea from petals and leaves, face paste with turmeric and lemon, fried flower petals in ghee.

Sacred Neem Flower (Azadirachta indica)

Properties: Bitter and cooling, highly regarded for purification.

Traditional Uses:

• Oral health and dental care
• Skin diseases and infections
• Fever and detoxification
• Anti-parasitic properties

Clove Bud (Syzygium aromaticum – Lavanga)

Properties: Pungent and heating, aromatic and stimulating.

Traditional Uses:

• Dental problems and toothaches
• Digestive stimulant
• Respiratory conditions
• Used both as spice and medicine

Saffron (Crocus sativus – Kesar)

Properties: Sweet and slightly bitter, cooling in nature. Balances all three doshas.

Traditional Uses:

• Memory enhancement and cognitive function
• Mood elevation and depression
• Skin brightening and complexion improvement
• Eye health
• Digestive support

Application: Typically used in very small quantities due to its potency and value.

Blue Pea (Clitoria ternatea – Aparajita)

Properties: Cooling and calming, natural blue food coloring.

Traditional Uses:

• Memory enhancement
• Wound cleaning and healing
• Anxiety and stress reduction
• Eye health

Cultural Use: Sacred to Lord Vishnu, used in temple offerings.

Pomegranate Flower (Punica granatum – Dadima)

Properties: Astringent and styptic (stops bleeding).

Traditional Uses:

• Epistaxis (nosebleeds)
• Excessive bleeding
• Diarrhea

Classical Categorization

Flowers are organized in various classical texts according to their properties:

• Bhavaprakasha Nighantu: Pushpa Varga (flower section)
• Kaiyadeva Nighantu: Aushadi Varga (medicinal section)
• Dhanvantari Nighantu: Karaviradi Varga
• Raja Nighantu: Parpatadi Varga

These classifications helped practitioners identify appropriate flowers for specific conditions and understand their therapeutic applications.

Therapeutic Applications

Flowers in Ayurveda address a wide range of health concerns:

Physical Health

• Respiratory diseases: 10 flowers commonly used
• Skin diseases: 14 flowers prescribed
• Fever: 14 flowers employed
• Diabetes: 7 flowers utilized
• Gynecological ailments: 7 flowers recommended
• Bleeding hemorrhoids: 5 flowers prescribed
• Gastrointestinal disorders: 4 flowers used
• Urinary disorders: 3 flowers employed

Mental and Emotional Health

Flowers are particularly valued for their effects on mental and emotional well-being. Their pleasant smell and soothing effect on the mind make them especially useful in managing mental disorders, including conditions described in classical texts as “Graha” (mental afflictions). Flowers promote:

• Stress reduction and relaxation
• Memory enhancement
• Mood elevation
• Mental clarity and focus
• Emotional balance

Spiritual Health

Many flowers, particularly tulsi, are used to enhance spiritual practices, increase sattva (purity), and promote devotion and awareness. They are incorporated into daily rituals, worship, and meditation practices.

Preparation and Dosage Forms

Flowers can be administered through both internal (enteral) and external (local application) routes:

Internal Preparations:

• Churna (powder)
• Kalka (paste)
• Kashaya (decoction)
• Hima (cold infusion)
• Swarasa (fresh juice)
• Asava and Arishta (fermented preparations)
• Panaka (sweet drinks)
• Leha (confections)

External Applications:

• Taila (oils)
• Lepa (pastes)
• Ghrita (medicated ghee)
• Pariseka (washing)
• Ashcyotana (eye drops)
• Anjana (collyrium)
• Nasya (nasal administration)
• Shiro lepa (head paste)
• Basti yoga (enema preparations)

Unique Preparations:

• Gudakanda or Gulkand (rose petal preserve)
• Arka (distillates)
• Gandhadruti (aromatic preparations)
• Dhooma (fumigation)
• Kavala-Gandusha (gargling)
• Varti (suppositories)

Special Uses:

• Garlands made by flowers for diseases like intoxication and for promoting healthy living according to seasonal regimens (Ritu Charya)
• Floral curry, floral sugar candy, floral juice, and floral delicacies

Unique Properties of Flowers

An important observation in Ayurveda is that flowers often possess different properties than other parts of the same plant. For example:

• Arka (Calotropis gigantea) flower is sweet and bitter, used as anthelmintic and for skin diseases, whereas the latex is bitter and hot in potency
• Nirgundi (Vitex negundo) flowers have different potency than the tree’s other parts
• This distinction emphasizes the importance of using the specific plant part prescribed in classical formulations

Comparative System: Siddha Medicine

Approximately 25 out of 38 medicinal flowers documented have similar indications in both Ayurveda and Siddha systems of medicine, showing the widespread recognition of floral therapeutic properties across Indian healing traditions. Siddha Vaidya has described the therapeutic utility of 67 different medicinal flowers, demonstrating the extensive use of flower therapy in South Indian medical traditions.

Contemporary Relevance

The ancient wisdom of flower-based medicine continues to offer solutions for modern health challenges:

Research Validation: Modern scientific studies are confirming the therapeutic effects of medicinal flowers, including:

• Antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties
• Anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects
• Antioxidant and hepatoprotective activities
• Immunomodulatory and adaptogenic properties
• Anticancer potential
• Cardiovascular benefits

Modern Applications:

• Herbal teas and infusions
• Essential oils for aromatherapy
• Standardized extracts in supplements
• Natural skincare and cosmetic products
• Integrative medicine practices

Conservation Importance: As awareness grows of the therapeutic potential of flowers, conservation of medicinal plant species becomes increasingly important for food security, rural livelihoods, environmental protection, and healthcare accessibility.

Safety Considerations

While flowers offer numerous health benefits, certain precautions should be observed:

• Some flowers, like hibiscus, have contraceptive and anti-fertility properties and should be avoided during pregnancy or when trying to conceive
• Allergic reactions may occur in hypersensitive individuals
• Interactions with modern medications should be considered
• Proper identification and preparation are essential
• Consultation with qualified Ayurvedic practitioners is recommended
• Five flowers mentioned in classical texts are specifically noted as poisonous and should be avoided

The use of flowers in Indian healing traditions represents a sophisticated understanding of botanical medicine developed over millennia. From the sacred tulsi revered as “The Queen of Herbs” to the beautiful lotus symbolizing purity, flowers have played an integral role in maintaining health of body, mind, and spirit. The comprehensive documentation in classical texts like the Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, and Bhavaprakasha Nighantu demonstrates the systematic observation and empirical knowledge that forms the foundation of Pushpa Ayurveda.

As modern science increasingly validates the therapeutic properties of these ancient remedies, flower-based medicine offers a bridge between traditional wisdom and contemporary healthcare, providing natural, holistic solutions for a wide range of health conditions. The enduring legacy of floral therapy in Indian culture—from daily worship practices to medicinal applications—testifies to the profound relationship between humans and the healing power of nature’s most beautiful creations.

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