20+ Flowers That Mean Healing (Plus Medicinal Benefits, Uses & More)

Flowers aren’t just loved for their beauty; every bloom has a meaning attached to it, which you can use to send messages and convey your emotions to others. But which flowers specifically mean healing? We’ll show you! In this article, we’ve included an extensive list of different flowers that traditionally represent healing and health (among other things). Read on, and we’ll explain where each flower got its reputation and why they’re each associated with the power of healing!

1

Lavender

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Lavender is associated with rejuvenation and serenity. It’s been a symbol of healing since ancient times, and even today, lavender is used in aromatherapy to reduce stress and anxiety, as well as promote restful sleep. Lavender oil also has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, which can help with acne and other skin conditions.^{[1]
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- Additional symbolism: Strength, purity, grace, calmness, and devotion

2

Rose

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Each rose hue carries a different meaning. It’s a universal symbol of love—but beyond that, white roses symbolize purity, and peach roses symbolize sincerity and gratitude, making them both popular choices for sympathy flowers. Beyond that, the scent of rose oil is used in aromatherapy to ease pain and reduce stress and depression, which is another reason they’re associated with healing!^{[2]
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- Additional symbolism: Passion (red), desire (orange), friendship (yellow), sweetness (pink), and grace (ivory)
- Did you know roses can also symbolize healing your heart? Dark red roses are associated with grief, support, and healing from loss.

3

Marigold (Calendula)

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Marigolds have therapeutic properties and represent emotional healing. They’re used in different skincare products to soothe skin irritations and reduce inflammation. They also have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that make them helpful in healing minor wounds and alleviating menstrual cramps. Their bright colors are also great for bringing cheer to help heal your heart!^{[3]
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- Additional symbolism: Joy, resilience, passion, good luck, and the light living inside people

4

Aloe Vera

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Aloe leaves are well-known for their medicinal benefits. It may not be a “flower” in the traditional sense, but it’s definitely associated with healing. It’s regularly used to treat skin-related ailments, including burns, irritations, and wounds—which is why aloe is equated with rejuvenation and well-being.^{[4]
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- Additional symbolism: Grace, tenacity, hardiness, protection, and abundance

5

Camellia

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Camellia plants are used to relieve ailments like asthma and infections. It’s a helpful natural remedy for heart health and blood pressure and may even aid the body’s immune system—hence its association with health and healing.^{[5]
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PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health

Go to source} Camellia has many gorgeous hues, from bright reds and pinks to soft white, each with a different symbolic meaning as well.
- Additional symbolism: Love, affection, patience, adoration (white), longing (pink), and passion (red)

6

St. John’s Wort

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St. John’s Wort has a long history of being used for healing. Even back in ancient Greece, St. John’s Wort was celebrated for its healing properties, though it was believed to ward off evil spirits back then. Nowadays, it’s proven to aid insomnia, nerve pain, burns, and wounds; some even use it to alleviate depression.^{[6]
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Research source} St. John’s Wort is a symbol of holistic healing, physical and mental wellness, and resilience!
- Additional symbolism: Light, protection, and cheerfulness

7

Chamomile

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Chamomile represents healing and comfort across many cultures. This calming yellow flower provides relaxation, facilitates peaceful sleep (through teas or essential oils), and aids digestion.^{[7]
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PubMed Central
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Go to source} Additionally, some research has indicated that chamomile may help with things like skin irritation, eczema, respiratory infections, cold symptoms, and menstrual symptoms.
- Additional symbolism: Rest, peace, hope, positivity, and poise

8

Dandelion

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Dandelions are symbols of resilience, with natural healing properties. You might look at a dandelion and see a common weed, but it’s much more than that! Dandelions are proven to have anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe joint pain, and they’re an amazing source of valuable antioxidants, which is why dandelions are symbols of healing across many cultures worldwide.^{[8]
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- Additional symbolism: Hope, strength, and transformation

9

Gerbera Daisy

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Gerbera daisies are commonly given in “get well soon” bouquets. They’re used to wish people a quick recovery because they symbolize cleansing and purity! Gerberas (also called Transvaal daisies) have also been proven to effectively purify the air by removing certain toxins, and their lovely, bright colors are often associated with cheerfulness, positivity, and relaxation.^{[9]
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- Additional symbolism: Innocence and loyalty

10

Jasmine

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Jasmine tea can soothe aches, cramps, and digestive issues. It may also promote healthy brain functions and heart health while relieving anxiety and insomnia.^{[10]
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PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health

Go to source} The soothing scent of jasmine is recognized across many cultures, making it a worldwide symbol of healing and resilience (as well as a popular choice for aromatherapy).
- Additional symbolism: Love, femininity, beauty, and purity

11

Potentilla

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Potentilla is a symbol of good health and inner strength. Some native North American tribes use it to bring empowerment and spiritual strength in rituals. Additionally, potentilla is used in holistic healing—specifically to heal wounds and protect against infection—though its healing properties have yet to be officially proven.^{[11]
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Missouri Botanical Garden
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Go to source} Nonetheless, potentilla is still associated with both health and well-being!
- Additional symbolism: Loyalty, femininity, and a mother’s love

12

Echinacea

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Echinacea is used for healing in teas, supplements, and tinctures. It’s been used for its medicinal properties for a long time, and it actually can soothe things like colds, toothaches, stomach aches, and sore throats! That’s why echinacea has such a strong symbolic connection to healing, as well as endurance, strength, and fortitude.^{[12]
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- Additional symbolism: Prosperity and the ability to flourish in challenging conditions

13

Ginger

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Ginger has medicinal benefits in addition to being a symbol of vitality. Eating ginger is known to alleviate ailments like constipation, bloating, and nausea. Some women even use it to ease their “morning sickness” when pregnant!^{[13]
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Johns Hopkins Medicine
Official resource database of the world-leading Johns Hopkins Hospital

Go to source} It also has a great taste, making it a popular spice and ingredient in various dishes while maintaining its reputation for healing.
- Additional symbolism: Innovation and adaptability

14

Yarrow

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Yarrow symbolizes protection and health. Yarrow is another common flower used in “get well soon” bouquets, but its real connection to healing comes from its use in holistic medicine (although there’s not enough research to confirm its medicinal properties). Yarrow is sometimes taken to fight infection and inflammation and improve indigestion or muscle spasms.^{[14]
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- Additional symbolism: Love, strength, and endurance
- Yarrow is even thought to be named after Achilles, the legendary Greek warrior. According to the myth, he used yarrow to stop his soldiers from bleeding.

15

Peony

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Peony blooms are representative of making a full recovery. Peonies aren’t known for their medicinal benefits, unlike other plants on this list, but they’re symbolically linked with good health and prosperity. Thus, they’re popular choices in wellness bouquets when you wish someone a speedy recovery.
- Additional symbolism: Love, romance, honor, respect, and righteousness

16

Lotus

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Lotus is a beautiful symbol of healing despite adversity. That’s because of the way lotus rises through water to bloom on the surface! However, it’s also capable of actual healing; it has valuable compounds that can nourish and improve the skin, making it a useful addition to skincare products, as well as antioxidants that may aid digestion.^{[15]
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- Additional symbolism: Purity, rebirth, transcendence, enlightenment, and spiritual growth

17

Daffodil

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Daffodils are hopeful and optimistic blooms. They’re primarily seen as symbols of the coming springtime (and thus renewal and rebirth). Still, they also represent virtues like strength and the ability to overcome challenges—which is understandably associated with healing! So, when someone is healing from an illness or injury, daffodils can serve as a symbol of their renewal and recovery.
- Additional symbolism: Joy, happiness, good fortune, and prosperity

18

Sunflower

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Sunflowers symbolize joy and positivity—and have healing benefits. They're emblematic of the sun—bright, yellow, and cheerful! However, sunflower seeds also have many nutritional benefits, and they may help lower blood pressure and cholesterol, bring down inflammation, and even reduce the risk of heart disease (which is why they symbolize healing).^{[16]
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PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health

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- Additional symbolism: Strength, loyalty, and long-lasting happiness

19

Chrysanthemum

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Chrysanthemums are resilient flowers symbolic of hope and endurance. They're known for being able to thrive in difficult conditions, which serves as a reminder that people can do the same! That's why chrysanthemums (often called "mums") represent recovery, survival, and healing through troubled times.
- Additional symbolism: Friendship, happiness, and well-being

20

Borage

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Borage is an edible flower that represents courage and recovery. It's associated with both physical fortitude and emotional strength, reinforced by the fact that studies show borage may be able to treat things like asthma and inflammation while promoting skin health.^{[17]
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PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health

Go to source} And it's easy to take advantage of those properties since borage is a common addition to food and drinks.
- Additional symbolism: Bravery, joy, and resilience

21

Snapdragons

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Snapdragons symbolize strength despite adversity. Like chrysanthemums, they're known for growing in cooler seasons (and in rockier climates than other, more delicate plants). For that reason, snapdragons are viewed as ideal "get well soon" flowers and are often gifted to people struggling or recovering from illness. "
- Additional symbolism: Grace and protection

22

Evening Primrose

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Evening primroses are associated with renewal. That's because Native Americans traditionally used evening primrose oil to treat bruises and minor wounds—and studies indicate it may help reduce skin conditions like acne and eczema.^{[18]
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Research source} It has a long-running reputation for being used medicinally, which is why it symbolizes healing. "
- Additional symbolism: Mystery, love, and fondness