The beauty and danger of plants

To commence, the content is interesting how the human body is aligned to the natural world.

Blood being vital to our vascular system can be compared to sap in plants, human perspiration to plants external moisture, the skeleton our vital structure to the trunk and branches of trees and human hair compares to fibrous filaments relative in the plant kingdom. Their unseen movements are wonderous activities resulting in plant growth.

The kingdom of plants is so magnificent it makes one ponder as to why the human race is continually at war with nature.

Many flowering plants are advantageous to humans, just a few to mention below –

Both Gardenias and Jasmine have powerful fragrances, and their chemicals can regulate excitement in the brain, acting as sedatives to enhance sleep, lower blood pressure, pain and anxiety.

Lavender is known to enhance peace thus the habit of Victorian ladies stuffing their pillows with crushed dry flowers.

An alternative to live, fresh flowers could be the use of aromatherapy incorporating essential oils which can be rubbed on the temples or behind the ears before bedtime.

Even today, masses of deodorants, room fresheners, toiletries, and even disinfectants are infused with lavender!

Some plants assist in balancing the atmosphere with healthy negative ions normally found in the atmosphere being naturally emitted during thunderstorms and after rain. Some are capable of attaching positive chemicals to harmful molds, viruses, and allergens that frequently compromise health.

In view of the above, it is therefore quite harmless to have selected live plants indoors even relatively close to one’s bedside.

In conclusion, one has to be aware that toxic plants exist too amidst others that can harm humans and animals such as the Snake plant, commonly called “mothers-in-laws tongue” in South Africa. One should be very aware of contact with the sap.

Often unknown, the Oleander is the most lethal plant affecting both humans and animals as poisons are emitted from the flowers, stems, twigs, leaves, and even roots.

It is therefore one to be avoided in one’s gardens.

Whilst in the midst of Spring, this is a glorious season to observe the wonders of nature with a quotation from Shelly, a great poet –

“Each flower and herb on earth’s dark breast, rose from the dreams of its wintry rest”.