“Flowers seem intended for the solace of ordinary humanity,” wrote Victorian author, artist and conservationist John Ruskin. Indeed, research has proven that multitudes of different flower species possess natural compounds essential to healing. 

Certified medical herbalist Sara Stewart Martinelli, owner of Three Leaf Concepts—the parent company of Boulder Tea Company, Three Leaf Farm and a number of restaurants and teahouses—individually blends many of the teas served in her establishments. Here are three of her personal favorites.

Sweet violet (Viola odorada)

Chances are you’ve slathered a cooling aloe vera gel over a searing sunburn. Perhaps you’ve even cracked open an aloe plant leaf and drizzled its milky juice directly onto inflamed or dry, itchy skin. 

Topically applied, aloe’s soothing benefits are widely known—and have been extolled by nurturing grandmothers for decades. But the plant harnesses a host of other potential applications for health and wellness. Although human studies on aloe’s effectiveness have yielded varied and even conflicting results, naturopaths and herbalists have long touted its ability to ease constipation, flush toxins from the body, tackle gastric problems and even help lower blood sugar when consumed orally as a supplement or a juice. 

Skin and gastric healing