Nature’s best floral remedies

New research finds that the flowers bursting into bloom right now are packed with natural compounds that do everything from boost energy to lower blood sugar to improve memory over time. From their scent to their seeds, harnessing this kind of 'flower power' can help you feel your best.

- ANN GREEN

Hibiscus

lowers blood pressure

Brew up a pot of tart and fruity hibiscus iced tea and you might help improve your blood pressure as you sip. When participants with pre- or mild hypertension drank hibiscus tea daily for six weeks, they reduced their blood pressure by up to seven points, according to a Tufts University study. Compounds in the plant’s ruby blooms are thought to relax blood vessels and gently flush out excess fluid, helping the body stay balanced. It can be so effective that it’s best to skip hibiscus if you're taking hydrochlorothiazide for hypertension to avoid dropping your blood pressure too low.

Passionflower

calms tension