The Secret Language of Herbs & Flowers

Did you know that there’s a secret “language of herbs and flowers”?

Herbs were sent in the form of small bouquets to reveal sentiments of love, feelings, and well wishes to the recipient.

Small bouquets called “tussie mussies” had been exchanged since the 1400s. In fact, entire dictionaries were devoted to decoding the delicate disclosures.

Handbooks were published that detailed the interpretation of herbs and flowers exchanged as “blooming expressions” and “talking bouquets.”

Why not dive into this wonderful journey of the “Green Nations” with a cup of relaxing tea, and send a small bouquet to a loved one or a friend in need?

Relaxing tea recipe:

Rose (love), Chamomile (patience) & Lavender (devotion)

Boil water, and use 2 cups of water to 1 tsp. of dried herb mixture. Cover and steep herbal concoction for at least 5 minutes. Enjoy!

Here are just a few common herbs and their meanings…

Aloe: Affection

Basil: Good wishes

Chamomile: Patience

Fennel: Flattery

Fern: Sincerity

Jasmine, white: Sweet love

Lavender: Devotion, virtue

Lemon balm: Sympathy

Marjoram: Joy and happiness

Mint: Virtue

Rose, red: Love, desire

Rosemary: Remembrance

Sage: wisdom

Thyme: courage

Valerian: Readiness

In Good Medicine, Teresa Waters

There is a language, little known, Lovers claim it as their own. Its symbols smile upon the land, Wrought by nature’s wondrous hand; And in their silent beauty speak, Of life and joy, to those who seek For Love Divine and sunny hours In the language of the flowers.

From “The Language of Flowers” © 1913 F.L.W. A dictionary interpreting the hidden meanings of herbs & flowers. Written for the author’s wife on their 50th wedding anniversary.

Herbal Enthusiast Teresa Waters

TERESA WATERS Teresa moved to beautiful Maui in 1987 and has been a full time resident in Kaupō since 2016. She has three daughters and one grandson. She is blessed to be a mother and tutu. Many people know her from Lahaina Animal Farm and Petting Zoo that she started in 2006. She loves working with animals and herbs.