Daffodil Day – 5 Ways Daffodils Can Treat Depression in Cancer Patients

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Chosen as the symbol of hope for all affected by cancer – the daffodil is known for its beautiful boost of colour, endurance, vitality and growth. As one of the first flowers of spring, the daffodil symbolises rebirth, new life and new beginnings.
Daffodil Day is a day dedicated to cancer patients and their families to show support and work together to beat the condition. Officially, the event falls on the fourth Friday in August each year. But it’s not just this one day the pretty flower brightens up people’s lives, the daffodil may hold the key to treating depression and other health issues.


A Brief History of Depression


Depression is a very common mental illness that can be difficult to treat. Because the brain is wrapped up in a protective cover, known as the blood barrier, nine out of 10 chemical compounds are booted out. For many patients diagnosed with cancer, depression and anxiety can be a normal reaction to the news, recovery stages or the survival effects. Although these feelings are normal and can be expected, it can take a huge emotional toll. We check out some colourful ways the magic of daffodils can boost your mood and wellbeing.


1. Compounds in Daffodils Can Pass through Blood Brain Barrier


Whilst flowers rarely fail to lift your spirits, scientists have discovered that daffodils can create a bigger and better feel-good emotion. Studies show that the compounds found in South African species of daffodils can actually pass through the blood brain barrier. This is the stubborn defensive wall which keeps the brain isolated and triggers mental illnesses like depression and anxiety.
As doctors find medication and ways to treat depression, this barrier still presents a major problem. Because the brain barrier contacts proteins which push the drugs out as soon as they get in, not all treatments are effective. The results, which were carried out at the University of Copenhagen, show that the compounds found in daffodils manage to “trick” this line of defence and can be smuggled past the persistent proteins in the brain. Whilst this doesn’t mean to say you should go out and start eating daffodils just yet, it’s definitely a promising look for long-term drug development.


2. Daffodils Boost Your Morning Mood


For the majority the morning “blahs” is a real occurrence, but for depression and anxiety sufferers this lack of positivity and liveliness can really be heightened. Studies confirm that flowers are the perfect pick-me-ups with people feeling happier and more energetic after admiring them first thing in the morning. Daffodils tend to be yellow, and it’s this colour that can further promote better focus and a boost to your mood.
Adding a bunch of beautifully bloomed daffodils to your morning routine can be the perfect start to the day, and leave you feeling less anxious and worn out.  Thus, I think it’s pretty safe to say it’s essential to sprinkle some daffodil magic around your home.


3. Daffodils Improve Pain Tolerance  


Pain, regardless of what form it comes in is enough to make anyone feel down in the dumps. The good news is though; daffodils are commonly used for astringent properties that make it good for wound healing. The flower can be crushed and applied directly onto wounds to promote faster healing and drying of the area. This method is also super effective if you have burns on your skin.


4. Daffodils Stimulate Better Air Flow

A great advantage of any plant or flower is that they produce one very essential thing – oxygen. Not only is this needed for the quality of air in your surroundings, but a better air flow can contribute to your health and wellbeing. As your breathing is improved and your air ways open up, your overall health is naturally boosted leaving you to feel happier and much more refreshed.

Brightly coloured daffodils are the perfect symbolisation for cancer patients and their families. But, they also contribute to changing depressed or anxious thoughts into something more positive. This daffodil day – don’t just buy a daffodil pin to wear, surprise a friend with a fresh bunch of daffodils or add an arrangement to your room to brighten your day.


5. Daffodils Spark Visual Interest


One of the best things about flowers, daffodils in particular, is that they instantly improve the look and feel of any space. This bright addition to the room is enough to make anyone smile and feel contempt and gives you the opportunity to get your creative juices flowing and experiment with fun flower designs.
When it comes to displaying daffodils and other beautiful flower arrangements, there is absolutely no limit to your creativity. Use a fresh bunch of daffodils as a focal point for a dull area, or a room where you spend most your time in. This way, the magic of these flowers will be bound to rub off on you in no time.


Author Bio

This article is written by Jayde Ferguson, who writes for A Touch of Class– Perth based florists with a difference, sourcing only the freshest flowers daily with delivery 6 days a week. You can catch her on Google+.

55 thoughts on “Daffodil Day – 5 Ways Daffodils Can Treat Depression in Cancer Patients”

  6. ARH47

    Just looking at flowers will brighten my mood. I love to have a bunch of fresh flowers sitting on the counter. Daffodils are especially pretty and last a while.

    Aria H.

    Reply
  30. VALARIE GENTRY

    I suffer from depression, anxiety, and PTSD so this hits close to home. I’m excited to try this out. It’s interesting to learn that Daffodils have compounds in them that can pass through our blood brain barrier!

    Reply
  39. ARH47

    Well, the roses from my birthday a week ago finally wilted, and I had to throw them away today. Maybe I should get some daffodils to replace them, or any flower, to have something to look at to brighten my day.

    Aria H.

    Reply
  48. ARH47

    I just noticed that my husband cut back a lot of flowering bushes this past week, like our hibiscus. I suppose they are spent for the summer.

    Aria H.

    Reply
  49. ARH47

    I need some daffodils, please, as I was trying clothes on at the store yesterday, and now I am sad because I did not think I looked good in any of them.

    Aria H.

    Reply

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