Garden :: The Beauty of the Sunflower

The sunflower has special meaning in my life and my relationship with my husband. When I give flowers to my husband for Father’s Day or for his birthday, I always give sunflowers. Back when we were dating, we were walking along a beach path in Laguna Beach, and I saw a gorgeous sunflower growing in front of a restaurant. He saw that I was admiring it and literally jumped over the fence, plucked it, and handed it to me. I remember thinking to myself “this is a guy who will do just about anything for me.” Fast forward 15 years later and we are still together! I do love how happy sunflowers make you feel, no matter the mood you are in. I think it would be quite magical walking through a field of sunflowers like the one in the picture above! I set about finding out more about the history and meaning of the flower and the health benefits of sunflower oil.

According to the Pro Flowers website, gifts of sunflowers offer radiant warmth, and are the happiest of flowers, and their meanings include loyalty and longevity. They are unique in their ability to provide energy in the form of nourishment and vibrancy. Sunlfowers come in a number of varieties, ranging from small to large and from daylight yellows to sunset reds.

History of Sunflowers:

They originated in the Americas in 1000 B.C., and were cultivated as an important food source. They have been used as religious symbols and also there is documentation of them used in native societies. Though they are native to North America, the commercialization of the plant took place in Russia and by the early 19th century, Russian farmers were growing over 2 million acres of sunflower. It wasn’t until the late 19th century, that the Russian sunflower seed found its way into the US. (Source: National Sunflower Association). Throughout history, artists have enjoyed painting the sunflower, and during the Impressionist era, they were especially enamored with the flower. I love this painting by Vincent Van Gogh called Sunflowers Summer.

Vincent Van Gogh, 1887 at Kunstmuseum, Kern Switzerland

There are countless images of the sunflower reaching towards the sun known as phototropism, and is viewed in many ancient myths as a symbol of loyalty and constancy. Two characteristics I could definitely use in describing my husband! I love how the flower looks like the sun and I can’t help but feel happy looking at a bouquet of sunflowers. They are used to send sentiments of cheerfulness and sunny get well thoughts according to florists. The seeds and oils are commonplace today and have many uses.

Benefits of Sunflower Oil:

As mentioned, Sunflowers are native to North America and Native Americans used them for years to help alleviate certain ailments including rid of water retention, improve vision and alleviate chest pains and muscle soreness. The oil is abundant in vitamins E, B1, B5, B6, and C and rich in minerals such as copper, phosphorus, zinc, and magnesium. Folate, potassium, calcium, riboflavin, iron, and niacin are all found in sunflower seed oil and contribute to making it an extremely healthy investment with several medical benefits. (Source: www.yogawiz.com). We see sunflower oil becoming more mainstream and many food manufacturers are using them in their products.

All in all, the sunflower is one that can be enjoyed by the young and young-at-heart!