These wildflower bushes grow all over London, strewn along the houses, parks, empty lots and railroad tracks of this city. This late summer month they are at their peak, and seeing them everywhere and noticing their beauty and scent has piqued my interest in them.
Teal Swan has said that you could find out a lot about a person by seeing what wild plants grow near their home, because the plants have medicinal properties that the residents of that home need. An intriguing idea! If that’s true, then I wonder- what does the bountiful presence of these flowers indicate about London, and its collective? And what are these plants even called?
Upon research, I found that these pretty purple flowers are named “Buddleia”, or “Butterfly Bush”. Such a pretty name, isn’t it? Native to Asia, butterfly bush was brought to the UK from Chile in the 1700's. Its sweet honey-like smell attracts butterflies, as well as bees, moths and hummingbirds. In Korean and Chinese medicine, it is used to cool the body. In China, it is called “Mi Meng Hua” and it nourishes the liver and relieves the body of overheating, thereby helping the eyes with inflammatory issues, such as red or swollen eyes, pain, excessive tearing and sensitivity to light.
In Korea, it is also used to treat diseases of the eyes and as well as other inflammatory issues, such as headaches, irritable bowel syndrome, cramps and spasms caused by issues with the intestines, bladder or stomach, and it even is said to help with gonorrhea, hepatitis and hernia. It is believed to generally help with ailments of the eyes, skin and stomach. In China, it is also called “eye guardian”.
Butterfly bush grows lushly not just in London, but all over Britain. According to Wikipedia, “ It is frequently seen beside railway lines, on derelict factory sites and, in the aftermath of World War II, on urban bomb sites. This earned it the popular nickname of ‘the bombsite plant’ among the war-time generation”. Perhaps this bush brings healing to the damage brought to this land from the war? And maybe there is a link between this purple flower and the third eye chakra, since it helps with headaches and sight related issues? Like the crystal amethyst does? Well, maybe I am getting ahead of myself. But it’s all fascinating speculation!
What plants grow abundantly where you live? And what do you think it says about the collective there? I'd love to hear about it!
Love,
Ellie