Top 10 Orchid Types Perfect for Medical Clinics
The orchid is most notably known for being a beautiful flower. Their unique color patterns, bright colors, and overall delightful appearance can help boost spirits and moods when people come into contact with them. Many people love orchids because of their beauty, but in some cultures, these beautiful flowers are used for more.
The Orchid’s Connection to Medicine
The orchid has been used in medicine within different cultures for thousands of years.
In China
The father of Chinese medicine, Emperor Shen Nung, mentions the use of an orchid (dendrobium species) and the Chinese ground orchid (Bletilla striata) in the 28th century B.C. in his medical writings. Today these plants are still used in chinese medicine for hair loss and medicinal tea that is supposed to help boost the immune system, treat cancer, and improve vision.
In Turkey
In Turkey, Salep is a traditional beverage that is consumed to help with digestive problems, cure a sore throat, treating gum disease, and curing diarrhea. Salep is made by grinding tubers of the military orchid (orchis militaris), the early purple orchid (orchis mascula), and different types of orchids that also contain tubers into a flour that can be made into tea. The beverage has been around since the Ottoman Empire and is still consumed in Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Syria.
Top 10 Orchids for Medical Clinics
These are the best orchids to have on display in your Vancouver dental clinic. Even if you do not believe in Eastern Medicine, there could potentially be some benefits from some of these different flowers being on display for your patients.
Orchid – Dendrobium Group
The Dendrobium group is known for being one of the most diverse groups and includes over 1000 species. Make sure you know the right temperature to grow yours at and choose the species that will grow where you live.
Moth Orchid — Phalaenopsis Group
The Moth Orchid or the Phalaenopsis family of orchids is one of the easiest orchids that you can grow. In the winter this beautiful plan blooms and has unique long flower spikes that feature blooms in a multitude of colors.
Venus Slipper – Paphiopedilum Group
The Venus Slipper is sometimes referred to as the lady’s slipper because of the unique shape that the lower petal makes. This is another simple to grow orchid that you can enjoy with its beautifully detailed petals.
Early Purple Orchid — Orchis Mascula
The early purple orchid Is one of the earliest blooming orchids in nature. They are purple and have a unique shape that looks different from others. It is known for having medicinal qualities.
Military Orchid — Orchis Militaris
The military orchid is native to Europe. It can grow up to 60 cm tall and can come in a variety of colors. It is known for having medicinal qualities.
Salab Misri (Salep in English) — Orchis Latifolia
The salab misri is another type of orchid known for having medicinal properties. It is called salep in English, which is not to be confused with the salep tea that is drunk in Turkey. The flowers range from a light pink to a deep purple color.
Corduroy Orchid (previously called Eulophia) — Eulophia Campetris
The corduroy orchid is another orchid known for having medicinal benefits. It was previously called the eulophia and has a wide range of colors and features a unique almost star-like design.
Checkered Vanda or the Vanda Orchid — Vanda Tessellata
The checkered vanda is a unique species of orchid that features a checkered pattern. It is often associated with eastern medicine for its medicinal properties.
Chinese Orchid — Bletilla Striata
The Chinese orchid is one of the most beautiful and striking orchids. It is believed to hold mystical and medical properties and is important in Chinese culture.
Vanda Orchid — Vanda Roxburghii
The vanda orchid is from India and has been hailed for centuries for its medicinal purposes. The flower petals feature a unique almost-woven style of pattern.
