Why daffodils bring so much joy – and mental health benefits to boot 

I’m not alone in feeling the mental wellbeing benefits of daffodils, however. A quick survey of friends and family via WhatsApp confirmed that it is a flower with the power to bring much joy.

‘Happy’, ‘hopeful’ and ‘optimistic’ were amongst the overwhelmingly positive words that came back in very enthusiastic replies. I’m sure you’ll also have a word that springs to mind when you think of or see some daffodils.

And see them you will! We are deep into daffodil season (which typically runs from February through to May), and I am finding them everywhere: waiting to be bought in buckets outside my local greengrocer; swaying in the breeze on the banks of the pond in my local park; brightening up the windowsills of my neighbours’ homes. 

READ: 5 ways to help daffodils in a vase last longer

As I sat and smiled at this beautiful bunch from my dear friend, I got to reflecting on exactly why the humble daff evokes such strong, positive feelings.

The power of the daffodil is something that one of our best-loved poets, William Wordsworth, knew only too well. ‘A poet could not but be gay’ he writes about seeing a ‘host of golden daffodils’ in one of his most famed poems, I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud. He goes on to articulate the mood-altering effect of the sighting:

I gazed – and gazed – but little thought 

What wealth the show to me had brought: 

For oft, when on my couch I lie 

In vacant or in pensive mood, 

They flash upon that inward eye 

Which is the bliss of solitude; 

And then my heart with pleasure fills, 

And dances with the daffodils. 

What Wordsworth is writing about here is the power of visualisation – the practice of using positive imagery to help overcome negative thoughts or experiences. This is a technique often used by mental health professionals, especially those treating conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder – but it can be a powerful tool for anyone suffering from negative thoughts. 

“Imagery techniques are often used in cognitive psychotherapy to help patients modify disturbing mental images and overcome negative emotions,” says Dr Svetla Velikova, part of a group of researchers in Norway who studied ‘self-guided positive imagery training’. 

Their research results confirmed that the practice had a “beneficial effect on the emotional state” of the participants. They concluded that self-guided imagery training may be useful as a part of self-development programmes to improve emotional wellbeing – and could be a cost-effective method in the treatment of subthreshold (mild) depression.  

With this in mind, I will certainly remember to recall the beauty of the posy my friend gifted me when negative thoughts next darken my door. 

Although there are white and cream varieties, most daffodils come in various shades of vibrant yellow, from pale lemon to a deep, glorious gold. This could play a big part in why they bring so much joy. 

Whilst reactions to yellow differ from person to person, it is generally a colour that is associated with feelings of happiness, warmth and energy (in no small part due to it being the colour that we perceive the sun). 

Indeed, a bright yellow shade called ‘Illuminating’ was one of two hues chosen as Pantone’s Colour of the Year in 2021. Speaking at the time, Pantone Colour Institute’s executive director, Leatrice Eiseman, said: “Yellow is thought of as joyful, outgoing, open, and friendly.

“Psychologically, yellow is the strongest colour. It is associated with comedy, a happy mood and playfulness. Yellow ribbons have been used as a sign of hope and optimism since the 19th century.” 

Eiseman’s ‘sign of hope’ comment is significant. As one of the first flowers to bloom after the long, dark winter, daffodils are typically viewed as a symbol of renewal and rebirth. 

In this vein, daffodils have strong links with the Christian festival of Easter. One variety, Narcissus pseudonarcissus ‘Lobularis’, is called the ‘Lent lily’ due to it typically flowering between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday – the ultimate celebration of new life, hope and new beginnings. Indeed, as a child I remember every member of my church’s congregation being presented with a mini-bunch of daffs at the end of the Easter Sunday service.  

This theme was confirmed to me by another friend, who told me: “When I see them it feels like better days are coming.” Amen. 

According to researchers at the University of Copenhagen, there’s evidence to suggest that the humble daffodil could even be used to help people suffering with conditions such as anxiety and depression. 

READ: Why daffodils and spring onions should never mix

As per their research findings, the brain is wrapped in a ‘blood barrier’, which prevents certain compounds – including those used in some anti-depressant and anti-anxiety drugs – from penetrating. However, the researchers discovered that a specific compound found in South African daffodils can bypass this barrier – and could therefore potentially be used to ‘smuggle’ drugs aimed at improving brain health through, such as those for depression and anxiety. 

Whilst further investigation on this is needed (and it should be stressed that some varieties are poisonous, and should never be consumed), it’s clear to see that daffodils have many positive benefits. So why not treat yourself or a loved one to a beautiful bunch this weekend?

If you do, I’d love for you to tag @SagaExceptional in a picture on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.