The Language of Herbs Since time immemorial, all types of plants, but particularly herbs and flowers, have had special meanings. In earlier centuries it became very popular to send bouquets or posies of flowers with hidden messages of love and friendship, for example a posy of thyme, mint and sorrel would convey affection. Bay wreath | Reward of merit | Basil | Love | Balm | Sympathy | Chamomile | Energy in adversity, initiative | Cilantro (Coriander) | concealed merit, hidden worth | Cowslip | Pensiveness, happiness | Elder | Zealousness | Fennel | Force and strength | Garden sage | Esteem | Hop | Injustice | Hyssop | Cleanliness | Lavender | Distrust; sweets to the sweet | Marigold | Despair, grief; honesty | Marjoram | Blushes | Mint | Virtue | Nasturtium | Patriotism, optimism, splendour | Parsley | Feasting, festivity; useful knowledge | Pennyroyal | Flee away | Peppermint | Cordiality | Rocket | Rivalry | Rosemary | Remembrance; your presence revives me | Sage | Domestic virtue, wisdom | Sorrel | Affection | Southernwood | Bantering, jest | Spearmint | Warmth of sentiment | Sweet Basil | Good wishes | Thyme | Energy, affection | Verbena | You have my confidence | ~From the Info Galaxy website |