The Healing Properties of Edible Flowers
Lots of people love plants because of their look and smell, and flowers have an amazing ability to cheer us up when we are blue. But did you know that some flowers also have active healing properties and can physically make you feel better too? It might not be the first thing you think of when a flower delivery arrives, but the bouquet could be full of healing plants, and you don’t know it. Here are some of the most common ones you might come across:
Hibiscus. You can eat this straight from the plant, but we wouldn’t generally recommend it, it is much better as a tea or jam. But it can do wonders for high blood pressure and cholesterol, so it is a good one for keeping the heart-healthy.
Dandelion. Odds are you won’t get these flowers delivered to your home as they are normally considered to be weeds. Yet they are also very good for you and packed full of antioxidants which keep us healthy for longer. Plus, you can eat every part of a dandelion, so chuck some in your salad next time you are out weeding.
Lavender. Better known for its scent than its taste, lavender is a great stress reliever and makes a great tea. It is also great for cakes or other foods.
Honeysuckle. Great for inflammatory conditions, honeysuckle is well worth asking your florist about your next bouquet as it is beautiful, delicately scented and good for you. Its edible form is the syrup that can be created from the flower, which can then be used in foods, teas, lemonades, and so much more.
Nasturtium. Yet another good anti-inflammatory, this brightly coloured flower not only looks great in a bouquet by post but also as a garnish on food. It can be eaten raw and thanks to its bright colour is packed full of antioxidants, so can be a good health booster all round.
Borage. Perhaps a less common one outside of flower shop circles, but this is another flower you can consume both the stems and buds of and is good for general ailments such as colds and coughs. Well worth including in your next exotic dish, as it is both tasty and health-boosting.
Purslane. A beautiful little succulent plant that blooms with delicate yellow flowers, this one is packed full of antioxidants and also Omega-3 fatty acids. It is a great alternative for vegetarians who can’t eat fish products, and because of these fatty acids, is a great one for the brain and heart, which are two organs to take good care of.
Rose. Yep, that beautiful rose bush outside your window is not only a joy to look at but also a source of good health. All varieties of rose are edible, though we’d suggest sticking with the petals as chewing on thorns probably isn’t going to be the best option. Rose petals have been shown to help with reducing anxiety and promoting calmness, so they are ideal for the everyday stresses of life. Chuck a few petals in a salad or enjoy a rose tea and enjoy the calm that ensues.
Squash blossoms. Lots of people love squash, but did you know you can also eat the pretty little flowers that grow alongside the vegetable? Even better, these flowers have been shown to boost antioxidants and are just generally good for all-round health.
Pansy. Cute in a flowerbed or a bouquet of flowers, pansies are also handy anti-inflammatories and offer antioxidant properties.