The Awesome Healing Power Of Edible Flowers

Flowers are generally used for decoration, yet there are so many other properties of these insect-attracting parts of plants than mere aesthetic appeal alone. For example, did you know that there are many types of flowers that are safe for humans to eat? More than that, a lot of edible flowers not only taste good but actually offer impressive health benefits? With that in mind, here is a look at the most potent and impressive edible flowers for anyone who wants to broaden their nutritional horizons.

SEE ALSO: The 6 Top Benefits Of Getting Outside Around Nature

Combat high cholesterol with hibiscus

The flowers of hibiscus plants are not all edible, as there are actually a huge variety of different species that fall into the same broad category. However, if you seek out hibiscus sabdariffa, more commonly referred to as roselle, then eating the petals of the flowers is not just possible, but beneficial from a health perspective. This is because a number of researchers have identified a link between consuming tea made by steeping hibiscus flowers in hot water and a lowering of the cholesterol levels in the body. This can enhance the healthiness of your heart and also deal with escalated blood pressure problems you may be facing. The only downside is that while effective, hibiscus-based tea is also somewhat tangy and may take a bit of getting used to if you have never experienced it before, so perseverance is recommended; and you can even enjoy it chilled!

Increase your antioxidant intake with dandelions

One of the most widely seen and most notorious of the so-called weeds, dandelions are actually both environmentally beneficial and thoroughly edible. It is not just the flowers of the dandelion plant which you can eat, but the entire thing. Turning the roots into tea or adding the green leaves and stems to a soup or stew is an option, in addition to just munching on the petals raw. The health benefits here come from the antioxidants that are harbored by the humble dandelion, and these substances are more than capable of keeping your body’s cells in good condition in the long term.

Relieve stress with lavender

Lavender is a popular scent in its own right, and it is the flowers from which the unmistakable aromas of this plant emanate. Cooking with lavender as an ingredient, rather than just using it as a scent-giving item in its own right, is also an option, and it can also be found in things like herbal teas as well as providing a useful addition when baking breads, cakes, and other goods. If you are feeling stressed, then the smell of lavender flowers has a seriously impressive ability to calm your nerves and bring you back to an even keel. Just be sure not to go overboard with it when adding it to dishes as you cook, because only a small amount can deliver a powerful punch of flavor.

Treat inflammation with honeysuckles

Honeysuckle has been harnessed for over a millennia by healers from the East, and while its apparent effects have yet to be proven by Western science, it could be worth experimenting with if you are looking for an alternative to modern medicine that is based on natural ingredients. In particular, the flower of certain honeysuckle species can either be eaten or applied directly to the skin to deal with different types of inflammation. Of course, it is always worth combining natural remedies with advice, guidance, and treatments provided by a physician, but if honeysuckle works as a healing solution for you then there is nothing to prevent you from returning to it time and again.

Tackle anxiety with roses

Roses are not just a romantic gift for your partner, but can also be used to minimize the effects of anxiety. Eating roses to glean the perks of the relaxation-enhancing compounds they allegedly contain can be done in a number of ways. Adding the petals to a salad, or boiling them up to make preserves gives you plenty of flexibility, depending on your personal preferences.

Sleep better with chamomile

There is a reason that chamomile is one of the most widely used flowers in herbal teas, and that is aside from smelling delicious and tasting good as well, it is also backed up by a long history of being used to improve the quality of sleep that people who consume it are able to achieve. Of course, tea made with chamomile is just one of many ways to add it to your diet; you can also bake with it and even use it as a topping for desserts if you wish. Now that you know what flowers can really do, why not get out there and explore the wider range of benefits they provide?