9 Edible flowers with surprising health benefits

Healing Nature: 9 Edible flowers with surprising health benefits

Angela Goh

21 Jun 2016

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Rose
The aromatic rose is possibly the most popular edible flower out there. In fact, we’re sure you’ve probably tried foods that have been flavoured with rose, such as rose tea, rose desserts and rose syrups. While they certainly make yummy and pretty additions to food, this particular flower can actually heal you in a number of ways. For example, rose hips (the base of the flower) has been used to combat indigestion, constipation, urinary problems, and even arthritis. The petals of the flowers are also rich in vitamins and antioxidants. Teas brewed with rose petals have been known to relieve stress and tension headaches.
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Dandelion
Another common edible flower, the dandelion has been used in herbal teas for its diuretic, prebiotic, anti-inflammatory, liver cleansing and anti-hyperglycemic properties. The flower can be eaten raw, and in many cultures, they are mixed into salads to add colour. The flowers are also commonly made into jams and syrups. People looking to lose a bit of weight can count on the diuretic properties of dandelion to reduce water retention.
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Borage
Borage blossoms are a beautiful blue colour and have a flavour that is similar to cucumber, making it a great refreshing addition to tangy drinks like lemonade, as well as dips and sorbets. The flower is a good source of fatty acids and can apparently regulate metabolic and hormonal systems, as well as combat depression.
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Calendula
Ranging from vibrant orange to cheerful yellow, calendula flowers are native to southwestern Asia, western Europe and the Mediterranean. While they look pretty in vases, did you know calendulas have been made into topical oils and creams to treat burned skin and wounds? A study done with cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy has concluded that calendula ointment proved superior to prescription products for preventing radiation burns.
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Chamomile
Chamomile flowers have long been used as a soothing and relaxing tonic in teas. Having trouble sleeping at night? If you need something to calm your mind before bedtime, sip on a hot cup of chamomile and you’ll be ready to slip under the covers for a good rest. The flowers can be eaten raw, or you can dry them to be used later for brewing tea. Chamomile is also said to be able to soothe a bloated stomach, as well as combat other stomach ailments like indigestion.
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Nasturtium
The butterfly-like nasturtium blossoms are commonly used by cooks to pretty up salads and dishes. Bakers have used them to decorate cakes. Throughout history, nasturtium flowers have been considered a herb and a vegetable. The leaves are rich in vitamin C and also contain a sulfur compound that has antibacterial properties. Perhaps this is why the native people of Peru have long used nasturtium as a medicinal plant.
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Echinacea
Echinacea is often used as an ingredient in cold and flu medication. Why? Because this plant aids in boosting your immune system. Commonly called “purple coneflowers”, echinacea is also used to alleviate pain and support illness recovery. Next time you’re down with the common cold, it may be time to invest in a few products that include echinacea!
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Violet
Another flower commonly used to decorate cakes and add colour to salads, violets are pleasing to the palate and yes, they have also been used to garnish your favourite cocktails. The blossoms can be consumed cooked or raw and can apparently help with alleviating pain, curing headaches, and combating esophageal issues like coughs.
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Saffron
The saffron flower is a very rich source of minerals including calcium, iron, copper, potassium, magnesium and zinc, and also vitamins like folic acid, niacin, vitamin C and vitamin A. In some cultures, the flower has been used as an anti-depressant and antiseptic. Note, however, that pregnant women should avoid saffron as saffron is known to stimulate the uterus and may cause a miscarriage.

These are the colourful blossoms that could actually heal you from the inside out!

It might come as a surprise to some, but yes, certain flowers are edible and yes, consuming them can actually be beneficial to your health. Gardeners and green thumbs out there, rejoice! Perhaps it’s time to grow some of your own healing plants and harvest those rose petals and chamomile blossoms. From curing insomnia to boosting your immune system, there are a great number of things that those unassuming little blossoms on common plants can do for you.

You don’t have to be a vegetarian to enjoy the benefits of these edible flowers. Head up to the gallery to acquaint yourself with the 9 plants we’ve picked out – we’re sure you’ve seen some around. Of course, you’ll have to be a little cautious when picking flowers and popping them in your mouth – as there are so many varieties around, many of them tend to look alike, so it is important to be completely sure you know exactly what it is before munching on it.

Angela Goh

Photos: iStock

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