Most people buy flowers to put on their porch, dinner table, or garden, but few people know that you can actually eat flowers as readily as you can salad greens! Not all flowers can be consumed, and you should’t eat flowers found in grocery stores or nurseries (in case they have been fertilized with harmful chemicals that shouldn’t be ingested), but growing your own edible flowers from seed, or purchasing edible flowers from farmers markets are two easy ways to start incorporating flowers into your diet!
Flowers can be eaten raw in salads, smoothies, sauces, or any other dish you feel would benefit from their addition. They are a rich source of vitamins and minerals, and pack a major antioxidant punch!
Here are 20 edible flowers you should start eating today!
1. Dandelion – contain 4x the beta-carotene of broccoli! Treats liver and skin problems
2. Lotus – effective in reducing blood sugar and blood pressure and protects the liver
3. Borage – rich source of fatty acids for healthy brain function. Wonderful anti-inflammatory
4. Rose petals – rich source of vitamin A, B3, C, D & E. Eliminate stress, headaches and anxiety
5. Saffron – anti-carcinogenic and loaded with vitamin C
6. Calendula – anti-inflammatory & great for the skin
7. Carnation – can treat minor depression and fatigue to nervousness and coronary disease
8. Garland chrysanthemum – help reduce cellulite and bloating and acts as a great weight loss nutrient
9. Scented geraniums – beneficial in treating stress, depression, skin problems, PMS and insomnia
10. Nasturtiums – high in vitamin C and thus ideal for treating colds and the flu
11. Violets – anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory and anti-septic agent. Improve skin problems & colds
12. Zucchini blossoms – high in calcium, iron and vitamins C and A. Bone & blood strengthening
13. Honeysuckle – reduce inflammation, fever, common colds, relieve skin and digestive issues
14. Angelica – great tonic and digestive aid, and treats anemia, bronchitis, and chest complaints
15. Hollyhock – a proven cure for cold and cough, the Greeks used it to heal wounds and dysentery
16. Pansy – great for the skin and circulatory system. Have been used to treat early stage tumours
17. Bee balm – contains strong anti-bacterial properties and is great for digestion
18. Chamomile – excellent de-stressor and relaxant. Helps cure anxiety & stomach cramps
19. Red clover – stimulates the immune system and helps treat respiratory system congestion
20. Hibiscus – blood pressure and cholesterol maintenance. Encourages proper blood circulation
Consuming flowers is a great way to step up your health and super-charge your immune system! Don’t forget about your home, either. It has been proven that plants and flowers are great for our mental health when placed in the bedroom or living room for example. If you want to feel relaxed, go for less saturated, brighter colours, whereas if you want to feel energized, go for bold saturated colours.
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