Love flowers? You will love them even more when you find out that apart from their visual appeal they can also be eaten and used to heal and restore wellbeing.

Spiritual essence of flowers

Ancient peoples believed that each flower had its own spirit and that this spirit contained magical healing powers. They believed that when extracting the essence of the flower, they were also extracting its spiritual essence. They did this by floating flowers on pure water in sun and moonlight in the belief that the essence would be transmitted into the water.

Bach flower remedies

Modern day flower essence makers such as Dr Edward Bach used much the same methods. His “rescue remedy”, a mixture of rock rose, clematis, impatiens, star of Bethlehem and cherry plum is, to this day, a popular standby in many modern homes.

Modern day homeopaths still use diluted essences of flowers in their medicines, while aroma therapists use flower essences dissolved in oil and applied externally. Essential oils are extracted from flower petals through a distillation process. Flower waters and oils are also used in cosmetics and other remedies. Flower-based herbal teas and juices are consumed daily and the more than 100 types of edible garden flowers have found their way into many local and international dishes and cuisines.

Herbal and medicinal uses

Today, we also know that apart from the mood-lifting abilities of the perfume, form and colour of flowers, some botanicals possess phytochemicals that have other far-ranging effects on the human body and mind. Modern medicines, such as the painkilling drugs morphine and codeine (extracted from the opium poppy and aspirin derived from meadowsweet), are examples of their medicinal properties.

Some of the flowers that have curative properties include the following:

    • Calendula/marigold has antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, anticarcinogenic and antiviral compounds called glycosides that are used in ointments and creams to treat minor burns, cuts and wounds. It is said to increase positive energy in a workplace or home. It has a spicy, tangy and peppery taste when added to food.
    • Chamomile. The bright yellow flower heads contain glycoside flavonoids and other parts of the plant have anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants. It also contains a natural histamine blocker and is referred to as a soother of many ills. The tea with its faint apple flavour calms anxiety and headaches, aids sleep and helps with digestive disorders. The oil is used in skincare ointments.
    • Chrysanthemum has been used in the Chinese cuisine for centuries. It makes a great tea when steeped in hot water and is said to relieve fevers, headaches and the common cold. The petals add zest to salads, stir-fries and rice dishes.
    • Dandelion is used by Native Americans to cleanse the blood, as a laxative and as a tonic. It contains vitamins A, B, C, D, and iron, zinc and potassium and is used to help control blood sugar levels, cholesterol, liver and gallbladder problems. Young buds taste like mushrooms when fried in butter.
    • Day lily (Hemerocallis species) has for ages been used by the Chinese to relieve breast infections, cure jaundice and act as a laxative. Its petals (not the roots and stems) are often used in Asian cuisine, salads or in desserts. It can also be deep-fried or sautéed with asparagus and garlic. Note, however, that many ordinary lilies (Lillium species) contain alkaloids and should not be eaten.
    • Echinacea (Purple cone flower), also called “elk root” by Native Americans who noticed that elk purposely sought out and ate the flowers when injured or sick. Its anti-inflammatory effects are put to good use to combat viral infections such as colds and flu, and to treat wounds and skin irritations.
    • Evening primrose. Fatty acids in the seed oil are said to balance female hormones and reduce prostate swelling. The oil is good for the skin and aids circulation while also combatting depression.
    • Foxglove is used to treat cardiovascular problems since the early 17th century and is still used today in digitalis, a very powerful drug. Not to be used except under your doctor’s supervision.
    • St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) is widely used to treat mild depression. The oil and tincture made from the plant has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.
    • Lavender has been used for centuries to aid sleep and as an antiseptic. It has anti-inflammatory properties when applied to the skin and is widely used in aromatherapy and to treat acne, burns, insect bites and wounds. The flowers may be stripped from the stalks and used in fish and poultry dishes, as well as with vegetables, fruit and desserts.
    • Lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis) contains crystalline glycoside and was used by the ancient Greeks, as it is today, in heart drugs. It is a milder heart stimulant than digitalis and it also relieves fluid retention. Only use under your doctor’s supervision.
    • Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus) has antimicrobial properties useful in treating colds, flu, and lung and bladder infections. Both the leaves and flowers are edible and add a spicy, peppery tang to salads, stir-fries, pastas and vegetable dishes.
    • Rose. Both the petals and hips are safe to eat and are high in vitamin C and also contain vitamin B. The petals when eaten raw are said to increase blood circulation and relieve depression. Roses can also be used in jams, or to flavour honey, sorbet or other dessert.

Word of warning

The above are but a few of the many edible flowers that delight and heal the body, mind and spirit. However, there are a few precautions one has to take before using flowers for medicinal purposes or in food. Most important is to make sure the flower is safe to use. Japanese honeysuckle (especially the berries), azalea, crocus, daffodil, oleander, rhododendron and wisteria are a few of the flowers you need to avoid using. Also, make sure the flowers you use have not been sprayed with chemicals or pesticides. Remember to remove the flower’s stamen, pistil and sepal as they may be bitter.

When in doubt consult your herbalist, chemist or GP, especially if you are pregnant or have a pre-existing medical condition such as hay fever, asthma or heart problems.

 

Sources
Edible flower-flowers. 2012. Retrieved from: http://biosil.wordpress.com/2012/05/21/edibile-flowers
Flower power: the healing power of flowers. Retrieved from: http://www.herbco.com/t-flower-healing-powers.aspx
Ghimire, V. Flowers with medicinal properties. Retrieved from: http://vinayaghimire.hubpages.com/hub/medicinal-properties-of-flowers
Green, S. Medicinal flowers and their uses. 2011. Retrieved from:http://www.proflowers.com/blog/medicinal-flowers-and-uses
Wallersteiner, R. The health benefits of flowers. Retrieved from: http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/healthy-living/compementary-heath/flower-power.htm
Wetherbee, K. 2012.10 of the best edible flowers to grow in your yard. Retrieved from: http://www.oregonive.com/hg/index.ssf/2012/06/10_of_the_best_edible_flowers.html