Edible flowers and their Medicincal values

 Edible Flowers and their Medicinal values:

Edible flowers are those flowers which are nontoxic with health benefits when consumed as human diet. So, far about hundreds of edible flowers have been identified which includes:

Hibiscus, Rose, Marigold and Lavender

These are in use since ancient times for their medicinal values. 

Hibiscus

Hibiscus rosa_sinensis:

Hibiscus flowers are rich in vitamin c and iron. The leaves flowers and seeds of hibiscus all are edible. 

Best uses in past:

Since ancient times it is use to cure various health conditions. It's tea is use to lower blood sugar level for lowering cholesterol and blood pressure. As it's flowers are also rich in antioxidant so reduce the growth of cancer cell. 

Uses in modern pharmaceutical industries:

Numbers of medicinal industries are using hibiscus flowers for producing cough syrup and tablets. It's root are use as Demulecent for cough. Laxative tablets are also made from it as it's flowers show laxative properties. 

Rose

Rosa:

Roses are rich in vitamin A,B,C, and E minerals including calcium iron and phosphorus. Offering numerous health benefits. 

Best uses in past:

Rose water is in use to treat numerous health issues from past such as to cure eye infection and to cure digestion issues. 

At present it is use to treat anxiety and promote rexlation as it fragrance release endorphire which relax the mind. Rose water the extract obtained from its petal is use to tight pores. Heal and sooth skin. As it's petals are rich in antioxidant and have antibacterial properties as well. 

 Uses in Modern pharmaceutical industries:

Rose 10mg tablet which belongs to group of medicine called statins are use to lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease. 

Other uses:

Perfume and fragrance industries use rose petals extract. Rose petals are used in culinary application such as flavoring teas, syrup and dessert. 

Marigold

Tagetes:

Loaded with carotenes and carotenoides two compounds responsible for vibrant yellow orange color and medicinal properties. Vitamin A and Lycopene is also present. 

Best uses in past:

Marigold petals are used to obtain oinment, and it's extract is also used to cure fever, jaundice, liver problems, skin burn and for wound healing. 

Today these are used as phytoremediation as a cover crop as a natural herbicides. The reason behind their use as cover crop is they are warriors against the pests. Their scent act as natural repellent for unwanted insects. 

Uses in Modern pharmaceutical industries:

At present recommendations suggest the use of marigold against mild inflammation of skin such as skin burn and to support wound healing. 

Also use in perfume industries. 

Lavender

Lavandula:

Lavender flowers are rich in calcium, iron, potassium, vitamin A, C and E. Thaimin and riboflavin. 

Best uses in past:

Lavender was used in previous time to relieve pain, promote hair growth and reduce blood pressure. 

At present research suggests that it is use to treat anxiety, insomnia, depression and restlessness. Some use for digestive issue is also reported. 

Uses in modern pharmaceutical industries:

At present Aromatherapist use it's fragrance to treat headache and nervous disorder. Herbalist use to treat skin wound, acne. 

The oil extracted from its petals are use for joint and muscle pain in the massage. 

Also use in making fragrance.

All these flowers are edible and can be added in your diet either in the form of salad or may be use in desert to obtain  numerous health benefits. This is how these flowers are providing lot of health benefits besides just adding beauty to our environment. More research in future on these plants might lead to their more better uses. 

Why you should avoid consuming these flowers? 

Although the flowers are nontoxic but people suffering from pollen allergy and other allergies should avoid these flowers. Also prevent the contaminated flowers (such as those contains pests and insect) so prevent harmful and adverse affects on your health. People with hormone imbalance are also not recommend to use flowers in their diet to avoid health complications. Person using medicine also avoid consuming these nontoxic flowers which may lead to adverse chemical reactions in the body due to presence of vitamin minerals and other compounds in these flowers.