As florists, we love flowers in every form. Whether in the garden or in the home, we truly believe that flowers can make you feel happier and healthier. And there have been studies to show that we’re right! But flowers can be beneficial in all kinds of ways. And many of the flowers that most people only think to enjoy in a vase or a garden, carry a wide range of beneficial properties. Here are five of our favourites that might make you think of flowers in a whole new way.
Five Cut Flowers with Hidden Benefits
Roses
Roses are known for being the UK’s favourite flower. And not surprisingly, they are the most requested flower for inclusion in arrangements by our customers. But roses are also jam-packed with health-giving properties. You can use rose petals to make tea or jam, or sprinkle them on salads. Rose hips can be eaten like fruit – although you MUST remove the hairs first – or turned into syrup, which can also be used as a base for cordial. What’s more, roses are said to carry a whole range of health benefits, including headache relief, stress reduction, and indigestion relief. When turned into a salve, they can also treat inflammation.
Chrysanthemums
Chrysanthemums are often looked down on as filler flowers. They’re rarely the star of the show. But we love them. They’re not only beautiful and diverse, they’re also good for you. Most commonly, chrysanthemums are consumed as tea, and taste a little like chamomile. But in Japan, the stalks, flowers, and leaves are all blanched and eaten as greens. You can also use the leaves and flowers in salads. They are a good source of calcium and magnesium, and as such are believed to support bone health. Chrysanthemums are also known to carry anti-inflammatory properties.
Hibiscus
Hibiscus are known for their big, blousy blooms. They’re not the best loved flower by florists, as they rarely last more than three days when cut, but they’re lovely to bring in from the garden. And the flowers, leaves, and seeds are all edible. Again, more often than not, hibiscus is consumed as a tea. It has a refreshing, citrusy flavour. But you can also add them to salads or make them into jam or relish. They are packed with antioxidants and have antibacterial properties. Some people drink hibiscus tea to help lower their blood pressure. But you should always consult your GP before taking any natural remedy.
Sunflo
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Everyone loves a sunflower. They have to be the happiest blooms around. And you can eat every single part of it, from root to stalk, petals, and seeds. You don’t need us to tell you that sunflower seeds taste incredible when toasted. But did you know that if you sautée the stem or unopened buds, they taste like artichoke? They are part of the same family, after all. And they are so good for your health. Boosting immunity, heart health, blood sugar regulation, and digestion. They can work as an anti-inflammatory, and help to reduce cholesterol. Truly, the sunflower is one of nature’s wonders. So, the next time you see one, take time to appreciate that it’s so much more than just a pretty face!
Fennel
We love using bronze fennel to add foliage to floral arrangements. But the umbellifer flowers of fennel also look wonderful when cut. And as fennel is a herb, you may already know that you can eat it. Containing a significant amount of both folate and potassium, fennel is linked to a whole range of health benefits, including the support of skin health, heart health, and weight loss. It is also known to have anti-inflammatory properties. And it is believed to support with breast milk production and to help alleviate some symptoms of menopause. You can drink it in a tea (it tastes fantastic when combined with peppermint), add it to salad, pop it in pasta, or use it in risotto.
At Blue Florist, we’re all about using flowers to maximum aesthetic affect. We adore them for their beauty. But with some flowers, it’s worth digging a little deeper, and finding out how else they could make your life a little brighter.
Are you looking for stunning hand-tied flower arrangements for your home? Get in touch with Blue Florist.