Edible Flowers You Need To Try For Healthier Skin

When flowers are the topic of a conversation, it most likely has something to do with Valentine's Day gifts or extravagant wedding decorations. However, it turns out that flowers, while undeniably aesthetically pleasing, are capable of so much more than just beautiful decorations. They can also contribute to a healthier, happier you.

Even keeping flowers in your vicinity has been shown to have surprising health benefits. Per the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, patients staying in hospital rooms had lower blood pressure, less anxiety, and less lethargy when there were flowers present in their rooms. Miraculously, these patients were also found to need less pain medication.

All of those benefits come from just being around flowers, which is pretty impressive. Still, many medical experts are pointing out that there are even more benefits to be had from incorporating edible flowers into your diet. One such perk? Eating flowers could lead to skin that is healthier, feels softer, and looks radiant.

Dandelions are one of the most recognizable flowers there are. They are found just about everywhere in the world because, as The Flower Glossary puts it, dandelions are quite sturdy. They're able to thrive in almost any condition, leading many people to consider them to be weeds. Others see dandelions as a symbol of healing. This symbolism couldn't be any more fitting when you think of the many health benefits this edible flower has for your skin.

Per Dr. Axe, dandelions are a great source of antioxidants. These molecules are known for keeping our bodies healthy. They're also great at protecting us from UV damage which can lead to skin cancer and bring on signs of early aging.

One of the easiest ways to introduce dandelion into your diet is to drink dandelion tea every day. Try making yourself a cup of dandelion tea in the morning to get some added protection for your skin. As it's naturally caffeine-free, you can also sip a mug of this warming brew before bed without compromising your sleep. 

You've most likely used this next edible flower in a relaxing aromatherapy session. Lavender can work miracles when it comes to reducing stress, as one study in the journal Complementary Therapies in Medicine found, so popping a few drops into your oil diffuser is well worth it. And while lavender is great at aromatherapy and reducing stress, eating lavender will give you a whole new set of results that you'll adore.

Like dandelions, lavender is chockful of antioxidants. Just taking a small amount will give your skin the added perks of staying hydrated by improving moisture retention and reducing inflammation (via Medical News Today).

Per Healthline, another great benefit of taking lavender is that it promotes longer, better sleep. Getting a good night's rest is great for your health, which means it's great for your skin, too. According to Naturalife, more hours of sleep at night means fewer wrinkles, more antioxidant production, and an overall healthier you.