Lilac: medicinal properties and contraindications

Lilac is a plant with small but very fragrant flowers. It is very popular and beloved throughout the world, it is sung by poets and writers. In many paintings you can find his image. Modern designers and ordinary gardeners use shrubs to decorate the landscape of city streets and personal adjoining territories.

Chemical composition

Different parts of the plant contain certain chemicals. For example, alkaloids, essential oil, farnesol predominate in lilac flowers. Kidneys and leaves contain chemical elements such as flavonoids, phytoncides, phenol glycoside syringin, coumarin derivatives, tannins, resins and ascorbic acid.

How it looks and where it grows

Lilac is a shrub that belongs to the family of Olives. The closest relatives include ash, privet, jasmine, olive.

The bush belongs to perennials. As a rule, it consists of several trunks, 5–8 m high, which grow straight or sprawling. The foliage is dark green in color and is evenly distributed throughout the bush. The first leaves begin to appear in the early to mid-spring, depending on the region of growth. Leaf fall occurs before the onset of the first frost, tentatively in October – November. Each sheet is a separate plate, which can reach 12 cm in length. The shape may vary depending on the type: oval, conical, cirrus, etc.

Lilac flowers have the shape of a funnel and most often end with 4 petals. Sometimes there are 5 and 6 petals. Small flowers are located close to each other and due to this they look outwardly in a massive bunch. The coloring is very diverse: from traditionally lilac to rare yellow or blue.

During flowering, lilac exudes a delicate, sweet and fairly persistent aroma throughout the district. It blooms annually from late April to early June.

Shrub native to hot Africa. The main territorial growth environment is China, the Far East, the European southern mountains. It is believed that it was in China that the lilac was first cultivated. It came to the territory of Russia at the beginning of the 19th century during the siege of the Swedish fortress and gradually spread throughout Russia.

The shrub is so loved and popular that breeders from around the world continue to work on breeding new varieties. Today in nature, there are about 30 species of lilacs that grow throughout the European territory.

Kinds

Consider the most popular types of fragrant plants to date.

Common lilac
The most common representative. In the natural environment, it is most often found in the Carpathians. Cultured brethren are scattered all over the world. Externally, it is a shrub of several trunks. The average height can vary from 2 to 8 m. The color of the bark and adult trunk is gray-brown, in a young shoot with a greenish tint. The leaves are large, different in heart shape, length reaches 12 cm, width - 8 cm.A characteristic feature of the leaf is that it remains green until late autumn, when falling, the color does not change.

The color of the flowers depends on the variety, but lilac, white and lilac predominate to a large extent. The flowering period begins in mid-May and lasts 20–25 days. The shrub tolerates both frost and drought, not picky to the soil. But when planting, it is worth considering that the root system is growing rapidly.

Hungarian
From the name it is clear that Hungary is the birthplace of this species. Unpretentious, feels fine even in harsh climates. The maximum height of the bush does not exceed 4 m. It is characterized by rapid growth, but when it reaches the maximum, it stops growing.

The shoots are straight, with a characteristic neat crown. No root shoots. Unlike other representatives, leaves, about 12 cm long, are lowered down. By spring, the color of the leaf changes from green to yellow. This species is very beautiful during the flowering period, which begins in early June and lasts 25 days. Hungarian lilac has a pleasant delicate aroma. The color scheme is very diverse.

An ideal place to land is an open, bright place. It does not tolerate wind and swampy soil.

Sensation
This species was bred by French breeders and is considered one of the youngest. In Russia is very popular. A distinctive feature is the two-color color of the flowers and a magnificent, incomparable smell.

The dimensions of the shrub can reach 3 m both in height and in width. It grows at about 20 cm per year. Shoots upright. The leaf is large, green. Flowering occurs at the end of spring and lasts up to 3 weeks. This type is frost resistant. Prefers to grow in the sun or in moderate partial shade.

Meyer
Dwarf shrub, its height does not exceed 1.5 m. It grows very slowly. The leaves are small - only 4 cm, dark green in color. The flowers are small. Depending on the variety, the color scheme can be lilac, white, lilac, and sometimes red. It blooms, usually in early June. But often there are cases of repeated flowering in late August.

Persian
This species prevails in Japan, Turkey, Afghanistan, the Crimean peninsula, and the Caucasus. In most parts of the Russian Federation, it does not grow under natural conditions. But most nurseries and research institutes at botanical gardens grow shrubs using selection. It requires a lot of attention. It is expensive, so not every person can afford to decorate the adjacent territory with this type.

It grows quickly, with a maximum height of 1 to 2 m. The leaves are smooth, oval in shape and 2-4 cm long. During flowering (late May) it is decorated with small lilac-pink fragrant flowers. Lilac does not tolerate dampness, drafts and dark places.

Primrose
It was bred in the middle of the twentieth century by breeders from Holland. The difference is a rare color, mostly yellow. It grows to 3.5 m, adding 30 cm each year. The sheet has a heart shape, its length is from 4 to 12 cm.

In mid-May, yellow flowers appear on the lilac, which gradually fade and acquire a yellowish-white color. It attracts the attention of everyone in the district not only with its unusual color, but also with its delicious stupefying aroma.

Experts recommend planting this species in mid-summer in lighted areas. The plant does not tolerate wind and excess moisture.

Amur
From the name it is clear that the area of ​​growth is the Amur Region, the Far East, and the eastern part of China. A luxurious shrub tree reaching a height of 20 m. It is characterized by extremely slow growth, but is a long-liver. In nature, there are specimens that live about a century. The leaf is large, by autumn it changes color from green to golden. The flowers are small, most often white. Flowering begins in late June and lasts several weeks. It exudes a pleasant aroma that attracts not only many insects, but also people.

Stambilac Lilac
Shrub about 2 m high.A characteristic difference from other species is the presence on one instance of flowers of different shades. The trunk is straight, resembles a cane. The leaves are small. He does not like groundwater and acidic soil. The rest is not picky. In landscape design, the standard lilac is often used as a separate exhibition or as part of a specific composition.

Indian lilac
The most unusual species, which has about 25 subspecies. He came to Europe from Asia at the beginning of the 18th century and instantly became popular. In the natural environment, the height of the bush reaches 9 m, and the width can reach up to 8 m. A feature is a long flowering period - from early summer to mid-autumn. At this time, the bush is covered with a huge number of flowers of various shades. The flower itself resembles a velvet rose in miniature. Such beauty will not leave anyone indifferent.

The shrub is thermophilic, but able to withstand frosts down to -15 ° C. On the territory of Russia, it is most often found in the southern regions. This species can be grown and kept indoors.

Palibin
The difference from other species is annual double flowering: the first time in May, the second in August. The height of the bush does not exceed half a meter. Leaf less than 4 cm. Flowers are small, pale lilac. It is important to trim at least once a year. This procedure promotes abundant flowering in the next period.

Collection and storage

In order to get the maximum benefit from the use of lilacs, it is important to properly collect and store the plant.

As a rule, they use buds, leaves and flowers. Leaf collection is carried out from mid-May to the end of July. Buds and flowers are harvested during the flowering period. The method of drying different parts may vary. In the case of flowers, whole branches are cut, formed into bouquets and hung upside down in a dark and well-ventilated room. The leaves are separated from the branches, laid out in dryers with a pre-set temperature of 40-60 ° C. If there is no special device, then you can dry the leaves in the sun.

It is recommended to store finished raw materials for no more than 2 years.

Signs and beliefs associated with lilac

1. As a rule, each lilac flower has only 4 petals. Extremely rare are 5 or more. It is with this that the first sign is connected. It is believed that if a person manages to find a five-petal flower in a bouquet of lilacs, then the desired desire will certainly come true. But only on condition that the flower will be eaten.
2. Since ancient times, this shrub has been considered a talisman. Our ancestors believed that if you plant a lilac near the house, then misfortunes will bypass all members of the family living in these walls. By the way, based on the opinions and reviews of people on the Internet, many still continue to believe in this sign.
3. It is believed that white lilac is able to attract prosperity and prosperity for its owners. In addition, if a plant located in the courtyard is clearly visible to passers-by from the street, then households can not be afraid of damage and the evil eye of ill-wishers.
4. There is a belief that, being next to a fragrant shrub and feeling its gentle sweet smell, people in creative professions can feel a surge of additional inspiration. If a person has hidden talents that even he does not suspect, then time spent near the bush can contribute to their disclosure.

Believe it or not in the signs and beliefs associated with lilacs is everyone's personal business. But do not refute the long-term evidence that the flowers and leaves of this shrub can have a beneficial effect on the human body and help in the treatment and prevention of many diseases.

The healing properties of lilac

Lilac is actively used both in traditional medicine and in folk medicine. In addition, due to its chemical composition, it has become widespread in cosmetology and perfumery.

The following healing properties of this perennial plant are distinguished:

1. It has an anti-inflammatory effect on the human body.
2. It has an antipyretic effect.
3. It is a powerful diaphoretic.
4. It has an analgesic effect.
5. Helps with diseases related to the genitourinary system.
6. It is used as an antimicrobial and antibacterial agent.
7. Normalizes cholesterol and blood sugar.
8. It has a positive effect on the cardiovascular and digestive systems.
9. Normalizes pressure, improves metabolism.
10. It relieves inflammation in the joints.
11. Eliminates muscle pain.
12. Favorably affects the nervous system.

Lilac in folk medicine

Traditional healers are very fond of using lilac in various medicinal products for many diseases. Consider the most popular recipes.

Joint treatment

To prepare this product, you need 2 tablespoons of dried flowers and 200 ml of vodka. If necessary, the recommended alcohol can be replaced with 70 percent medical alcohol.

Pour lilacs with the required amount of alcohol-containing liquid, close the container tightly. Clean in a cool dark place for 14 days. An important point - during the period of insisting, the product must be shaken daily. Apply tincture inside by teaspoon 3 times a day 30 minutes before meals. The course of treatment is from 2 to 6 months.

Tincture for rheumatism

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons of lilac flowers;
• 100 g of vodka.

Pour dry raw materials with vodka. Insist 2-4 hours, then strain. Use exclusively externally, rubbing the product into sore spots several times a day. At night, you can make a compress. Apply until completely cured.

Cold remedy

To prepare a cure for colds, you need to mix 30 g of lilac buds and flowers with 20 g of lime. The resulting herbal collection pour 500 ml of boiling water. Boil over low heat for 20-30 minutes. Remove from heat, cover tightly and let it brew for several hours.

Strain, apply orally 3-4 times a day, 50 ml each. This broth perfectly helps with any colds and viral diseases, has an antipyretic effect, and has anti-inflammatory properties.

Decoction to lower blood sugar

It will take 20 g of dry buds of lilac. They must be placed in a small pan and pour with one glass of water. Boil in a water bath for 10 minutes, cool, strain, bring the resulting volume to 200 ml.

It is recommended to apply 3 times a day for a tablespoon. The course of treatment is 14 days. If necessary, you can repeat the treatment after a month.

Pyelonephritis Remedy

This infusion very well helps with pathologies of the genitourinary system and is a therapeutic and prophylactic agent in the treatment of urolithiasis.

Ingredients:

• crushed dry lilac leaves in the amount of 2 tablespoons;
• 250 ml of hot water.

Pour the leaves with water, bring to a boil, but do not boil. Insist for 2-3 hours. Strain, apply orally 3 times a day before meals. Dosage - 2 tablespoons at a time.

Infusion for the treatment of skin diseases

Very often various problems happen to human skin - dryness, irritation, rash. All this will not give beauty an appearance. In order to quickly give the skin a healthy look, you can use lilac infusion. It’s easy to cook, and the result will please.

Pour freshly chopped fresh lilac leaves into a container, preferably enameled. Add one glass of water, put on a small fire and bring to a boil. Let it brew for several hours and strain.

Use for wiping and applying lotions on affected areas of the skin. The duration of treatment is set individually until the problem is completely eliminated.

Tincture of gout

With gout, tincture is able to provide not only a preventive effect, but also a therapeutic one. The tool proved to be excellent in the treatment of this ailment. To prepare it, you need 2-3 tablespoons of chopped dried lilac leaves and 100 g of vodka. Pour the plant with alcohol, insist in a dark place for 14-20 days. Strain before use.

The recommended daily dose is 75 drops.They are divided into three equal parts of 25 drops per dose and applied 3 times a day. The interval between doses is at least 4 hours. The course of treatment lasts 21 days. Then you need to take a twenty-day break. The next course lasts 2 weeks. The dosage should be as follows: 20 drops 2 times a day, in the morning and evening.

Barley treatment

An ordinary lilac will quickly help get rid of such an unpleasant ailment as barley. A folk recipe is as follows: pick a few leaves of lilacs, rinse them thoroughly and chop to a mushy state. Put on a whole, preferably large, sheet and attach to barley.

According to numerous reviews, such a procedure is a very effective way of treatment. Many note that with five daily use, inflammation decreases by the end of the first day.

Tincture for varicose veins

To prepare a product that effectively relieves varicose veins, you will need not only lilacs, but also a few more plants.

Ingredients:

• flowers of lilac, acacia, lily in the following amount 200: 100: 200 g;
• 1 liter of vodka.

Cooking:

1. 200 g of lilac flowers pour 1 liter of vodka. Insist for 10 days in a cool dark place.
2. On the eleventh day, add 100 g of white lily to the lilac tincture. Put in a dark box for another 10 days.
3. After this time add acacia flowers. After a week, strain the tincture.

The remedy for varicose veins is ready. Store in the refrigerator for no more than 30 days.

Mode of application
Obtain infusion rubbing problem areas abundantly. Then wrap them with cling film and woolen cloth and leave overnight. The procedure is carried out daily for 14–20 days.

Eye treatment

As they say, eyes are a mirror of the soul. But in the modern world, many people, due to the specifics of their work, are forced to spend a lot of time in front of the screens of computer monitors and tablets. As a result, at the end of the day, instead of a clear look, you can see the blurred gaze of reddened eyes. To get rid of this problem will help infusion of lilacs. The cooking method is very simple: pour a teaspoon of lilac flowers in a dry form with a glass of boiling water. Cover or saucer and allow to cool.

Apply daily in the form of compresses. The duration of one procedure is at least 10 minutes. Regular use of this product will not only restore the eyes to their natural beauty and health, but also help maintain normal vision.

Types of healing compounds

Lilac as a healing ingredient is used for the preparation of therapeutic agents of various compositions. In the first diseases, it is recommended to use lilac tinctures, in the second - decoctions, in the third - ointments, which this plant is certainly part of.

Infusion

The infusion differs from the tincture in that it does not require alcohol-containing ingredients. Most often, the cooking time does not exceed several hours.

The classic recipe for lilac infusion
You need to take a teaspoon of flowers with a slide, and there is no difference whether they will be dry or fresh, pour a glass of boiling water. Cover with a saucer and insist for about an hour. The classic recipe is good for joint pain, bone problems, respiratory system diseases.

Tincture

This tool is most popular. It is tincture that is used for a large number of diseases, using both for internal and external treatment. In combination with alcohol-containing agents, the antibacterial effect of lilacs is enhanced.

To prepare a lilac tincture of a wide spectrum of action, 2-3 tablespoons of the dry parts of the plant and 300 ml of vodka or medical alcohol will be required. Mix everything in a tightly closed container. Spin and clean in a cool dark place for 14 days. Shake daily. After the specified period, the tincture is ready for use.

Decoction

The broth is prepared in about the same way as the infusion. But there is a slight difference between these two miraculous remedies. To prepare a decoction, it is not enough just to pour dry raw materials with water.It is necessary to conduct heat treatment in the form of boiling for 20-30 minutes. The second difference is in the proportions. When preparing a decoction, they are slightly larger: 3 tablespoons of lilac per 500 ml of water.

The tool has proven itself in the treatment of colds. Especially effective is rinsing with a lilac broth for sore throats.

Tea

Tea from lilac leaves is most often used as a sedative. Rinse a few fresh leaves of the plant and add boiling water. Wait 5-7 minutes. Drink in the evening instead of regular tea. The drink normalizes the heart rhythm, relieves insomnia, eliminates irritability and nervousness.

If you add a spoonful of honey and a slice of lemon to tea prepared according to the classic recipe described above, then it will turn into an excellent prophylactic, which is simply necessary for everyone to drink in the season of colds.

Ointment

For headaches, migraines, injuries and bruises of various origins, an ointment helps, the main ingredient of which is lilac. You can cook it yourself at home. You only need two ingredients: dried lilac flowers and butter.

Grind in a blender 2 tablespoons of dry raw materials to a powder. Remove the butter, in the same amount as the lilac flowers, from the refrigerator. Leave on the table until it acquires a soft structure in vivo. Combine both products and mix thoroughly. Store the resulting ointment in the refrigerator.

Apply externally by rubbing injured areas. For headaches, the ointment is rubbed into the occipital and temporal part of the head.

Lilac oil: properties and applications

Lilac oil is characterized by a sweet aroma, when inhaled, any nervous tension decreases, depression disappears, and a feeling of novelty appears. Such an effect on a person’s emotional state is not at all accidental. After all, it is this shrub that most people associate with the beginning of spring, which means the awakening of life.

The benefits of lilac oil are undeniable. Even our ancestors used it to treat many ailments. Most often, oil is used for aromatherapy or is used as the basis for massage.

Ready-made oil can be purchased at pharmacy chains and specialized cosmetic stores or prepared on your own. To do this, you need fresh lilac flowers, any odorless vegetable oil, a liter capacity, gauze.

1. Separate the flowers from the branches. Carefully fill the vessel with them.
2. Heat the oil to a temperature of 40 ° C. Carefully pour it into a container with lilacs.
3. Clean in a dark place for a few days.
4. Strain the oil, squeeze out the already used flowers and discard.
5. Fill the container with new flowers and pour filtered warm oil.

All steps are recommended to be repeated at least 5-6 times. This is the only way to get high-quality and aromatic lilac oil.

Lilac oil has the following properties:

• soothing;
• antipyretic;
• painkiller;
• antibacterial;
• wound healing.

Oil, like ointment, helps to effectively deal with headaches, joint pains. This product is often added to your favorite creams and shampoos. Products will not only acquire an additional delicate aroma, but also be saturated with useful substances. Aromatherapy with the help of lilac helps fight stress, increases sexual desire. You can fill the house with the smell of spring by adding a few drops of oil to the cleaning water.

Application in cosmetology

Lilac, most often in the form of oil, is actively used in cosmetology.Due to its healing properties and the ability to combat skin problems, lilac extract is added to various cosmetic preparations, as well as hygiene products: bath salt, liquid soap, etc. This ingredient can be added to masks, lotions and creams, prepared independently at home.

Lotion recipe

Mix a tablespoon of lilac, chamomile and witch hazel flowers. Pour the resulting mixture with 500 ml of boiling water and leave to cool completely. Then strain, add a few drops of orange essential oil and a teaspoon of aloe juice. Mix everything well. Wipe your face daily after cleansing in the morning and evening. Lotion tones and restores the skin.

Means for hands and nails

For cooking, you need lilac, celandine, rosehip (fruits) per teaspoon. Grind three types of plants with a blender. Add a dessert spoon of glycerin (sold at the pharmacy) and 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil to choose from: flaxseed, olive, almond. The container is tightly closed and cleaned in a dark, cool place for a week. After the specified time, strain. Lubricate hands and nails daily before bedtime. This tool moisturizes the skin of the hands and strengthens the nail plate.

Lotion against cellulite and sagging body

Ingredients:

• one glass of apple cider vinegar;
• 1 teaspoon of pepper tincture;
• 1 tablespoon of lilac oil;
• 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice.

Mix all these ingredients thoroughly. There are several ways to apply it:

1. Rub into problem areas with massage movements manually or using a massager.
2. Use as a base for wrapping. Lubricate areas of the body that require correction, and wrap them with cling film for half an hour. Take a contrast shower and apply a moisturizer.

To enhance the anti-cellulite effect with both methods, it is recommended that you first take a warming bath and carry out the body scrubbing procedure.

Hair Care Product

Can be used as a rinse after washing your hair. For cooking, pour 3 tablespoons of dry lilac with a liter of boiling water, cool and strain. The miracle rinse is ready.

You can make a healing mask. This will require: burdock oil - 2 tablespoons, tincture of lilac - a teaspoon, vitamin A ampoule, which can be purchased in pharmacy chains. Mix everything and apply to the scalp with massage movements. Wrap your head in a towel and leave for 40 minutes. Wash your hair as usual using your usual shampoo.

Lilac products have a beneficial effect on the scalp and hair. With regular use, the procedures described restore the water-fat balance of the skin, and also help to combat dryness and hair loss.

How to use lilac in cooking

In cooking, lilac flowers are most often used for desserts. One of the most popular sweet dishes is lilac ice cream, which was first prepared over a hundred years ago.

To prepare this cold dessert you will need:

• 100 g of fresh lilac flowers;
• 250 ml milk with a fat content of 3.2%;
• 250 ml cream;
• 150 g of granulated sugar;
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup.

Rinse lilac flowers and dry thoroughly. Pour milk and cream into the pan, add sugar. Bring to a boil over low heat. Pour the lilac. Remove from heat, cool and refrigerate for 24 hours. After the specified time, beat the resulting mixture in a mixer. Gently inject maple syrup and put in the freezer for an hour. After this, beat again with a blender and send to the freezer until completely frozen. Delicate and fragrant lilac ice cream is ready.

Is lilac jam useful

In addition to desserts, a very useful jam for humans is prepared from lilacs.Regular consumption of this sweet product enhances immunity, normalizes blood pressure, and acts as a sedative.

Recipe for Classic Lilac Jam
Ingredients:

• 500 g of lilac flowers;
• 500 g of sugar;
• 750 ml of water;
• juice of one lemon.

Pour pre-washed lilac flowers with cold water. Put on low heat, bring to a boil, then boil for another 10 minutes. Remove from heat. Add lemon juice. Leave to infuse for half an hour. Then strain the resulting liquid, add sugar and cook for 20 minutes over low heat, stirring constantly. Pour the jam into the jars. Keep refrigerated.

Can rabbits be given lilacs

Animals such as rabbits are strictly forbidden to eat any part of the lilac. The fact is that it contains toxic substances that can not only harm the eared fauna, but even lead to his premature death.

Contraindications

Despite all of the above beneficial properties of lilac, like many plants, it can also have a negative effect on the human body. There are a number of diseases in which it is not recommended to use drugs that include lilac in the treatment. These include:

• renal failure, especially in the acute stage;
• pregnancy and lactation;
• hormonal failure, as well as menstrual irregularities in women;
• menopause (with extreme caution);
• individual intolerance;
• allergic reaction;
• childhood.

In addition, it must be remembered that the composition of lilac contains toxic substances. When treating with this plant, the exact dosage prescribed by a proven and competent herbalist must be observed. Do not violate these instructions. Otherwise, you can earn not only poisoning, but also cause more serious harm to the whole body. After all, more does not mean better.

Lilac photo