Lilac, also known as Syringa, belongs to the olive family (Oleaceae). In addition to its use as an ornamental shrub, the lilac also finds application in alternative medicine and can be used against various diseases. These include rheumatic diseases as well as fever and digestive problems.
Occurrence and cultivation of the lilac
In naturopathy, the flowers and leaves as well as the fruits and bark are used. All parts can be used against various diseases. The olive family includes about 25 species. Mostly the representatives of the genus grow either as shrubs or trees. They are deciduous. The deciduous leaves are usually stalked, and the branches are sometimes four-winged. The inflorescences have an almost unrecognizable structure: they are clustered in several inflorescences. The flowers themselves are hermaphroditic and quadrupinnate. Most often their color is violet-red or dark purple. However, yellowish or white inflorescences can also be found. Lilac scent is very strong and often attracts bees and butterflies. However, most animals avoid lilacs and do not use them as food plants because they are very bitter. Most lilac species bloom between May and June. The sepals of the lilac are fused in a bell shape and the ovaries are superior. Lilacs form capsule fruits with winged seeds. The plant genus is native mainly to Asia and Europe. Lilacs are found in Korea, Nepal, Afghanistan, India, and Japan, as well as in southeastern Europe. In China there are 16 different species of lilac. As early as the Middle Ages, the plant was planted in peasant gardens for ornamental purposes. In Spain, lilac was introduced by the Moors as early as the 10th century. It was not until the 16th century that it arrived in England and Central Europe, where it is still considered a popular garden plant. The Turkish name of the plant was originally “Lilac”. In German-speaking countries, this became the color designation “lila”, for which there had previously been no name of its own. For this reason, the popular name of the plant to this day is lilac. Symbolically, the lilac stands for romantic and innocent love. In spring, the bark of the young branches is collected, the leaves and flowers when they have just unfolded. The lovely smell of the lilac belies its bitter taste. On the other hand, the bitter substances it contains are what make lilac a remedy for various diseases.
Effect and application
In particular, the common lilac finds application as an ornamental shrub in gardens and parks. Some varieties of lilac are used as cut flowers. In addition, lilac has a very symbolic meaning. For this reason, the plant is also found pinned to shirts during celebrations. The custom is especially widespread on Father’s Day. In naturopathy, both the flowers and leaves, as well as the fruits and bark are used. All parts can be used against various diseases. In most cases, naturopaths recommend the use of lilac in the form of teas. These teas can be drunk as well as applied externally. Baths with the tea are possible and help, for example, against pain caused by rheumatism. An oil extract can also be made from the dried lilac flowers. This extract can additionally be used against rheumatism. Affected people rub the painful areas with the oil for this purpose. To make the tea from the flowers of the plant, up to two spoons of the dried flowers are used. Those who use the leaves need only one teaspoon. Another variant is the processing of 300 grams of freshly collected flowers and leaves. These are put in olive oil and left to infuse in the sun for 25 days. During this process, the container should be covered. This mixture can also be used to treat sciatic pain or sore muscles and joints. On the one hand, the teas can be used to strengthen digestion, on the other hand, they can be used against fever and hiccups. There are different recipes for the use of lilac against febrile diseases. For example, 50 grams of the dried lilac flowers can be boiled in a liter of water for five minutes. The decoction is then strained. This mixture should be consumed throughout the day. Lilac contains essential oils, farnesol, bitter substances and alpha-pinene. In addition, it contains syringin and anisaldehydes.
Importance for health, treatment and prevention.
As already picked up, lilac is used, among other things, to strengthen digestion. In naturopathy, the tea from the flowers of the plant is particularly recommended here. This should be drunk twice or three times a day during the day. For the relief of digestive complaints, the tea from the fruits of the lilac is also suitable. This is used, for example, for flatulence and diarrhea. Nevertheless, especially in the case of diarrhea, a doctor should be consulted after a few days, if the symptoms do not subside with self-treatment. Preparations from the leaves or the bark help against fever. Here, too, two to three cups a day are recommended to reduce fever. Particularly effective are the bitter substances and oils contained in lilac. In addition to the treatment of rheumatism, external use of lilac can also help against gout attacks and relieve the symptoms. Other uses of lilac include inflammation of the oral mucosa. The plant has tonic and disinfectant effects. In addition, lilac is analgesic, sedative and antineuralgic. Because of its sedative effects, lilac is also often included in herbal sedatives. However, home remedies can only replace a visit to the doctor to a limited extent and should only be used if the complaints are not too severe. If they occur for the first time, a visit to the doctor is advisable in any case.
