Lilac: properties and contraindications, from which tincture helps

The benefits and harms of lilacs are actively used by home medicine - the plant not only blooms beautifully, but also heals ailments. To figure out when the properties of lilac will benefit, and when they harm the body, you need to learn more about the medicinal products from this plant.

What does lilac look like and where does it grow

Lilac is a shrub from the Olive family, reaching a height of 7 m. Lilacs are usually formed by many spreading or straight upward branches, abundantly covered with oval or elongated leaves. In early May, the shrub blooms profusely with pink, blue, purple or white inflorescences, emits a delicate pleasant aroma with soothing notes.

In the wild, lilac grows mainly in the Balkans - in Romania, Greece, Albania and Yugoslavia in forests and on mountain slopes. This shrub is cultivated throughout the middle zone, including on the territory of Russia - in the Central region, in the southern part of Western and Eastern Siberia, in the south of the Far East, in the steppe zones.

The chemical composition of the leaves and flowers of lilac

The benefits and harms of lilacs for the body are very diverse, and they are determined by the internal composition of the leaves and flowers of the plant. Lilac contains:

• resins and tannins;
• coumarin derivatives;
• vitamin C;
• flavonoids and phytoncides;
• syringin substance;
• alkaloids;
• farnesin and farnesol;
• essential oils.

The beneficial properties of the green parts of the plant are still not fully understood. But even on the basis of the available data, lilac can be considered very valuable for the body.

Why is lilac useful?

On the basis of the plant, many useful medicinal drinks are prepared that improve well-being. The benefits of lilacs for the human body are that the plant:

• has anti-inflammatory, antipyretic and antiseptic properties;
• has a slight analgesic effect;
• promotes the removal of excess fluid from the body, has a diuretic effect, therefore it is used for the prevention and treatment of kidney stones;
• lowers blood glucose and benefits in diabetes mellitus;
• reduces swelling and inflammation in case of joint ailments, improves the condition of the ligaments;
• has a beneficial effect on the skin and promotes healing of injuries and irritations.

A useful plant has a vasodilating effect, therefore it helps with migraines and varicose veins. The plant is widely used for cosmetic purposes, lilac has a rejuvenating effect on the skin.

How to make lilac tincture with vodka or alcohol

Medicinal tinctures on lilac buds are used to treat ailments, most often in combination with alcohol or vodka, the plant fully reveals its beneficial properties. It is simple to prepare a tincture, for this you need:

• pour 100 g of fresh flowers or leaves with a liter of vodka;
• mix well, close tightly with a cork and put in a dark place for 3 weeks;
• shake the container with the tincture periodically for better distribution of nutrients.

When a useful product is ready, it will need to be filtered and taken for medicinal purposes in accordance with recipes. It is necessary to store the tincture in the dark, the dosage of the medicine depends on the specific disease.

How to use lilac tincture

The benefits of lilac tincture are revealed in many diseases - a folk remedy gives an excellent effect. The tincture can be mixed with other medicinal components, slightly change the dosage and time of administration.

From high temperature

Useful properties of the plant help to bring down fever in case of flu and colds and eliminate intoxication of the body. For medicinal purposes, a tincture of alcohol or vodka is taken on an empty stomach, only 50 ml three times a day.

To increase efficiency, you can add 5 drops of eucalyptus oil and 5 g of chopped fresh wormwood to the classic remedy. The ingredients will enhance the anti-cold properties of the tincture and contribute to an even faster elimination of temperature.

From cough

With bronchitis and a lingering cold cough, the medicinal properties of lilac are also beneficial. A good effect is demonstrated by the usual tincture, diluted in warm tea without sugar - only 20 ml of the drug should be added to a cup of tea.

Take the tincture just before bedtime. In total, the treatment can be continued for no more than a week, since the medicine contains alcohol, with prolonged use it will harm the body.

With angina and laryngitis

The properties of lilac leaves and flowers are beneficial for inflammatory processes in the throat. In this case, it is recommended not to drink the tincture, but to use it for rinsing. Only 2 large spoons of the product are diluted in a glass of water and gargle 4-6 times a day.

For back pain

For muscle sprains, rheumatism and other pain in the lower back and back, rubbing with tincture of the plant is beneficial. A small amount of the product is applied to the sore spot and rubbed in with strong movements. Lilac has a warming effect, and the beneficial substances in its composition, penetrating the tissues through the skin, relieve inflammation and pain.

With kidney disease

The benefits and harms of lilac flowers are used for kidney ailments - the tincture of the plant relieves inflammatory processes and helps to eliminate calculi. Only 50 g of raw materials are taken for 500 ml of vodka, mixed and covered with a lid, and then the tincture is kept in the dark for 2-3 weeks. Take it three times a day, 20 drops on an empty stomach, you can continue therapy for no longer than 3 weeks in order to avoid harm.

For headache

The smell of lilac is beneficial for migraines and headaches associated with vascular spasms. In this case, the tincture is applied externally - a cotton pad or gauze swab is moistened in a medicine, and then the forehead and temples are wiped. In a quarter of an hour, the headache should subside.

For wounds and bruises

Another area of ​​application of the healing properties of lilacs is damage to the skin and bruises. Wounds, abrasions, hematomas and burns can be wiped with a diluted tincture - 10 drops of the product per 100 g of water.

With osteochondrosis, arthritis and arthrosis

The benefits of lilacs for joints are manifested in the overwhelming number of diseases - the tincture relieves inflammatory processes, eliminates the feeling of stiffness, and reduces pain. They prepare a tincture according to a traditional recipe, and drink only twice a day, 20 drops, so as not to get harm.

For severe pain, the affected joints can be rubbed with medication. A useful tincture will properly warm up the sore spot and quickly relieve discomfort.

With gout

The benefit of lilac buds is that the tincture based on them is capable of removing harmful salt deposits from the joints. In case of gout, it is recommended to take a remedy for alcohol three times a day in a small dosage - only 15 drops on an empty stomach so that there is no harm.

With varicose veins

Rubbing with a healing tincture can improve the condition of the legs with varicose veins. The ingredients for the drug are mixed in the usual proportions - 100 g of raw materials per liter of alcohol or vodka. But you need to insist on the remedy longer, for 1.5 months.

The treatment itself is as follows - twice a day, the protruding veins on the legs are moistened with tincture, but do not rub it in, but leave it to dry. In combination with medications and physical therapy, lilacs have an excellent effect in the fight against varicose veins.

With tuberculosis

Phytoncides, essential oils and flavonoids in lilacs have a beneficial effect on the respiratory system. Even the symptoms of tuberculosis can be alleviated with the help of a tincture of the plant. The tincture prepared in the usual way is taken twice a day on an empty stomach in the volume of a small spoon.

Other recipes for traditional medicine based on lilacs

The benefits of lilac flowers are most fully revealed in the composition of alcoholic tincture. However, not all people can use vodka or alcohol-based products, in some cases such drugs are harmful and completely contraindicated. Therefore, home medicine offers other useful recipes that use the properties of lilac wood, its leaves and flowers.

Water infusions of lilac

Lilac flower tea, or water infusion, which has anti-inflammatory and strengthening properties, is beneficial. It is prepared like this - 3 large spoons of dried flowers or leaves are poured with 2 cups of boiling water, and then left under the lid for 6 hours.

The present drink is passed through a strainer or gauze and drunk three times a day, 30 ml each. A useful remedy improves the condition of diabetes mellitus, helps well with asthma, there will be no harm from it with a cold.

Decoctions of lilac

The benefits and healing properties of white lilacs are manifested when preparing an aqueous broth. Pour about 2-3 large tablespoons of chopped leaves and flowers with a glass of hot water, put on low heat and cook for another 5 minutes after boiling.

Then the broth must be removed from the heat, wrap the pan with a thick towel or blanket and send to infuse for 6-8 hours. A completely ready-made product is taken in a large spoonful before meals, and the broth helps best with inflammatory processes in the body and renal colic.

Lilac ointment

The healing properties of lilac flowers are revealed in the composition of a homemade ointment. Fresh or dry buds are crushed to a powder in the volume of 1 large spoon, add 4 tablespoons of lard and 1 more small spoonful of honey.

The ointment, mixed to a homogeneous state, is applied to inflamed joints and injured skin areas in the evenings before bedtime. A useful tool promotes rapid healing of wounds, smoothes scars and relieves pain and swelling of the joints.

Lilac oil

Lilac oil is beneficial - it is used for massage and therapeutic rubbing. Prepare the tool like this:

• fresh lilac flowers are placed in a liter glass jar;
• the raw materials are poured to the top with sunflower, and best of all, cedar oil;
• the vessel is closed with a lid and left to infuse for 2 weeks.

After insisting, the homemade oil will need to be filtered to separate the raw materials from the liquid part. For joint pain, rheumatism, salt deposition and varicose veins, the skin is rubbed with a remedy, the oil is also useful in treating wounds, bruises and healing burns.

The use of lilac in cosmetology

Lilac is one of the most common ingredients in cosmetics. The extracts of the plant can be found in lotions, tonics, creams and masks for the skin of the face, as part of hygiene products for body care. Lilacs are added to shampoos and hair rinses, aromatic oils and bath foams.

The beneficial properties of plant flowers have a very beneficial effect on the skin. Lilac has a regenerating and tonic effect, cleanses and softens dry or rough skin, rejuvenates the epidermis. It is used as part of many homemade masks, mixing with herbal decoctions, glycerin, vegetable oils and other products.

The properties of lilac essential oil are used in aromatherapy. The delicate and light aroma has a calming effect on the nervous system, eliminates stress, and helps with insomnia. Essential oil in the amount of a couple of droplets is added to homemade hair masks and to relaxing baths, if desired, it can be heated in an aroma lamp and improve the indoor climate.

How lilacs are used in cooking

The benefits of white lilac flowers are used in the preparation of various dishes - mostly delicious treats. In particular, lilacs are used:

• in making jam - an unusual delicacy of flowers with the addition of lemon juice has a pleasant sourness and delicate aroma;
• in making ice cream - milk, cream and sugar with the addition of a small amount of flowers are boiled over a fire, and then cooled, insisted in the refrigerator, mixed with maple syrup and frozen;
• in making flavored sugar - the flowers are simply covered with granulated sugar in a sugar bowl, and after about a week the sugar acquires an unusual aroma.

The plant flowers can be added to many drinks and foods if desired. If you use a useful plant in small quantities, then there will be no harm from it, but it can give a fresh original touch to the most common dishes.

The benefits and harms of lilac jam

In the process of making jam, the flowers are subjected to heat treatment and partially lose their valuable properties. However, for the most part, the benefits of the plant remain in the finished product. Lilac jam can be used for colds and inflammations, it is of great benefit for nervous disorders, since both the taste and aroma of an unusual delicacy have a calming effect.

As for the harm of such a jam, diabetics are contraindicated to use it. A sugary food will be detrimental to your health as it will increase your glucose levels. It is worth giving up treats with a predisposition to obesity and during exacerbations of gastric ailments.

Harm of lilac and contraindications

With an extensive list of useful properties, lilac can harm the body. You cannot consume plant-based drinks and foods:

• with acute renal failure and glomerulonephritis;
• with pancreatitis, ulcers and gastritis in the acute phase;
• with atonic constipation and amenorrhea;
• with lilac allergy.

It is necessary to use decoctions and infusions with caution during pregnancy and lactation, and alcoholic tinctures in these conditions are strictly prohibited - they will only bring harm. It is dangerous to abuse lilacs - the substance syringin in the composition in excessive quantities can lead to severe poisoning.

Collection, harvesting and storage of lilacs

The collection of raw materials is carried out in late spring, shortly before flowering or at the very beginning.In this case, it is customary to cut the inflorescences together with the leaves and tops of the branches, since all parts of the plant are used to prepare useful products.

The collected raw materials are dried in the fresh air, spreading out in a thin layer on a flat surface away from direct sun. After the lilac is completely dry, it is crushed and put into fabric bags or paper bags. In a dry and dark place, the plant can retain valuable properties for up to 2 years.

Conclusion

The benefits and harms of lilac are determined by the amount of use of funds based on it. It is impossible to take tinctures and decoctions in large volumes, as this can lead to poisoning, but if you follow proven recipes, lilac will only benefit.

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