It's all a bang in July!
Lilacs
Medicinal Benefits of Lilacs
In middle school I used to pick lilacs for my mother. We had a shrubs in the backyard I couldn't resist their fragrance as they permeated the landscape. I assumed, naturally, that my mother would love this too. In response, I tore the short stems from the shrub and presented a bouquet to her. She would always act grateful and find the shortest vase for the shortest stems she could to house her new gift. I'd look and smell those lilacs in the house and love the fact that they resided indoors with us. Only to be frustrated and inherently annoyed that they wilted and died only a few days later. My young annoyance became so great that I eventually stopped picking them, but I never grew out of my appreciation.
Little did my young self consciously {I like to believe I subconsciously knew this all along} know that the the smell of lilacs I breathed in so forcefully had curative powers. Below, are just a few of them.
Anti-Anxiety and Relaxation
The intoxicating smell of lilacs calm and reduce stress and anxiety. The scent also improves mood and promotes relaxation.
Anti-inflammatory Support
Some of the compounds in lilacs have anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce inflammation in the body. This can be beneficial for conditions like arthritis, asthma, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBS).
Respiratory Health
In traditional herbal medicine, lilacs have been used to treat respiratory issues such as coughs, colds, and congestion. The anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties of lilacs may overall soothe respiratory symptoms and support lung health.
Antioxidant support
Lilacs are abundant in flavonoids and polyphenols, which help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body. As a result lilacs can reduce oxidative stress and lower the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.
Healthy Skin
Lilacs contain vitamin C and antioxidants. These help protect skin from damage caused by UV radiation, pollution, and other environmental stressors, as well as promote collagen production and skin repair.
Immune Health
Antioxidants found in lilacs also support healthy immune systems by protecting immune cells from damage and supporting their function. This can help the body fight off infections and illnesses more effectively. Lilacs have been used for centuries in Eastern and Western healing traditions to fight fevers, and calm the stomach.
Lilac flowers are edible. The root bark can be used for internal medicinal purposes, also.
Before creating any botanical apothecary first learn the botanical's basics and basis, as well as extraction, treatment methods, and contra-indications through an expert herbalist.
