Lilacs In Cooking And Home Medicine

2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38

This year the spring was prolonged and very unpredictable, so the lilac bushes blossomed later than usual. This beautiful and very fragrant flower is multifaceted. They are not only admired, but also added to various culinary recipes and home remedies

Blooming lilac bushes are one of the symbols of May. Many are waiting for this flower with special trepidation and love. He is very charming. In addition, this shrub does not require special care and will perfectly decorate any front garden and garden plot.

It belongs to the olive family. The Balkan Peninsula and all of Southeast Europe became the homeland of lilacs. There it is still very widespread. In Russian orchards, lilacs are often found, but they are mainly used for purely decorative purposes. However, this plant is used on an industrial scale for the production of perfumery and cosmetics.

Captivating aroma and bitter taste

The lilac scent is surprisingly intoxicating, however, according to perfumers, it is very difficult to catch. A true aroma is obtained only when it is synthesized in a laboratory. If desired, at home, using the distillation process, you can make essential oil from lilacs.

In addition, lilac flowers are considered edible and have medicinal properties. Even if you put one lilac flower in your mouth, you can feel a whole explosion of aroma and taste - slightly astringent, tart and bitter. These flowers can be eaten. They are best suited for preparing not whole meals, but for decoration or additional dressings of various side dishes, pastries and desserts.

Simple recipes with lilacs

Lilacs can be used to make honey, butter, ice cream, muffins, cakes and more. Here are some simple recipes:

Lilac honey

You need to take a glass jar of a convenient size for you and fill it tightly with washed and dried lilac flowers. Then you need to take fresh natural honey and slowly, gently pour it into a jar with flowers. The container is closed with a lid and infused in a cool dark place for at least six weeks. Then honey can be eaten with flowers. It is good to add it to tea or baked goods. It takes on a unique scent of lilac.

Lilac oil

Any vegetable oil (olive, sunflower, almond, etc.) can be used as a base. It is better to take lilac flowers that are slightly wilted or well dried to reduce their rancid taste. The container for preparing the product is half filled with flowers and oil is poured into it. Insist on it for about four to six weeks. Then it can be used in home cosmetology and aromatherapy. It goes well with lavender, patchouli or jasmine essential oils.

Lilac jam

For him you will need: lilac flowers (500g), sugar (500g), water (500ml) and half a lemon. The flowers of the plant are thoroughly washed and poured with water, then boiled for about 10-15 minutes. The juice of half a lemon is added to the mixture and left under a closed lid for 20-30 minutes. The resulting juice must be filtered into a separate container, adding sugar there and boiling the syrup.

The lilac flowers that remain at the bottom should be thoroughly rubbed with the addition of sugar and lemon juice in a tablespoon. And as soon as the syrup boils in a separate bowl, you need to add the flowers pounded in sugar to it and cook for about 20 minutes over low heat, stirring regularly. Hot jam is poured into jars and rolled up.

The healing properties of lilac

The medicinal properties of lilacs have not yet been officially fully studied. But in folk medicine, all parts of this plant have been used for a long time. Most often, medicinal teas and infusions are prepared from lilac flowers. Since ancient times, people believed that such funds could help with malaria, fever, parasites and to prevent recurrence of chronic diseases.

Lilac juice has astringent properties, which is beneficial for healing wounds on the skin. For acne and rashes in folk medicine, homemade lotions and lilac tinctures were often used. In a regular spray jar, you can put lilac flowers and pour boiling water, then cool and use as a refreshing tonic for the skin. You need to store the product in the refrigerator, but no more than 2 weeks.

Aromatherapy with lilac oil soothes the nerves and improves blood flow. Eaten lilac flowers and lilac oil can help relieve stomach problems such as flatulence or constipation.