What does lilac look like and where does it grow?
Lilac is a bush of the olive family, reaching a height of 7 m. As a rule, it is formed with a large number of branches, branches looking upward, generously covered with rounded or elongated leaves. In early May, the bush blooms profusely with pink, blue, purple or white inflorescences, emitting a sweet aroma with soothing accents.
In the wild, lilac grows in the Balkans - in Romania, Greece, Albania and Yugoslavia, in forests and on mountain slopes. This bush is cultivated throughout the middle zone, including in 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.
Types of medicines
Lilac-based drugs can be prepared in a variety of dosage forms:
- Water tinctures, for the preparation of which the leaves, buds and flowers of the plant are used. The ingredients are poured with boiling water, simmered in a water bath, cooled, and then strained.
- Ointments, for the preparation of which a plant component and a fat base are used, for example, Vaseline or butter.
- Alcohol infusions for compresses and rubs - the basis for them is lilac leaves or flowers, which are filled with vodka or food alcohol.
Chemical composition of leaves and flowers
The benefits and harms of lilac for the body are actively discussed; these factors are determined by the internal composition of the leaves and the flowering part.
Contains:
- resins and tannins;
- coumarin derivatives;
- Vitamin C;
- flavonoids and volatile substances;
- syringin;
- alkaloids;
- farnesin and farnesol;
- essential oils.
The healing characteristics of the green part of the plant have not been thoroughly studied and identified. But, even based on the available data, lilac can be considered very valuable for the body.
What effect does it have?
Tinctures, decoctions, ointments, and other lilac-based medicines have the following spectrum of action:
- They reduce fever, relieve pain, neutralize the effects of pathogenic flora, and strengthen the immune system.
- Lower blood sugar levels, break down and remove cholesterol.
- Relieves muscle spasms and cramps. Helps with neuralgia of various origins.
- They have a strong diuretic and diaphoretic effect.
- Relieve inflammation, reduce pain, suppress infection for various genitourinary problems. They help with ailments such as endometriosis, cystitis, pyelonephritis, urethritis, stones and sand in the urine.
- Effective for diarrhea.
- Recommended for joint inflammation and any problems with the musculoskeletal system.
- Relieves pain, inflammation, promotes the healing of puncture, cut, and purulent wounds.
- They will help with psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis, and any fungal or infectious skin lesions.
- They have a positive effect on the functioning of the heart muscle, the condition of blood vessels, and the peripheral circulatory system.
In medicine, cosmetology, therapeutic and prophylactic aromatherapy, it is well known that the essential oil of the plant is used. It relaxes, relieves nervousness, and relieves stress. It lifts your mood, awakens sensuality, and improves overall well-being.
Medicinal properties
Often used in medicine. It is used as a raw material for tinctures, extracts, and ointments. All parts of the lilac bush are used: roots, leaves, bark, flowers. The inflorescence of the bush is brewed as tea and drunk for fever, digestive disorders, pancreatic ulcers, and whooping cough.
The decoction is taken for colds, lilac is infused in kerosene, applied to the affected area of painful joints, and used as a rub. Brewed lilac leaves are used to wash purulent wounds and make compresses for migraines.
Also used for the treatment of dermatological diseases in children aged 5 years and older, alcohol tincture of lilac is used as an external remedy. Lilac flowers are not only beauty and aroma, but also the composition of valuable components, such as:
- minerals;
- vitamins;
- phytoncide;
- essential oils;
- syringin;
- resins and others.
Due to its biochemical composition, it is used both in classical pharmacology and in folk medicine. Alcohol tinctures are used against many diseases, as this medicine has a number of healing properties:
- diaphoretic effect;
- diuretic effect;
- anesthetic;
- antiseptic;
- expectorant;
- anti-inflammatory;
- antimicrobial.
Sweatshops
As practice shows, when we sweat, we not only lose water or cool down, but also release a lot of toxic substances. In this regard, the colors of lilac have a positive effect.
Painkillers
This is true: the substances contained in the flower of the plant are mobile and easy to cope with pain of various etiologies. This quality was widely used in times when there were no strong painkillers.
Disinfectants
By using lilac internally or externally, you can protect yourself from infections, suppuration from cuts, abscess formation, and much more. The disinfectant effect is quite pronounced.
Expectorant
For wet and dry coughs, lilac has a positive effect on the respiratory system, immediately thinning mucus (if necessary) and facilitating its elimination.
Contraindications
In some cases, taking lilac tincture orally can cause harm. So, it is prohibited to use it when:
- pregnancy;
- lactation;
- allergic reactions;
- in childhood.
In addition, the use of alcohol tincture of lilac is not allowed for the following diseases of internal organs:
- chronic constipation;
- stomach diseases;
- glomerulonephritis, renal failure.
But even in the absence of these diseases, you should consult a doctor before using the product internally. Especially if there are any problems with blood pressure or nervous system activity. This will avoid side effects and unpleasant consequences.
Indications and contraindications for use
Healing products made from this plant can be successfully used to treat and cure many diseases.
A list of useful properties that distinguish the product from others:
- They relieve inflammatory processes, help fight various viruses, infectious and skin diseases.
- It is used externally to treat wounds, bruises and suppurations.
- It is used for all types of cough and respiratory diseases, thins and removes phlegm, and helps in the treatment of tuberculosis.
- They cope with nervous system disorders, relieving migraine attacks.
- Relieve pain, reduce muscle spasms, help with healing of joints, ligaments and much more.
- Cope with arthritis, gout, polyarthritis, rheumatism, osteochondrosis.
- They have a positive effect on the functioning of the heart and blood vessels, and normalize blood pressure.
Like any other plant, it not only has medicinal properties, but also has a number of contraindications for use, as it belongs to the level of poisonous plants. Therefore, caution should be exercised when prescribing alcohol tinctures for oral use:
- In case of intolerance to the ingredient.
- For diseases of the stomach and intestines.
- In case of renal failure.
- During pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- Children under 12 years old.
- If there is a disruption in the menstrual cycle in women.
It is necessary to follow the prescribed dosages when developing the product and not exceed the established value when used orally.
Lilac for treating joints - beneficial properties and recipes for use
Over the years, many people develop joint pain associated with salt deposits, which requires long-term treatment.
In the modern world, there are already enough products that undergo chemical processing, so people are increasingly turning to traditional medicine, choosing lilac as a natural healer to treat joints.
Botanical information and beneficial properties of the shrub
The plant belongs to the genus of shrubs of the olive family, which is divided into ten most common species. The common lilac is a multi-stemmed deciduous shrub with a height of two to seven meters.
The diameter of each trunk can be 20 cm. The bark is smooth, gray or gray-brown in color.
The flower shape is ordinary or double, the color is pink, white, lilac, violet.
The flowers are small in size, funnel-shaped, consisting of four petals forming brushes or paniculate inflorescences.
The aroma of lilac is very subtle, delicate, and has a calming effect.
Chemical composition of lilac flowers
The flowers contain resins and essential oils that help remove excess fluid from tissues.
The bark, leaves, and branches contain tannins, bitter glycosides, and various trace elements.
The plant contains a large amount of ascorbic acid, which accelerates recovery processes.
The inflorescences contain flavonoids that help activate metabolic processes.
Medicines prepared from its components have the following properties:
- antipyretics;
- sweatshops;
- painkillers;
- antimicrobial;
- anticonvulsants;
- diuretics.
Procurement and storage of raw materials
Lilacs for pharmaceuticals are harvested in late spring or early summer. For these purposes, it is best to collect bushes that grow away from road dust. Lilacs blooming in your own garden are the best.
Leaves are collected during the period of active flowering. Flowers are collected when the buds are not yet open. The collected bouquets are folded in the form of small bunches. The bark is removed only from young branches and roots.
Lilacs are dried in dry weather under a canopy or in a well-ventilated attic, turning regularly. Store the prepared tincture in an airtight container without water for 2 years.
Flowers for epilepsy
In the treatment of a neurological disease such as epilepsy, drinking lilac tea helps.
Its preparation is carried out:
- Fresh lilac flowers are collected during the flowering period and dried in the fresh air in the absence of direct sunlight.
- Dried flowers should be stored in a fabric bag for no more than 24 months.
- 1 table. a spoonful of dried lilac flowers is poured with 200 milliliters of boiling water.
- The closed infusion is kept for 20 minutes, then filtered.
And drinks like tea. The number of daily doses of such tea for each patient must be agreed with their doctor.
The duration of administration depends on the duration of the established course of treatment with this drug.
Tincture recipe
Once you have decided to start treatment with tincture, it’s time to move from talk to action. It is advisable to collect pharmaceutical raw materials (flowers and leaves) from lilacs growing away from roads and factories. It is best to start picking lilacs in dry weather.
We still haven’t come to a conclusion which color of lilac is more beneficial and valuable for the body. Some recipes specify the color, others ask you to make your own choice. However, the vast majority of researchers believe that it is better to give preference to white flowers.
Traditional alcohol tincture recipe
Place fresh lilac flowers (leaves) (100 g) in a liter glass jar, fill with alcohol to the very top (1 liter is required). Close with a regular lid and place in a dark place for 10 days.
Strain through cheesecloth four times and take as directed. Homemade lilac-based tincture is prepared according to exactly the same recipe. From time to time, depending on the disease, the infusion is used in larger or smaller quantities.
In fact, there are a lot of recipes, but most often they use the traditional recipe: this tincture is universal and is useful for treating various diseases.
Since ancient times, lilac has been used in folk medicine: the healing properties of this bush have been confirmed by modern research.
Tincture in the fight against joint diseases
Often, alcohol tincture of lilac is used to treat various joint diseases, which are accompanied by local tissue inflammation, various types of pain, limited mobility and severe swelling.
To create such a remedy you will need:
- 5 tablespoons of dried lilac;
- 3 tablespoons of chopped willow bark;
- several bay leaves;
- 1 liter of vodka.
Alcohol tincture of lilac is widely used in joint healing
Place all ingredients in a liter jar and fill with vodka. After this, close the jar tightly with a silicone lid and leave it in a dark place to infuse for 3-4 weeks. Treatment with lilac tincture based on vodka for the treatment of joints should be started only after it has been filtered.
The product is usually used in the form of compresses and lotions for a sore joint. Since the medicine is alcohol-based, it is not recommended to keep it on the skin for more than 2 hours, as this may cause a chemical burn or an allergic reaction.
Tincture for heel spurs
This drug is very effective for those who suffer from this disease. Lilac tincture for the treatment of spurs should be used according to the following scheme:
- As a compress , it is advisable to apply the lotion to the affected areas for 20-30 minutes. It is preferable to do this before bed. The recommended course is 3 weeks.
- Oral administration - 20 drops two or three times over the next 2-3 weeks. It is advisable to consume before meals.
Tincture for bruises
This infusion promotes rapid healing of wounds, abrasions and scratches. A tincture prepared from lilac flowers is used as a lotion or compress. To do this, the elixir is applied to the damaged area for 20-30 minutes. To relieve pain, you can additionally take the drug 20 drops twice or thrice a day.
Tincture for varicose veins
The drug is highly effective at the initial stage of the disease. The effect can be observed after a short healing time. If the disease is advanced, an infusion of lilac flowers with vodka is used as an additional tool to general therapy.
Based on this drug, compresses are made for affected areas of the body. You can leave these compresses on for up to 30 minutes.
Lilac tincture against cough
A folk remedy helps get rid of suffocating attacks. Using white lilac, you can prepare an alcohol tincture to treat a severe cough. The tincture is used as follows:
- For rubbing - you need to rub your back, chest and soles with this preparation. It is recommended to perform this procedure before going to bed to wrap yourself well in the blanket. As a rule, the cough disappears after 3-4 days.
- Oral use - take 20 drops with 250 ml of warm tea. It is recommended to take the medicine before going to bed. The course of treatment lasts about a week.
Treatment of intervertebral hernia
The tincture is prepared observing the following proportions:
- 1 cup plant
- 500 ml vodka.
Leave for 10 days. Used as rubs and compresses. It is recommended to take no more than 25-30 drops at once, 2-3 times a day before meals.
Treatment of osteochondrosis
The tincture is prepared using 1 part of the plant to 10 parts of vodka (for example, 10 g of raw materials and 100 g of alcohol). You need to leave for 2 weeks, then strain and can be used. Use for rubbing. The finished tincture can be used for rheumatic pain.
Use for varicose veins
Everyone wants to have beautiful legs, but many face a disease in their lives - varicose veins.
Lilac will help in the fight against this disease. There are several ways.
Method 1
- Fresh lilac leaves weighing 100 grams are boiled in 1 liter of water for 15 minutes.
- Allow the solution to cool slightly and filter.
- Gauze is moistened in the resulting broth.
- Apply a compress to your legs and leave for 30 minutes.
The course of this procedure lasts 8 weeks.
Method 2
Topical infusion for varicose veins from flowers:
- Lilacs;
- Acacia;
- Lilies.
The infusion is prepared in several stages:
- First, 1 glass of white lilac flowers is poured with 1 liter of vodka.
- The solution stands for 1-2 weeks.
- Fresh lily flowers weighing about 100 grams are added to the finished lilac infusion.
- The prepared mixture of lilac and lily is left in a dark place for 1 week, and only 1 cup of white acacia flowers are added to the infusion.
- The mixture is removed to infuse for another 7 days.
- Once the infusion is ready, it can be filtered and stored in the refrigerator.
The tincture is used topically.
Before going to bed, the feet are generously lubricated with tincture, wrapped in a plastic bag and a woolen scarf.
Lilac tincture with vodka for external use
Tinctures for the treatment of various joint diseases are of extraordinary value. Due to their ability to relieve inflammatory reactions and relieve pain, they are successfully used to treat a number of diseases:
- Varicose veins The alcohol-based tincture is kept for at least 20 days. Fabric bandages soaked in the product are applied to the affected areas of the legs at night.
- Rheumatism. Sore spots are rubbed with vodka tincture for 10 days or triple cologne with white lilac extract.
- Osteochondrosis. A glass of radish juice and half a glass of honey are added to the alcohol infusion of lilac. This solution is used as a rub for a week.
- Lichen. To get rid of ringworm, prepare an infusion of 100 g of blue lilac leaves and plants, add half a liter of triple cologne or vodka. Lotions are applied to the sore spot 6 times a day until complete recovery.
- Headache. Soak cotton napkins with a rich infusion of vodka or triple cologne and wipe the eyebrows and temples. With this procedure you can get rid of migraines in a few minutes.
- Spur. Compresses are applied to the affected area four times a day. In addition, lilac infusion is consumed 20 minutes before meals, 30 drops each. The infusion should be consumed three times a day.
- Laryngitis and tonsillitis. Two tablespoons of alcohol infusion are diluted in a glass of water. Rinse the larynx with this substance at least 4 times a day.
- Salts in joints. It is advisable to take a mixture of lilac with vodka prepared for internal use orally, 20 drops diluted in water before breakfast, lunch and dinner. The course of such therapy is two and a half months.
- Skin inflammation. 10 drops of tincture are diluted in 100 g of water. This water should be used to wipe the inflamed areas of the skin several times a day.
Lilac tincture is an excellent therapeutic agent for normalizing the musculoskeletal system. However, using this therapy, skin rashes may appear.
Infusion for folliculitis
Infectious inflammation of the upper part of the hair follicle is called folliculitis.
The most common cause of this disease is the process of shaving hair from the body, although others can occur.
To treat this disease, you can apply an alcoholic infusion of lilac flowers as a lotion to the affected areas of the body, which will serve as a disinfectant.
Or apply fresh, clean lilac leaves; for effect, you can chop them and apply the pulp for 30 minutes. Lilac leaf draws pus from wounds, promoting their rapid healing.
Hair treatment
Lilac vodka tincture has a huge number of healing properties that help strengthen hair, make it strong, shiny and healthy. To prepare the tincture, you need to use 1 glass of dry leaves and 500 ml of vodka. The product must be infused for 2 weeks.
After the specified period, the filtered tincture can be used for various purposes. Lilac is used as a hair conditioner, as the essential oils contained in the flowers enrich the hair with a vitamin complex and give it visible thickness.
Dilute the lilac tincture with water in proportions of 1/3 and wash your hair with this infusion several times a week.
The following recipe helps to cope with dandruff. Two tablespoons of cosmetic clay (preferably green, as it has antiseptic properties) are poured with lilac tincture, previously diluted in equal proportions with water. Add castor oil and stir all ingredients.
It is advisable to leave the resulting solution for about 20 minutes. Apply the mixture, then wash with plenty of shampoo. It should be noted that prolonged use of such a mask can lead to dry scalp. After completing the course and receiving the effect, you must evaluate the result.
What does it help with?
The most common form of lilac medicine is an alcohol tincture, because The alcohol base promotes greater extraction of beneficial substances. So what helps with lilac tincture, for example, in vodka? The product is recommended for use in the following cases:
- inflammatory processes;
- skin diseases: wounds, bruises, purulent discharge, lichen, fungal infection of the skin, etc.;
- phlebeurysm;
- acute respiratory diseases: bronchitis, laryngitis, colds, cough;
- joint diseases: arthrosis, arthritis, osteochondrosis;
- fever, malaria;
- headache, toothache.
The tincture is also recommended for cardiovascular diseases, nervous excitability and tuberculosis. Some sources claim that the tincture can be effective in the treatment of mastopathy. However, there is no scientifically confirmed information on this matter.
How to make a lilac rub?
This form of medication is convenient for use for joint and back pain. It has a warming and analgesic effect. And with the correct application technique, a massage effect is added by improving blood circulation.
- Initially, an alcoholic infusion is prepared from any part of the plant, but it is preferable to use the bark.
- Since the drug is not for oral administration, the amount of raw material to alcohol is taken in an equal ratio. The mixture is aged for a month.
- Then it is filtered using gauze and medical glycerin is added in the same amount.
- Before use, the rubbing is slightly warmed up (up to 40 degrees).
It is applied to the area of painful joints using your hands or a rubber massager. It is necessary to start from the point of maximum pain. Circular massage movements are performed with gradually increasing pressure for at least 15 minutes.
After completion, the joint area is covered with a clean cloth and bandaged. The procedure is carried out daily in the morning and before bedtime for the required period of time.