Parts Most Frequently Used: Flower Bud (edible), Root Bark, Leaf

Flavors/Temps: Flower Bud – Bitter, Acrid, Cold, Toxic. Root Bark – Acrid, Bitter.

Caution: Lilac flowers are edible. Do not use lilac as a medicine with other medicines that alter blood coagulation. Lilac Daphne – do not use with licorice during pregnancy.

Key Constituents: Flower Buds – Tannin, Paracoumaric acid, Essential oil, Cinnamic acid, Ethyl ester (Essoil), Coumarins, Flavonoids, Diterpenoids. The Root Bark -: Integerrenine, Discarine B, Integerrine, Asparagine, Aspartic acid, Beta sitosterol, Butelinic acid, Ceanothenic acid, Glutamine, Bitter.

History/Folklore: Lilacs were used in Colonial America as a vermifuge (treat intestinal worms), to reduce fevers, and to treat malaria.
The trees were respected by Orthodox Christians and the plant’s Greek name “pashalia” is derived from “pasha” which in Jewish means “passage” as they were considered to drive ghosts away instantly. The lilac tree is also linked with reincarnation.

The Romans considered them a symbol of immortality. One of the plant’s secrets is that the flowers do not fade under hot water. Lilacs are said to remove ghosts, aid the exploration of past lives, and bless the passages of life, both birth and death. Purple lilacs are the symbol of the first emotions of love. If the blossoms are strewn about it is said they can ward off evil. Lilacs have a history of promoting clairvoyance, divination, peace, harmony, and creativity. Lilac tonics were probably first introduced to Europe in Henry 8th’s time. They are called a harbinger of spring. White lilacs are a symbol of innocence.

The lilac flower is edible. It can be crystallized and used as candy on cookies, cakes, and pies or added to brown rice and salads. Sorbet can be made by mixing the flowers with sugar and water. Lilac oil is commonly used in commercial perfumes. You can add lilac blossoms to your bath for a soothing aromatherapy remedy for stress and anxiety.

The scent of lilac activates the brain and is linked to improved memory and emotional response. It is used in the cosmetic industry for its calming effects and lovely delicate floral scent.

Lilac oil is used as an emollient to moisturize skin, reduce fine lines and sagging, reduce puffiness, and as an astringent to tone skin. The lilac that is considered the most fragrant for making lilac oil is the Chinese native, Syringa pubescens. It has small white flowers tinged with purple. It is an ornamental flower not to be confused with Daphne genkwa, sometimes called blue Daphne lilac, the medicinal species used in TCM.

Lilacs have been used to treat diphtheria (both internally and as a gargle). Lilac tea can be used as a hair tonic. Michael Moore indicates that the California lilac is, “An excellent home remedy for menstrual cramps, nosebleeds, bleeding hemorrhoids, and old ulcers as well as capillary ruptures from coughing or vomiting. California lilac roots are harvested in the late fall when the color is darkest or in early spring before the plants flower. The plants are tough and wiry, the roots even more so, so harvest them while the roots are fresh as after drying, you may need a jackhammer.”

Lilacs steeped in warm spring water for 30 minutes, strained, bottled, and refrigerated can be used on the face as a tonic and healing spritz for some facial afflictions.

Blue Daphne lilac (Daphne genkwa) has been used for over 3000 years. Commonly used in TCM, Daphne is considered to be one of TCM’s 50 Fundamental Herbs. The Chinese apply it externally to treat frostbite. The buds are harvested and dried in spring and used after they have been stored for several years. The root is an abortifacient, anticoagulant, purgative, and vesicant. A typical dose would be 1.5 – 3g vinegar of powdered Daphne genkwa flowers swallowed 0.6 to 0.9g daily.

Externally, Daphne genkwa is used to treat scabies and ulcers. The root bark of the plant also makes a good diuretic used especially to treat ascites in late-stage schistosomiasis. In animal models, extracts made from the roots exhibit neuroprotective effects that can treat Parkinson’s Disease. They are also commonly used as an agent to soak sutures used in the operation of anal fistula patients to help improve the wound healing process.