Lilac Description,
They are small trees, ranging in size from 2 to 10 meters (6 ft. 7 in to 32 ft. 10 in) tall, with stems up to 20 to 30 centimeters (7.9 to 11.8 in) diameter. The leaves are opposite (occasionally in whorls of three) in arrangement, and their shape is simple and heart-shaped to broad lanceolate in most species, but pinnate in a few species (e.g. S. protolaciniata, S. pinnatifolia). The flowers are produced in spring, each flower being 5 to 10 millimeters (0.20 to 0.39 in) in diameter with a four-lobed corolla, the corolla tube narrow, 5 to 20 millimeters (0.20 to 0.79 in) long; they are monoecism, with fertile stamens and stigma in each flower. The usual flower color is a shade of purple (often a light purple or lilac), but white, pale yellow and pink, and even a dark burgundy color are also found. The flowers grow in large panicles, and in several species have a strong fragrance. Flowering varies between mid-springs to early summer, depending on the species. The fruit is a dry, brown capsule, splitting in two at maturity to release the two winged seeds…..
What is lilac,
Lilac (Syringe) can refer to any of about 25 species of fragrant and beautiful garden shrubs and trees from the family Oleaceae. This plant is native to Eastern Europe and the temperate regions of Asia and are known to be hardy, easy-to-grow and low maintenance plants.
The common lilac, S. vulgaris, is the most popular and grows in temperate regions all over the world.1 The lilac plant has deep green leaves, leathery capsule-like fruits and oval clusters of colorful blooms. These flowers can come in different colors, such as purple, lavender, red, pink, creamy yellow and white. The plant can grow between 5 and 15 feet tall.
Lilac oil is usually pale purple, with a refreshing floral scent. A word of caution: Some lilac oils have synthetic fragrances that imitate the fragrance of lilacs, as the flowers actually cannot be distilled to make an essential oil..
How to make lilac oil,
To harness the healing power of lilac oil, you’ll have to dry them and infuse them in a carrier oil or witch hazel. Unfortunately, this doesn’t preserve wonderful scent of the lilac, but don’t worry; you can get that amazing scent in a lilac absolute. (We’ll get to that in a minute though.)
Learning how to make lilac oil is quite easy, but it does take some prep work. You’ll need time to dry the flowers, and then time for the infusion. This can take anywhere from one to three weeks, so plan ahead.
You could also dry the flowers and save them to make your oil later. As long as they are completely dried, you can save them for later.
Lilac oil benifits,
It’s a shame that there is no true lilac essential oil because lilacs have many benefits for your skin.
Lilacs are natural anti-fungal, so it’s a great treatment to use topically to fight fungus. It’s also naturally antibacterial, making it great for acne.
Lilacs are a natural astringent. They can help tighten the skin, make pores appear smaller, and tone the skin. I’ll be using lilacs in a toner for acne prone skin later this week, so check back for that recipe.
Lilac oil is said to help promote skin healing. It’s a great additive for sunburn relief and after sun care. It can also help reduce the signs of aging and fight wrinkles and fine lines.
Uses and Health Benefits of Lilac oil,
Prevents Premature Aging
Antioxidants and astringent compounds in lilac essential oil can work in combination to improve the appearance of skin and make you look and feel younger. If you have lines, wrinkles, blemishes or other age-related marks, this oil can help tighten the skin, increase elasticity, and prevent many of the symptoms of premature aging.
. Treats Intestinal Worms.
Lilacs were used in America during colonial times as a treatment for intestinal worms and to reduce fever. While early settlers ate lilac flowers for these benefits, you should never take lilac fragrance oil orally due to its highly concentrated nature. Instead, to reap these health benefits, make your own lilac water. Simply combine a few fresh lilac flowers with warm or simmering water, strain, let cool and drink with ice. For reducing fever, apply 2 drops of lilac fragrance oil to a warm, wet washcloth and place directly on the forehead.
Reduces Fever
Traditionally known as a febrifuge, lilac essential oil can help to break stubborn fevers and begin the recovery process for people suffering from infections and illnesses. By promoting sweating, febrifuges can stimulate the release of toxins from the body and give your immune system a much-needed break.
Evens Out Skin
Lilacs contain natural astringent properties that help to fight acne breakouts and improve the appearance of skin. To clear up acne breakouts and unveil firmer, smoother skin, make a skin tonic using lilac fragrance oil. Simply combine 2 drops of lilac fragrance oil with 8 ounces of water and spritz on your face once per day in the morning or evening.
. Makes a Great Perfume.
Lilac fragrance oil also excels as perfume oil that can add a delicate, floral finish to any outfit. Lilacs are known for their lovely scent and can easily be grown right in your own garden to make homemade perfume. You can harvest lilacs straight from your garden or opt for a bunch grown organically at your local farmer’s market or grocery store. To make your own lilac perfume at home, you’ll need a few ingredients. Start with fresh lilacs, distilled water, glycerin, a pot, bowl, string and cheesecloth. Start by lining a large bowl with cheesecloth, making sure to drape the edges over the sides of the bowl. Harvest a large bunch of fresh lilac blossoms and combine with 2 cups distilled water in the bowl. The lilacs should be totally submerged under the distilled water. Next, cover the bowl using a lid or a large plate and infuse overnight. Gather the edges of the cheesecloth and create a small satchel by tying the ends together with string. Pour the lilac water into a pan and simmer before adding the lilac blossom sachet. Simmer on low for 1 hour, remove from heat and cool to room temperature. Next, pour the perfumed liquid into a bottle and add 4 drops of glycerin to preserve the perfume.
. Eases of Anxiety and Reduces Stress.
Lilac is one of the most popular oils in aromatherapy. Lilac fragrance oil consists of lilac linalool, an alcohol that is known for its powerful powers of reducing stress and increasing feelings of happiness. Few inhalations of lilac can help to induce calm and feelings of peace. Linalool also signals the nervous system to produce lower levels of cortisol — the stress hormone that can make you feel depressed and worn out. Lilac fragrance oil can also help to remove bacteria in the air thanks to antibacterial chemical compounds. Pleasant aroma permeates the air, resulting in a fresh scent that can eliminate smelly odors from garbage and other offenders. Inhaling lilac fragrance oil before bed can help alleviate symptoms of insomnia. Sweet scent decreases stress and repetitive thoughts that can keep you up at night. Simply add 1 or 2 drops of this fragrance oil to your diffuser in combination with rose or lavender oil and breathe deep..
. Antibacterial.
lilac essential oil is a strong antibacterial agent, and it smells divine. These properties make it an ideal sterilizing agent that not only eliminates infection-inducing bacteria, but also leaves your home smelling wonderful.
. Reduce Inflammation.
Inflammation is the body’s natural response when something is wrong, there is a foreign substance in the body, or an injury occurs. This redness and swelling is a natural occurrence, but sometimes it does not go away without outside assistance. Lilac oil contains a substance that has been shown to reduce inflammations, including that which is caused by an internal source. Lilac oil can be inhaled when mixed in a diffuser, allowing the scent to permeate your environment. Also, add a drop or two to a carrier oil then apply to your wrists much like a perfume to allow the anti-inflammatory process to begin topically as well as with the aroma.
Side Effects of Lilac Essential Oil,
Lilac essential oil does experience certain side effects, mostly when used improperly or by certain groups of people with pre-existing conditions or allergies. Active ingredients in lilac essential oil can be very powerful and can have serious side effects if consumed or used incorrectly.
. Allergies.
This oil is a known allergenic substance. When you first begin using the oil, you need totake a small patch test to make sure it will not irritate your skin. Wait about an hour to see if a rash develops or similar skin irritation. You should always mix this oil with a carrier oil to ensure its safety when you apply it topically.
Pregnancy
Due to the high concentration of active ingredients and chemicals in lilac essential oil, it is generally not recommended for pregnancy. However, some women find the relaxing and anxiolytic effects beneficial. But always speak to a doctor before using essential oils in any form when pregnant.
Internal Ingestion
You should never, under any circumstance, consume this oil, as this oil can have toxic effects. When people have consumed the oil, they have experience upset stomach, dizziness, headache, and vomiting. The results can be fatal as well. This oil should only be inhaled or applied topically. It is not food-grade oil and should never be ingested. Doing so will defeat the whole purpose behind its use.
Pungent Aroma
Floral scent of lilac fragrance oil can be overwhelming or border on nauseating for some people. Strong, floral scent can also make sensitive individuals feel dizzy and light-headed. Start off using only small amounts to avoid these side effects. You can also blend lilac oil with other essential oils to balance out the floral scent. Some oils that counteract the floral aroma include tea tree oil,and cinnamon. If you have allergies to fresh lilac flowers, definitely avoid lilac fragrance oil.
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