In the middle of the merry month of May, the large, intensely fragrant flower panicles of the real lilac (Syringa) can be seen everywhere - and tempt many people to collect them and boil them into delicious lilac syrup. But is that advisable at all? In the following article we will tell you whether lilacs are poisonous or not.
All parts of the lilac plant are slightly poisonous
Lilacs are slightly toxic to humans and animals
In fact, basically all parts of the lilac, especially its leaves, bark, shoots and berries, are considered slightly poisonous. They contain the glycoside syringin, which is mainly found in lilac (lat. Syringa vulgaris) and also causes its very bitter taste. Anyone who has tasted unsweetened lilac flowers will be able to confirm the bitterness despite the sweet smell - take this perception seriously, because it is a clear indication of the toxic components of lilac. However, adults would have to eat fairly large amounts to feel any consequences. The situation is different for children and small pets such as rabbits, guinea pigs, etc. They can then get stomach cramps and diarrhea.
Edible lilac flowers
Unlike the rest of the plant, lilac flowers are considered edible. However, this is only partially true: the blossoms should not be eaten raw - for example as a salad decoration or as candied blossoms - but only as cooked lilac blossom syrup. Since this is heated up over a period of about 20 minutes, the toxins contained are destroyed and you can enjoy the syrup in tea or similar. A mere infusion of lilac blossoms - for example as a tea - should be enjoyed with caution, sensitive people can react to it with cramps.
Lilac berries do not come from lilacs
In northern Germany in particular, you will often find elderberry tea or elderberry juice in the supermarket, which is advertised as particularly healthy. However, these are not the fruits of the common lilac, but the berries of the black elder.
tips
Fragrance allergy sufferers must also be careful: the essential oils contained in lilacs can not only cause headaches, but also breathing difficulties.