Lilac is slightly toxic to humans and animals
In fact, all parts of the lilac, especially its leaves, bark, shoots and berries, are considered to be slightly poisonous. They contain the glycoside syringin, which occurs primarily in lilac (lat. Syringa vulgaris) and which also causes its strongly bitter taste. Anyone who has ever tasted unsweetened lilac blossoms will be able to confirm the bitterness despite the sweet smell - take this perception seriously, because it is a clear indication of the poisonous components of the lilac. However, adults would have to eat quite large amounts in order to experience any consequences. The situation is different with children and small pets such as rabbits, guinea pigs, etc. They can then get stomach cramps and diarrhea.
also read
- Do you have to cut lilacs after flowering?
- For potpourri or scented sachets: dry lilacs
- Bring spring into your home with freshly cut lilacs
Edible lilac flowers
Unlike the rest of the plant, lilac flowers are considered edible. However, this is only partially true: the flowers should not be eaten raw - for example as a salad decoration or as candied flowers - but only as cooked lilac blossom syrup. Since this is heated strongly over a period of about 20 minutes, the toxins it contains are destroyed and you can enjoy the syrup in tea or similar. A simple infusion of lilac blossoms - for example as a tea - should be consumed with caution, sensitive people can react with cramps.
Lilacberries do not come from the lilac
In northern Germany in particular, you will often find lilacberry tea or lilacberry juice in the supermarket, which is touted as being particularly healthy. However, these are not the fruits of the common lilac, but the berries of the black elderberry.
Tips
Fragrance allergy sufferers must also be careful: The essential oils contained in lilac can not only cause headaches, but also cause breathing difficulties.
