In the middle of the merry month of May, the large, intensely fragrant flower spikes of the real lilac (Syringa) can be seen everywhere - and tempt many people to collect them and cook them into delicious lilac blossom syrup. But is that even advisable? We will tell you in the following article whether lilacs are poisonous or not.
Is lilac poisonous to people and animals?
Lilac is slightly toxic to humans and animals because all parts of the plant, especially leaves, bark, shoots and berries, contain the glycoside syringin. However, lilac flowers are considered edible to a limited extent if they are cooked into lilac flower syrup, as heat destroys the toxins.
Lilac is slightly toxic to humans and animals
In fact, all parts of the lilac, especially its leaves, bark, shoots and berries, are considered slightly poisonous. They contain the glycoside syringin, which is primarily found in lilacs (Latin: Syringa vulgaris) and also causes its strong bitter taste. Anyone who has ever tasted unsweetened lilac flowers will be able to confirm the bitterness despite the sweet smell - take this perception seriously, as it is a clear indication of the lilac's toxic ingredients. However, adults would have to eat quite large quantities 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 true to a limited extent: 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 it is heated strongly over a period of around 20 minutes, the toxins it contains 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
Especially in northern Germany, you can often find lilac berry tea or lilac berry juice in the supermarket, which is touted as particularly he althy. However, these are not the fruits of the common lilac, but the berries of the black elderberry.
Tip
Scent allergy sufferers also need to be careful: the essential oils contained in lilacs can not only cause headaches, but also breathing difficulties.
