LILY – A FLOWER THAT SOOTHES YOUR BODY AND MIND

Written By: Vivian Benjamin

Edible Flowers in the Past and Present
​When you look at a field of flowers or when you receive a beautiful bouquet, you always feel a sense of joy and calmness. It is also the same when you eat edible flowers in meals or drink hot tea made from these flowers. You can say that flowers nourish your inside and outside.



The use of edible flowers in ancient times is not uncommon however; in modern times it has declined. People around the world are sceptical of the use of medicinal flowers in food and to treat ailments. Nevertheless, recent studies on these flowers are showing that humans can use most of them in their meals and to treat illnesses.




Medicinal Flowers in Cooking and Treating Illnesses

Medicinal flowers have always been used in cooking or to treat injuries and diseases in most countries. For instance, in Japan and China, certain flowers have been consumed in everyday life for better health and well-being. On the other hand, in ancient Rome, medicinal flowers were made into purees or cooked in omelettes.



Similarly, in medieval France, some edible flowers are used as one of the ingredients to prepare a salad. You can consume edible flowers in different ways – eat them raw, use them in a salad, cook with meat or vegetable dishes, blend them into juice, make tea, jellies and baked desserts such as cakes.





Lets talk about Lilium Candidum

In this article, I’m going to share with you about a medicinal flower named Lily. Lilium candidum L., commonly called lily, is a therapeutic edible flower from the family Liliaceae. This flower is believed to be originated from Israel and Lebanon. It grows as a wildflower in Carmel and Galilee regions in Israel.



Lily is a type of herbaceous plant that has a bulb. The plant’s height is between 60 and 180cm. The leaves are dark green, fleshy, glossy and crowded. The flowers are trumpet-shaped and can be found in white, pink, yellow, red and orange. The seeds ripen in late summer. Lily normally blooms during late spring to early summer. Most of the plant’s species adapt to numerous climatic conditions therefore, it can be cultivated in any part of the world.


Although certain flowers have “lily” in their names, they don’t belong to the same genus hence; not true lilies. 



Lily in Traditional Medicine
Lily is generally used in cosmetics, treating skin conditions, and remedies for inflammations. In Italy, the flowers and bulbs are soaked in milk to be used for wound healing. Moreover, the oil derived from the flower is used to treat mastitis (inflammation of the breast). Not only that but the flowers are also utilized to treat joint diseases.


Besides that, the bulbs are a great anti-viral agent thus; used to treat shingles. In China, tea made from lilies is used to treat cough and sputum production. Lily is said to moisten the lungs to inhibit coughing. Apart from that, lily increases red blood cells and boosts immune functions. 


Furthermore, lilies improve brain function, promote sleep quality and are used to treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). In Ayurveda, this flower treats heartburn, fever, excessive thirst and blood disorders. 





What Does Science Say?
Now let’s explore what scientific studies say about the medicinal advantages of lily flower.

1. Anti-inflammatory properties
Inflammation is a natural response of the human body to attacks in the immune system. Nonetheless, prolonged inflammation can lead to chronic inflammation resulting in autoimmune disease, cancer, metabolic disease and neurodegenerative diseases. Several studies concluded that the lily flower bulb contains anti-inflammatory properties, which prevent the development of chronic illnesses.



2. Anti-diabetic properties
Diabetes mellitus is one of the main metabolic disorders affecting the human population around the world. Through scientific advancements, there are plenty of medical interventions to treat diabetes. However, herbal supplements can also be used to prevent diabetes and help regulate sugar levels. According to various studies, lily leaves contain anti-diabetic properties. Thus, the leaves can be used to regulate glucose levels in the blood.



3. Antioxidant properties
Free radicals can be formed in your body through food, exercise, smoking, air pollution and sunlight. These free radicals cause oxidative stress that damages your healthy cells. Prolonged damage to healthy cells leads to the development of chronic diseases. Therefore, you need to nourish your body through food containing antioxidant properties. Various studies concluded that lily flower petals and bulbs contain high antioxidant properties.



4. Improves blood circulation
Having healthy blood circulation is crucial in maintaining the cells, tissues and organs in your body. Blood circulation is essential to nourish the cells with nutrients and oxygen to continue living. The lily flower has the potential to minimize myocardium (heart muscle) irritability, therefore; encourage healthy circulation. Likewise, the flavonoids present in the flower increase vasodilatation, which is also beneficial to improve blood circulation.



5. Treatment for depression
Lily essential oil is used in aromatherapy to treat depression. The scent is said to alleviate negative emotions and initiate calmness. In addition to that, thanks to its antioxidant advantages, the oil promotes healthy skin. 









All in All
Lilium candidum L. is an amazing edible flower that holds many medicinal advantages to improve health and wellness. It is usually used to treat illness in traditional medicines. Nevertheless, recent scientific studies have concluded that this beautiful flower does have the capacity to nourish and heal humans. Although all parts of the lily flower are edible, only the leaves, bulbs and flower petals contain medicinal properties.



Share in the comment section below if you have incorporated this medicinal flower or just share your holistic journey. I’m always inspired to learn more from people. If you are new in this medicinal plant world or are unsure about consuming it, please do consult registered dietician or nutritionist and doctor before you start incorporating them into your daily diet. 










References
1.  Zaccai M. et al (2020); Medicinal Properties of Lilium candidum L. and Its Phytochemicals; Plants (Basel); 29(8):959.
2.  Kaushik, N. et al (2022); Characterization of Bioactive Compounds Having Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of
     Liliaceae Family Flower Petal Extracts; Journal of Functional Biomaterials; 13(4):284. 
3.  Bowen L. (2022); Research Progress on the Health Benefits of Scented Tea; Recent Advances in the Health Benefits of Tea
4.  Kunal B. (2022); A Review on Pharmacological and Phytochemical Activities of Lilium polyphyllum (Liliaceae): Himalaya Lily;
     International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology; 7(10): 2456-2165.
5.  Wenli S. (2019); Lily bulbs (Bai He), A superfood and A herbal remedy; International Journal of Agriculture and Nutrition; 1(2): 21-23.
6.  Poonam K. (2021); Phytochemicals from edible flowers: Opening a new arena for healthy Lifestyle; Journal of Functional Foods;
     78: 104375.