Lilac blossoms are edible, though they smell better than they taste, so use in small amounts. A springtime delight is to make a lilac cold-water infusion. Simply fill a glass pitcher with fresh lilac blossoms. Fill to the top with spring water. Allow to steep for an hour. Strain before serving in glasses. Drink in the beauty and aroma. Scatter a few lilac blossoms on fresh green salads. The blossoms can be candied and preserved to decorate desserts later in the year. The lilac shrub, native to Eurasia is deciduous, and incredibly cold hardy, long lived and bears many fragrant flowers, usually in May. The flowers are hermaphrodite and are pollinated by bees, moths and butterflies. Lilac thrives in most soils, including chalk, but dislikes acid soils. Its preference is a well-drained alkaline loam in a warm sunny position. It is usually found growing in hedges, woodlands, and in dappled shade.

Medicinal Uses
These violet flowers have been used medicinally for centuries. Lilac treats parasitic intestinal worms. They were also used as a fever reducer and as a treatment for malaria.

Magical Uses
Some plants and herbs are believed to have magical properties and powers. The actual lilac flower symbolizes the first emotions of love, but it has other properties as well. According to research, planted or strewn about lilac blossoms can drive away evil. Also, lilacs can be placed in haunted houses to clear away bad energy and it also promotes clairvoyance, divination, peace, harmony and creativity.

Culinary Uses
Lilac flowers are edible, but make sure they have been well washed and not exposed to chemicals. You can crystallize them and use them as candied flowers on cookies, pies and cakes. Add them to brown rice dishes and fresh green salads. Mix fresh lilac blossoms with honey and Greek yogurt for an aromatic, yet elegant dessert. Create a decadent lilac sorbet by simply mixing lilac flowers with sugar and water.

Fragrant Uses
Lilacs have a subtle fragrance that many describe as a scent of a rose mixed with a hint of vanilla. This is why their oil is commonly used in commercial perfumes. Make your own lilac oil by cold pressing the flower leaves, and then add the oil to your favorite candle. If you want to benefit from this plant's fragrance without all the work, then simply add lilac flower blossoms to your bath. You can also mix them into homemade soap or sugar scrubs.