The Madonna lily is an ornamental plant cultivated since ancient times. A ceramic glass found on the island of Crete (17th century B.C.) on which a Madonna lily was painted is perhaps the first clue of this plant. Today, it is present in gardens all over the world. But beware! When put in a closed room, especially at night, its aroma can cause discomfort, nausea, and sickness.
Madonna Lily Scientific Facts
- Scientific name: Lilium candidum
- French: Lis blanc.
- Spanish: Azucena.
- Environment: Ornamental plant native to Asia, though it has been introduced to America and Europe.
- Description: A plant with the bulb of the Liliaceae family, whose stem, covered with small leaves, grows up to one meter high. The flowers, white in color, grow on the tip of this stem.
- Parts of the plant used medicinally: The flowers and the bulb.
Healing Properties and Indications
Madonna lily’s bulb and flowers contain several aromatic substances that, when locally applied, have important emollient properties (they soothe the skin and inflamed mucosa) and are cicatrizant and antiseptic.
Madonna lily oil is a good treatment for burns, nipple cracks, and eczema. It also produces good results in treating otitis or ear pain when applying drops in the ear canal.
With the bulbs boiled in water and mashed, you can prepare an effective poultice to ripen abscesses and furuncles.
How to use Madonna Lily
Madonna lily is used externally only
- Madonna lily oil is obtained by cold extracting the petals of 10-12 flowers in one liter of olive oil for nine days. Every three days, strain the oil and add new petals.
- Poultices: Cook 100-200g of bulbs for 10-15 minutes. After mashing, put them in a cotton cloth and apply hot on the affected area for 15-30 minutes. This poultice can be used for two or three minutes daily until the abscess or furuncle ripens.
Frequently Asked Question
How does this plant benefit skin health?
Madonna Lily is renowned for its skin-lightening and brightening properties. It contains saponins and flavonoids that help reduce skin pigmentation and age spots, promoting a more even skin tone. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities can soothe skin irritation and protect against oxidative stress, enhancing overall skin health.
Can Madonna Lily be used to treat wounds?
Yes, the plant has been traditionally used for its wound-healing properties. Its extracts are known to promote tissue regeneration and have antibacterial effects, which can help speed up the recovery process of cuts, burns, and other types of wounds.
What are the benefits of Lilium candidum for hair care?
The extract benefits hair care by contributing to a healthier scalp and stronger hair. Its soothing properties can alleviate scalp irritation and dandruff. At the same time, its antioxidants protect hair follicles from environmental damage, promoting growth and vitality.
Is there any benefit of Madonna Lily in managing respiratory conditions?
Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, Madonna Lily has been used in herbal medicine to treat respiratory conditions. It can help soothe respiratory tract inflammation, making it beneficial for bronchitis and coughs. However, scientific studies to fully support these uses are limited.
How does the plant support mental well-being?
The scent of Madonna Lily has been said to have calming effects, potentially aiding in reducing stress and promoting relaxation. While empirical evidence is needed to understand its impact on mental health fully, its use in aromatherapy suggests potential benefits in enhancing mood and alleviating symptoms of anxiety.
Can Madonna Lily extract help with cardiovascular health?
While anecdotal evidence suggests that the plant may have heart-protective effects, such as improving circulation and reducing inflammation, there is currently limited scientific research to prove its benefits for cardiovascular health. Always consult with a healthcare provider for conditions concerning heart health.
Does the plant have any anti-aging effects?
Yes, the antioxidants found, such as flavonoids, can combat free radicals, reducing oxidative stress that leads to premature aging. Its compounds may also stimulate collagen production, contributing to skin elasticity and decreasing the appearance of wrinkles.
Are there any digestive health benefits?
Traditionally, the plant has been used to support digestive health, including soothing upset stomachs and improving digestion. Its anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce gastrointestinal inflammation, although more research is needed to validate these uses fully.
How can the plant assist in improving sleep quality?
Madonna Lily’s calming properties, mainly when used in aromatherapy, may help improve sleep quality by promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety before bedtime. However, scientific studies to back up this claim are still needed.
What precautions should be taken when using it for health benefits?
While Madonna Lily is generally considered safe for most people, it is necessary to use it cautiously, especially for those with allergies to lilies or pregnant and breastfeeding women, due to insufficient research on its safety for these groups. Always consult a healthcare provider before commencing any new treatment with Madonna Lily to ensure it suits your particular health condition.
DISCLAIMER: All content on this website is presented solely for educational and informational objectives. It would be best to not rely on the information provided as a replacement for advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified medical expert. If you are pregnant, nursing, or have any preexisting medical concerns, you should talk to your doctor before using any herbal or natural medicines.
REFERENCES
- George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. “Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants.” George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants. Ed. Francesc X. Gelabert. vols. 2 San Fernando de Henares: Editorial Safeliz, 2000. 716. Print.
- Wikipedia’s Page on Lilium candidum (Madonna Lily): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lilium_candidum
- Lira Clinical Blog on The Bright and Potent Effects of The Madonna Lily: https://liraclinical.com/blog/the-bright-and-potent-effects-of-the-madonna-lily/