Black locust flowers: Hidden health and beauty benefits revealed

Few people know about the highly beneficial effects of black locust flowers. This plant grows throughout North America and is a source of numerous ingredients that positively impact health and beauty.

Black locust flowers are admired for their attractive appearance and pleasant fragrance. Additionally, they are a source of numerous ingredients that positively impact health and beauty. Dried black locust flowers can be used in many ways, from preparing aromatic teas and relaxing baths to incorporating them as tasty additions to dishes, such as jams.

Thanks to black locust, costly and complicated methods are not necessary to maintain health and appearance—the secret lies in the enchanting flowers, especially the black locust variety.

Black locust flowers provide many health benefits, acting as anti-inflammatories, supporting kidney function, and improving bile flow. They also aid in digestion, ease bowel movements, and enhance digestive processes. Black locust flowers help combat stress—tea made from them calms, supports sleep, and reduces nervous tension.

Black locust flowers are distinguished by their sweet, floral scent, making them ideal additions to aromatherapy. They are easily available in parks and forests, making collecting them simple and convenient.

You can prepare tea from black locust flowers. Just pour a tablespoon of fresh or dried acacia flowers with hot water (a cup) and leave for 15 minutes. The tea should be drunk warm, 2-3 times a day. These flowers are also great for baths – add 2-3 cups of acacia flower infusion to a warm bathtub and relax for 15-20 minutes. Another way to use these flowers is to prepare a refreshing mist. Pour the black locust flower infusion into a spray bottle, add some apple cider vinegar, and use it to refresh your face or body.

Black locust flowers can be added to various baked goods, such as yeast cakes and sponge cakes, ice creams, and other desserts. You can also make jams from them—after boiling the acacia petals in sugar syrup, place them in jars and preserve them.

When collecting black locust flowers, it is best to choose a dry and sunny day and pick them gently to avoid damaging the fragile petals, preferably away from busy roads. After bringing them home, separate the petals from the stems and dry them on a paper towel. This is necessary for their further storage.

The best way to dry the flowers is using a mushroom dryer or in traditional attics and sheds, at around 30°C, laying them out on racks or screens to ensure free air access. Store the dried flowers in an airtight container in a dark and dry place.

It is worth remembering that only black locust flowers have health properties and can be used in the kitchen. Other parts of the plant, such as leaves, stems, or bark, may be harmful, as they contain toxic substances. Therefore, when collecting black locust flowers, be careful not to accidentally bring home these potentially harmful parts.