Lily of the Valley, Wild Crafted
Convallaria majalis
Also known as Ladder-to-heaven, Lily Convalle, May Lily, and Our-Lady's-tears
History: Lily of the Valley is widely known for its great beauty. With large green leaves and small, delicate flowers, these plants are a beauty to behold. Lily of the Valley is a perennial, growing up to 9 inches tall. Its flowers are white and it grows small red berries. However, some believe that the real beauty of the Lily of the Valley may lie in its therapeutic qualities. Lily of the Valley is originally native to Europe, where is was such a prized remedy that it was kept in containers made of gold or silver. Today Lily of the Valley can be found growing wild in North America and Asia.
Modern Uses: Lily of the valley has a long and proven reputation in herbal medicine in the treatment of heart complaints. It contains the glycosides convallarin and convallamarin which are powerful cardiac tonics and diuretics and are also used in allopathic medicine. However, because of the plants potential toxic properties it should never be used without expert advice. All parts of the plant are antispasmodic, cardiotonic, strongly diuretic, emetic, febrifuge, laxative and sedative. The German Commission E Monographs, a therapeutic guide to herbal medicine, approve Lily Of The Valley for arrhythmia, cardiac insufficiency, nervous heart complaints.
Warning: Not for use except under the supervision of an expert qualified in the appropriate use of this substance.
Uses: Cardiac tonic, valvular heart disease, urinary tract infections (UTIs), kidney stones, weak contractions in labor, epilepsy, fluid retention, strokes, eye infections (conjunctivitis), and leprosy.
Active Ingredients: Convallamarin, Convallarin, volatile oil, tannin,
Actions: Cardio-active, diuretic
Complementary herbs: Motherwort, Hawthorn