Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis)

---

Botanical Information

• Family: Liliaceae (Asparagaceae in some classifications)
• Common Names: Lily of the Valley, May Lily
• Parts Used: Aerial parts (leaves and flowers), rhizome (rarely)

---

Description

Convallaria majalis is a low-growing, perennial herbaceous plant native to Europe and North America, known for its sweetly scented white bell-shaped flowers. Despite its beauty, Lily of the Valley contains cardiac glycosides that affect heart function, making it both medicinally valuable and potentially toxic.

---

Historical and Traditional Uses

• Used since medieval times as a heart tonic and diuretic.
• Historically applied for heart failure, arrhythmia, and fluid retention.
• Employed in folk medicine as a remedy for dizziness, epilepsy, and nervous conditions.

---

Constituents

• Cardiac glycosides (convallatoxin, convallarin)
• Flavonoids
• Saponins
• Essential oils

---

Actions

• Cardiotonic (supports heart function)
• Diuretic
• Antiarrhythmic
• Nervine (calms the nervous system)
• Mild sedative

---

Medicinal Uses

1. Cardiovascular Health:
Traditionally used to support heart function, similar to digitalis, but with a milder effect and lower risk of toxicity accumulation.

2. Diuretic Support:
Stimulates urine production, reducing fluid retention and mild hypertension.

3. Nervous System Support:
Historically used to alleviate nervous tension, headaches, and mild seizures.

4. Edema and Circulatory Conditions:
Used in herbal medicine to reduce swelling associated with congestive heart failure.

---

Preparation and Dosage

⚠ Due to its potency and toxicity, Convallaria majalis should only be used under medical supervision.

Tincture (Medical Use Only):

• 2-5 drops under strict professional guidance.

Homeopathic Preparation:

• Used in microdoses for heart rhythm regulation and nervous disorders.

---

Precautions and Contraindications

• Toxic in High Doses: Can cause nausea, vomiting, confusion, and irregular heartbeat.
• Pregnancy and Lactation: Not recommended.
• Heart Medications: Should not be combined with other cardiac glycosides (e.g., digitalis).
• Medical Supervision Required: Never self-medicate with Lily of the Valley.

---

Symptoms of Poisoning

• Nausea and vomiting
• Weakness and confusion
• Bradycardia (slow heart rate)
• Arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat)
• Severe cases may result in cardiac arrest

---

Energetics (Traditional Medicine Perspectives)

• Traditional European Herbalism: Cooling and drying; used for circulation and nervous system conditions.
• Homeopathy: Used in extreme dilution for heart conditions and nervous disorders.

---

Harvesting and Storage

• Harvesting: Leaves and flowers collected in early bloom.
• Drying: Air dry in a shaded, well-ventilated area.
• Storage: Store dried material in an airtight container away from children and pets.

---

Modern Research

Studies confirm Convallaria majalis’s benefits as a cardiotonic and diuretic, though its high potency necessitates strict dosing control.

---

⚠ Lily of the Valley is a potent medicinal herb that should only be used in professional clinical settings due to its toxicity risks.