LILLY OF THE VALLEY

Latin Name: Convallaria majalis

Alternate Names: May Lily, Our Lady's Tears, Jacobs Ladder

Family: LILIACEAE

Parts Used: Above ground portion, Root.

Properties: Antispasmodic, Cardiotonic, Diuretic, Emetic, Laxative, Purgative.

Internal Uses: Apoplexy, Coma, Epilepsy, Memory Loss, Mitral Insufficiency, Paralysis, Pulmonary Edema, Shock, Spasms, Speech Loss, Vertigo

Internal Applications: Tea, Tincture, Capsules.
Lily of the Valley increases the muscular action of the heart, yet slows the heart rate. It has an action similar to that of Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea), but is considered less cumulative and safer. It is a restorative to the brain and nerves.

Topical Applications: Flower water is used as a skin astringent, called aqua aurea, and is known for its lightening qualities. Essential oil is used in perfume, but it is very costly and synthetics are often substituted.

Energetics: Sweet, Bitter, Neutral, Moist.

Chemical Constituents: Convallatoxin, convallatoxol, convallarin, convallamarin, convalluside, convallatoxloside, saponins, essential oil, citric and malic acid, flavonoids.

Contraindications: Potentially toxic. Use only with guidance from a competent health professional. Do not use for longer than ten days at a time. Excess will cause gastrointestinal irritation. Use about one third the amount that would be used of other herbs.

Comments: The genus name, Convallaria means 'of the valleys' in Latin. Majalis, the species name, refers to the month of May, the time when this plant flowers.
Legend says that Lily of the Valley was given by Apollo to Aesculapius, God of Healing, as a gift. An old folk tale about Lily of the Valley is that if one rubs the oil from the plant on the forehead it will impart common sense. This beautiful and hardy flower is often used in bridal bouquets.