Convallaria majalis

Convallaria majalis
Family:Convallaria majalis; Antispasmodic; Cardiotonic; Diuretic; Emetic; Febrifuge; Laxative; Poultice; Sedative.
Common name:Lily of the valley
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 plant is usually harvested when in flower and can be dried for later use though it is stronger acting when fresh. The inflorescence is said to be the most active medicinally and is often harvested separately. An infusion of the flowers and roots is a digitalis substitute (obtained from Digitalis species) though less powerful that is especially useful in the treatment of valvula heart diseases cardiac debility dropsy and chronic lung problems such as emphysema. Lily of the valley encourages the heart to beat more slowly regularly and efficiently at the same time it is strongly diuretic reducing blood volume and lowering blood pressure. Its effect is less cumulative than digitalis which makes it safer for elderly patients. It is often prescribed combined with the fruits of Crataegus spp. An ointment made from the roots is used in the treatment of burns and to prevent scar tissue.

Herbal Database

01.01.2005 02:29 []