Plinth et al.. (2014). Herbaceous perennial. Retrieved from: http://plinthetal.com/tag/herbaceous-perennial/
Botanical Name: Convallaria majus
Common name: Lily of the Valley (Hoffmann, 1990, p. 211)
Family: Liliaceae (Hoffmann, 1990, p. 211)
Parts used: Dried Leaves (Hoffmann, 1990, p. 211)
Constituents: Cardiac glycosides (incl. convallatoxin and convallatoxol); saponins (incl. convallarin and convallaric acid); asparagin; flavonoids; essential oil and farnesol (Hoffmann, 1990, p. 211)
Actions
- Cardio-active (Hoffmann, 1990, p. 211)
- Diuretic (Hoffmann, 1990, p. 211)
Hoffmann describes Convallaria as a valuble heart remedy with an action equivilant to Digitalis without the potential toxic effects, however should only be used under qualified supervision (1990, p. 211)
*Traditional Indications
- Heart failure (Hoffmann, 1990, p. 211)
- Water retention (oedema) of heart (Hoffmann, 1990, p. 211)
- Congestive heart conditions (Hoffmann, 1990, p. 211)
Combinations: Traditionally combines with Motherwort and Hawthorn (Hoffmann, 1990, p. 211)
Cautions & Contraindications: Cardiac glycosides tend to accumulate in the body, which can be both beneficial and dangerous (Hoffmann, 2003, p. 501)
*THIS HERB IS SCHEDULED