ABOUT LILY OF THE VALLEY (CONVALLARIA MAJALIS)

Mid-May is the time, when the smell of lily of the valley spreads all over the markets and flower shops. The other names of the plant are May lily, May bells, Mary’s tears or Our lady’s tears. May lily commonly grows throughout Europe, the Caucasus, in Asia Minor, in China and North America. Keep in mind that all the parts of the plant are poisonous. Even a small amount may cause serious side effects. But this herb is effectively used in medicine.

HOW TO USE LILY OF THE VALLEY

In folk medicine only flowers and leaves are used. Lily of the valley is also used to make solution for injections and drops in official medicine. It helps to treat heart failure and abnormal heart rhythms. This herb contains of about a dozen types of glycosides. Other components are starch, organic acids, steroidal saponins, sugar, asparagine, flavonoids and some other substances. Speaking about the benefits of glycosides, it must be noticed that they tend to have a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system, in the first place.

TINCTURES, REMEDIES and RECIPES from LILY OF THE VALLEY

In folk medicine the tincture of the May lily flowers is highly used. The way of cooking is very easy.

LILY OF THE VALLEY TINCTURE

Put fresh flowers in a glass bowl to half volume. Fill the bottle with vodka to and leave for two weeks. Strain. Take 10-15 drops with water.