Lily of the valley: medicinal properties and contraindications

Lily of the valley is familiar to many. This flower is distinguished by its beauty and unique fragrance. It is called one of the symbols of spring due to the fact that the flowering period falls in May. But not everyone knows that it is also used in folk medicine. With the right approach, it helps to cope with most diseases, but if handled carelessly, it can end up being fatal.

Preparations based on this plant began to be used in medicine since the end of the twentieth century. They are used to treat cardiovascular diseases. For example, they are administered intravenously for heart failure. Once inside, the medicine slows the heart rhythm, reduces shortness of breath, etc.

Chemical composition

Lily of the valley belongs to the plants that are used not only in folk medicine, but also in traditional medicine. The reason is its composition. Laboratory studies have shown that it contains essential oils, which give the plant that unique smell, polysaccharides, flavonoids and malic acid. It also contains glycosides (Convallatoxin and Convalloside) and alkaloids. In addition, it contains starch, citric acid and various coumarins.

Due to such an impressive list of elements, lily of the valley is successfully used to treat certain diseases, especially the heart.

What does it look like and where does it grow?

It is one of the most famous and beautiful flowers. The plant has 2-3 leaves, the base of which is almost at the roots. The leaves are dark green in color and oblong in shape. The main stem of the plant, which is between the leaves, has bell-shaped flowers. Their number can vary from 5 to 20 pieces. The plant itself is not tall and rarely reaches even 30 cm. The flowers are characterized by a special characteristic fragrance, which is a symbol of spring for many.

The flowering period is short, usually 2-3 weeks. The lower flowers begin to bloom earlier than the others. The beginning of flowering occurs at different latitudes at different times, depending on the air temperature.

Fruits also appear on lily of the valley. They are red in color and up to 9 mm in diameter. Inside the fruit is hollow and has three chambers, in each of which there are seeds. By the onset of summer, the berries usually have time to form. They make up the diet of some birds, despite the poisonous nature of the plant as a whole for humans and animals.

This flower is not particularly fastidious. It knows how to adapt to different conditions and grows even in Siberia, but it is mainly found in places with a temperate climate, throughout Europe, on the mountain slopes of Asia and in the northern part of America. In its natural habitat, this flower grows in forests, often found on the edges of coniferous, deciduous and mixed forests. It can also be found in meadows, on mountain slopes and near rivers. Uncontrolled collection led to the plant being listed in the Red Book.

Gathering and storage

For medicinal purposes, go for the raw material in May-June. It is during this period that the flowers blossom, which are most often used for treatment. After the beginning of flowering, they have the highest amount of biologically active substances. Leaves can be harvested 15-20 days before flowering.

To avoid the death of the plant, you need to cut the raw material with a knife 2-3 cm from the ground. It is better to dry on the day of collection, because if the raw material withers, there will be a cleavage of glycosides and the therapeutic properties will be weaker.

Since lily of the valley is listed in the Red Book, you must follow certain rules when collecting the plant. First and most importantly - in the same place to collect the raw material is allowed no more than once every three years. Also it is necessary to harvest flowers in limited quantities. In order not to disturb the ecosystem, you should keep a distance of 70-100 cm between the cut plants.

It is also important to remember that the collection of medicinal raw materials should be made only in sunny weather. It will be ideal if a few days before the collection there was some rain. Also, you should not collect plants that grow along highways and in the city limits.

It is best to use dryers with forced ventilation. During the harvesting of raw materials you need to keep the temperature inside the dryer at 55-60 degrees. You can spread the raw material and in a heated room, but then you will have to open windows to have access to air. You will also need to stir the raw material from time to time.

Once the leaves and petioles become brittle, the raw material has dried enough. The smell of the dried plant is much weaker than the fresh one, and it tastes bitter. The medicinal properties of the plant are preserved for two years in paper bags. You can also store in wooden boxes if you line them with white paper.

Lily of the valley medicinal properties

Lily of the valley leaves have a soothing effect when taken orally. Externally they can heal wounds more quickly. The leaves of this flower are used to make preparations for the treatment of neuroses, problems with the heart and blood vessels, as well as the thyroid gland. The substances contained in the leaves of the plant can treat some eye diseases and epilepsy. Infusion of lily of the valley leaves has a restorative effect, increases the body's vitality and protects it from viruses and bacteria.

Lily of the valley flowers relieve headaches and strengthen the nervous system. They are even used to treat paralysis. Very often inhaled powder of lily of the valley flowers. This method of application helps cure colds or migraines. Often it is used in phytotherapy, where the flower often becomes a component of various collections.

Lily of the valley in folk medicine

In folk medicine, lily of the valley is often used as an anti-inflammatory and diuretic. It increases the amount of salts excreted from the body. It is also used to treat diseases of the throat and heart, especially tachycardia.

In England, lily of the valley is used to strengthen the immune system and prevent viral diseases. Infusions and decoctions are drunk for headaches and nervous system disorders.

When glaucoma

An infusion of lily of the valley and nettle leaves is used to treat this disease. Require 1 tsp. lily of the valley leaves and a third of a cup of nettle leaves. Grind the herbs thoroughly, then mix and pour a glass of boiled water. Cover the glass and put in a dark place for 9 hours. Then add to the infusion 1/2 tsp. soda. Stir the mixture thoroughly and apply to the eyes twice a day. The effectiveness of the remedy will be much higher if used for the treatment of raw materials collected in May.

When neuroses

Use this recipe only after consulting a doctor. To treat neuroses and to keep the heart healthy with malformations, a tincture of lily of the valley flowers is used. A glass bottle should be filled with flowers on 1/3. Then pour into the bottle alcohol 95-97%. Bottle tightly corked and put in a dark place. Insist for 14 days, shaking the mixture once a week. At the output liquid should be clear, with a yellowish tinge. She has a bitter taste, but a pleasant aroma. Drink three times a day, 10 drops of tincture, diluted with 1 tbsp. water, after meals.

Insomnia

Many people suffer from this ailment. The causes of insomnia are many, but most often it provokes stress, problems at work or adverse environmental conditions. Infusion of lily of the valley flowers from ancient times to improve sleep. You need 1 tbsp. dried flowers of lily of the valley. Pour a glass of boiling water and leave to infuse for 10 hours in a thermos. Take 1-2 tbsp. spoons three times a day.

When hypertension

In order to lower blood pressure, a tincture should be used. Since it takes quite a long time to make it, it is advisable to stock up on the medicine in advance. It is necessary to count 25-30 dried flowers, then crush them and mix them in a glass container with one glass of vodka. Close the container tightly and put in a dark place for a week.

Once the tincture is ready, strain it thoroughly, then drink once a day at 15 drops, previously diluted with water. Take the medicine until the pressure is normalized, but it is recommended to take breaks from time to time, because it is a dangerous remedy.

In epilepsy

Tincture of wine is used to treat epilepsy. To prepare it, you need to take a small amount of fresh lily of the valley flowers (20-30), then rinse them thoroughly and dry them, spreading them on a soft towel for 30-40 minutes. Next, grind the flowers with a wooden pestle.

Mix the flowers with wine in a glass bottle in the proportion 1:10. Then add honey to the wine. For 0.5 l of tincture you will need 3 tablespoons of honey. You can also put an additional 1-2 tbsp. crushed melissa for this volume of tincture. Tincture cover tightly and put in a dark place for 2 weeks.

Ready to take medication three times a day by 1 tsp.

With pain in the joints

Pain in the joints often afflict the elderly. Often young people also suffer from them, but alcohol tinctures can relieve inflammation and pain in a short time. The tincture can also relieve swelling. For preparation you will need fresh flowers of lily of the valley, they must be crushed and grinded, then mixed with vodka in a ratio of 1:10. Close the lid tightly and put in a dark place for 2 weeks.

To treat joints, the tincture is used externally. Requires a soft cloth, it must be folded in 4 times, then soaked in tincture. Apply to the painful place for 1-2 hours. It is recommended to additionally tie the lotion with a soft woolen cloth. It is desirable to put a lotion twice a day - in the morning and in the evening.

Also a good result shows rubbing with lily of the valley tincture. Every 8 hours you need to rub the sore spot, and then wrap it with a warm cloth.

In diseases of the heart.

Folk medicine has long used lily of the valley tincture to treat heart disease. Most often, the tincture is made from a collection, which additionally includes other herbs. However, it should be remembered that there are a number of restrictions on the use of this plant, associated with heart disease. For example, with problems with the myocardium to use tincture of lily of the valley is strictly prohibited. Therefore, you can drink it only with the permission of a doctor.

To prepare the collection, which will be the basis of the tincture, will be required:

• fresh flowers of lily of the valley;
• dried inflorescences of hawthorn;
• motherwort;
• Wild carrot seeds.

Mix the plants in the proportion 2:2:1:1. For example, 50 g of lily of the valley flowers will need the same amount of hawthorn inflorescence and 25 g of motherwort with carrot seeds. Ingredients thoroughly crush and mix. Pour the mixture into a glass container and mix with vodka in a ratio of 1:5. Close the lid tightly and put in a dark place for 14 days.

Once the tincture is ready, filter it thoroughly. To do this, you can use folded gauze in half. Take 15-20 drops diluted with water, 2-3 times a day.

Types of medicinal compositions

When preparing any medicine, it is important to remember that this is a dangerous plant. Lily of the valley does not forgive amateurism, because it is a poisonous plant. It is not necessary to prescribe a treatment on its own, before using it, it is definitely worth consulting a doctor. If the doctor allows the use of medicines based on lily of the valley, in no case should violate the dosage.

Infusion .

Infusion is a very effective remedy. In addition, it is easy to prepare and does not need to stand for weeks. Usually enough from 1 to 8 hours of infusion until the drug is ready. The infusion is used to treat insomnia and heart problems. It can also help with hypertension, eye disease. The infusion has diuretic and anti-inflammatory effects, it is often used to treat diseases of the genitourinary system.

To prepare an infusion requires 1 tbsp. dried leaves or flowers of the plant. Pour boiling water and leave in a thermos for 9-10 hours. Strain the ready remedy and use 2 tablespoons a day.

There is a faster recipe for an infusion. Require 1 tsp. lily of the valley flowers, it should be pour a glass of boiling water and infused 30-40 minutes. Ready to use 1 dessert spoon three times a day.

Tincture .

Tincture is considered one of the most effective medicines based on lily of the valley. It is recommended to use in diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, tachycardia, heart failure, paralysis, problems with the genitourinary system. In the old days, healers greatly valued tincture based on lily of the valley for its properties. They mixed the raw material with alcohol in the proportion of 1:10, made tinctures on the basis of the collection with lily of the valley. In addition to this flower, the collection included valerian, motherwort or melissa. These herbs are also useful for the body and perfectly complement each other. A collection of herbs is much more effective than one plant and allows additional treatment of insomnia, atherosclerosis, thyroid disease.

Prepare a tincture in alcohol is not difficult. Requires only the raw material, a glass jar and alcohol. Fill a half-liter jar with fresh lily of the valley flowers by a third. Then pour alcohol to the edge of the jar. Depending on the strength of alcohol will be more or less concentrated initial product. In some cases you may need 90% pure alcohol, but the classic recipe calls for the use of alcohol 65-70% strength. Close the jar tightly with a lid, then put it in a dark place for 2 weeks. At least once every 7 days shake the jar well. Take ready-made cure no more than 3 times a day for 10-15 drops, which should be diluted with a third of a glass of water.

Decoction

Decoctions are often used as lotions for rheumatism or glaucoma, but, unlike infusions and tinctures, are used less frequently. A compress can relieve pain, and in the case of glaucoma, it can lower the pressure inside the eye. Decoction is also an effective remedy for headaches. It is used as an antiviral drug and in menopause.

Decoctions of leaves or flowers of lily of the valley have a pronounced diuretic effect, so they are often used to treat kidney and urogenital diseases.

To prepare the broth should take 15 grams of dried lily of the valley leaves. Pour a glass of boiling water, then boil on a water bath for another 15-20 minutes. Drink the remedy for 2 tsp. 2-3 times a day.

Decoction can also be prepared from the flowers of the plant. You need 15 grams of dried flowers, pour a glass of hot water, then put on a water bath for half an hour. Then remove the broth from the heat, cool and strain. Drink 2 tablespoons twice a day.

Tea

Lily of the valley tea is an excellent restorative and relaxing remedy. It helps to fight insomnia and calms the nervous system. It is recommended for depression. In addition, the tea is good for the cardiovascular system, adding other herbs to it, you can strengthen the immune system before the coming cold weather.

To make the tea, you will need only 3-4 flowers per 200 ml of liquid. Brew the tea directly in a cup by pouring boiling water. Insist it for about 10 minutes, then take out the flowers. Then put sugar to taste and drink instead of regular tea. Despite the small dosage, it is not recommended that it completely replace regular tea. A day will be enough for 1-2 cups. It is especially effective to drink such tea before going to bed, it can help you fall asleep faster. You can additionally increase its effectiveness by adding melissa or a slice of lemon, which will help to strengthen the immunity.

Lily of the valley: properties and uses

Lily of the valley oil is obtained by distillation of flowers and leaves with water and steam. It is almost colorless, but has a faint yellow hue, and the consistency is liquid, with almost no viscosity. The finished product has a pronounced aroma of lily of the valley flowers, it also has hints of green grass scent. It has a toning and nourishing effect, has a rejuvenating effect. Lily of the valley oil moistens dry skin and has a positive effect on human emotion.

The main fields of application of lily of the valley oil are perfumery and cosmetology. It is often part of the most popular floral fragrances. Its aroma is especially harmoniously combined with rose or jasmine.

In cosmetology it is used for skin care. The oil can not only moisturize and tone the skin, but also improve its regenerative properties. Lily of the valley oil restores skin's natural color and helps to eliminate wrinkles. It is also used to combat pigment spots and pustular skin lesions that are caused by microorganisms. The oil is able to accelerate wound healing, it is often used for dermatitis and other skin diseases, it relieves inflammation. Often lily of the valley oil becomes a component of anti-aging therapy.

In conventional medicine, it is practically not used. But it can help people with severe headaches or muscle pain. With this purpose the lily of the valley oil is used topically, it helps to dilate the blood vessels, thereby reducing the intensity of pain.

Used lily of the valley oil in aromatherapy because of its tonic effect. It helps to relax a person, relieves anxiety and stress. The fragrance is able to enhance human mental abilities and increase physical endurance. The oil has a favorable effect on the human nervous system and helps to fight insomnia. Very often the aroma of the essence is used for meditation.

In addition, lily of the valley oil is used for massage. It relaxes muscles, improves blood circulation, and helps relieve muscle pain.

Lily of the valley oil can be used only for external application. Intake even in small doses can lead to severe intoxication of the body, and in some cases can be fatal.

Cosmetic applications

Lily of the valley oil is frequently used in cosmetology. At home, its use is less common, because you can not squeeze it yourself. However, you can find a ready-made raw material, but use it with caution. Too high a concentration of lily of the valley essential oil can leave burns on the skin. Also some people are allergic to this product, and its use can lead to unfortunate consequences.

Lily of the valley oil is an integral part of many skin care products. For example, it is added to hand cream. But you can add the oil to your cosmetic supplies yourself. The recommended dose is 4-5 drops at a time. It can be added to shampoo, hand cream or face cream. For too thick hair, up to 7 drops of essential oil may be added.

Essential oil can be used to make a face and hair mask. Its preparation will require 1 egg yolk, 1 tablespoon of honey and 2 drops of oil. Ingredients should be thoroughly mixed, then apply to the face and hair. Hold the mask for no more than 25 minutes.

You can make an excellent facial tonic with essential oil. It is necessary to mix in equal proportions green tea, chamomile and sage, pour them in boiling water, infuse a little, then take 30 ml. of infusion, add there no more than 2 drops of essential oil and 1-2 tablespoons of aloe juice. The composition is very carefully applied to clean skin overnight, and in the morning rinse with slightly warm water.

Common decoction of lily of the valley can also be used for hair. However, you need to handle it with care. Diluted with water decoction should be rinsed through the hair after washing the head. This can bring back the lost volume, as well as strengthen the roots.

Contraindications to use

About the use of lily of the valley should be forgotten by people suffering from myocardial problems. Also, it should not be used by pregnant women, nursing mothers and children. They are forbidden to use lily of the valley even for external use. Refuse to use it at exacerbation of chronic diseases, liver pathologies and cardiosclerosis.

Never use lily of the valley with individual intolerance, even as a rubbing. Outside use can lead to burns, even with compliance with the dosage, and internally - to a severe allergic reaction and death.

With the competent use of lily of the valley side effects are not terrible, but if the dosage is exceeded there may be nausea, vomiting, diarrhea. In some cases, fainting is possible.

Interesting facts about lily of the valley

1. The benefits of lily of the valley are undeniable, they are often used not only in folk medicine, but also in traditional medicine. Due to intensive collection, their number decreases every year. They have been included in the Red Book as an endangered species.
2. In Holland, there is a tradition that newlyweds should plant lilies of the valley in their garden after the wedding. The tradition is followed if they have a private garden.
3. Lily of the valley is a poisonous plant, but during World War I, field medics used it as an antidote for gas poisoning.
4. The lily of the valley is believed to be a monotypic genus. There is one species of lily of the valley, the May lily, but depending on climatic conditions, new varieties may appear and grow into separate subspecies. They have practically no differences from the lily of the May lily of the valley. One of such species is considered mountain lily of the valley, its only difference from the May lily of the valley is slightly enlarged leaves.
5. Almost everyone loves the scent of lily of the valley, this pleasant smell is impossible to confuse with anything. Therefore, it is not surprising that this plant is also used to make perfume. From it is made essential oil, which gives it that fragrance, then perfume. However, the flower does not contain much essential oil, so manufacturers often synthesize it artificially.
6. In Paris, the first Sunday in May is considered lily of the valley day. On this day, the demand for this plant increases. They are sent in huge quantities from the provinces to the city, where they are distributed in stores. People give these plants to each other, and when the flower withers, they keep it in the house. This tradition goes far back in time, at that time it was believed that the lily of the valley had magical properties. Nowadays it is believed that this flower brings good luck and happiness.
7. In the 1960s, Finland declared the lily of the valley its national flower.
8. In medicine, Zelenin drops are widely used. They include a tincture of lily of the valerian and belladonna with metol. They are used to treat neuroses of the heart.
9. Copernicus is known to people as an astronomer, but few know that he was a very skilled healer. Some ancient portraits show him with a bouquet of lily of the valley in his hands. Also at one time the lily of the valley was depicted on the emblem of doctors.
10. In olden times in France, there was a custom whereby a man, asking a girl to dance, gave her a bouquet of lily of the valley. If she accepted the bouquet from his hands, it meant that she agreed not only to dance, but also to start a romantic relationship. Throwing the bouquet at the giver's feet was considered an expression of maximum dislike.
11. All parts of the plant were considered poisonous to humans. Moreover, the effect of poisoning can manifest itself even because of the smell, so you can not leave a bouquet of flowers in the room at night. Yes, and the day is undesirable to keep too long bouquet in the room.
12. Wedding bouquets are often made of lily of the valley. This flower symbolizes the purity of the bride and her pure intentions.

Photo of lily of the valley