A perennial plant that produces small, whitish cluster of flowers along a pair of large elliptical leaves; a hardy plant with slender and creeping properties; a generally lovely flowering-plant that blossoms from the months of May to June, these are some of the characteristics of the valuable herb — Lily-of-the-valley (Convallaria majalis). Also known as our-lady’s-tears, may lily, ladder-to-heaven and lily convalle, it has been recognized to symbolize Virgin Mary and has been subjected to traditional legends and herbal misconception in the past. However, apart from its physical wonders, it has also demonstrated effective results as an herbal medicine.
A number of illnesses are said to have been relieved by lily-of-the-valley. An example of these illnesses is anal fissure, a rip along the anal canal. This condition causes excruciating pain coming from the anal area – the external opening of the rectum, where feces pass through. When an affected person is constipated, a bloody discharge may transpire. Depending on the extent of the fissure, he or she may undergo surgery. However, for acute conditions, many home remedies are adopted. Among these, the use of herbs is commonly employed.
The entire lily-of-the-valley plant can be utilized as an herbal medicine, from the roots up to its leaves and flowers. Fresh leaf is the most potent ingredient. All parts have emetic, cardiotonic, antispasmodic, febrifuge, sedative, laxative and strong diuretic properties. Acting as laxative, this aids in soothing a fissure patient, given that this property induces bowel activity and softens stool.
Preparation must be supervised by practitioners in the medical or herbal field because the plant contains toxic properties. Contraindications have been observed when consumed with other drugs and if taken in high dosage thus, necessary research should be done before proceeding.
Generally, lily-of-the-valley could be consumed through supplement, tea and tincture. The flowers are usually harvested and dried if one intends to use the herb at a later time. Fresh ones are stronger, though. Infusion of flowers and roots is normally prepared. Leaves and the plant as a whole could be used as tincture.
A variety of capsules and tablets are now available in the market. These could be used as vitamins, given that proper quantity was prescribed and supervised.
A decoction of the leaves, flowers and roots is also doable. All that has to be done is to boil these parts with water. Common measurement used for leaf tea is around 60 to 200 mg of dried leaves to a glass of water. However, depending on the fissure’s extent and an herbalist’s recommendation, the standard dosage, whether tea will be extracted from leaves, flowers or roots, varies.
For tincture, around three-fourths of a clean container should be filled with freshly collected flowers. Container should be a 0.5 to 1 liter glass jar. Then, add 70% alcohol. Tightly seal the container at room temperature, and place in a dark room. After 2 weeks, strain the remaining solid fragments. Standard dosage is 10-15 drops, twice or thrice daily.
Lily-of-the-valley has been considered a potential remedy for anal fissure. Necessary precautions though, should always be kept in mind for successful outcomes.
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