LILY OF THE VALLEY HERB PLANT

Latin Name: Convallaria majalis

Alternate Names: May Lily, Our Lady's Tears, Jacobs Ladder

Family: LILIACEAE

Parts Used: Above ground portion, Root.

Properties: Antispasmodic, Cardiotonic, Diuretic, Emetic, Laxative, Purgative.

Internal Uses: Apoplexy, Coma, Epilepsy, Memory Loss, Mitral Insufficiency, Paralysis, Pulmonary Edema, Shock, Spasms, Speech Loss, Vertigo

Internal Applications: Tea, Tincture, Capsules.

Lily of the Valley increases the muscular action of the heart, yet slows the heart rate.  It has an action similar to that of Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea), but is considered less cumulative and safer.  It is a restorative to the brain and nerves.

Topical Applications: Flower water is used as a skin astringent, called aqua aurea, and is known for its lightening qualities.  Essential oil is used in perfume, but it is very costly and synthetics are often substituted.

Energetics: Sweet, Bitter, Neutral, Moist.

Chemical Constituents: Convallatoxin, convallatoxol, convallarin, convallamarin, convalluside, convallatoxloside, saponins, essential oil, citric and malic acid, flavonoids.

Contraindications: Potentially toxic.  Use only with guidance from a competent health professional.  Do not use for longer than ten days at a time.  Excess will cause gastrointestinal irritation.  Use about one third the amount that would be used of other herbs.

Comments: The genus name, Convallaria means 'of the valleys' in Latin.  Majalis, the species name, refers to the month of May, the time when this plant flowers.

Legend says that Lily of the Valley was given by Apollo to Aesculapius, God of Healing, as a gift.  An old folk tale about Lily of the Valley is that if one rubs the oil from the plant on the forehead it will impart common sense.  This beautiful and hardy flower is often used in bridal bouquets.

(c)1997 Hale Software, Inc.  Unauthorized reproduction prohibited.

MAIDENHAIR FERN HERB PLANT

Latin Name: Adiantum capillus-veneris

Alternate Names: Lady Fern, Venus Hair, Five Finger Fern, Rock Fern, Culantillo

Family: ADIANTACEAE

Parts Used: Leaves, root.

Properties: Antiparasitic, Astringent, Demulcent, Emmenagogue, Expectorant, Galactagogue, Hemostatic, Refrigerant, Tonic.

Internal Uses: Alcoholism, Amenorrhea, Asthma, Bronchitis, Catarrh, Congestion, Cough, Emphysema, Fever, Jaundice, Kidney Weakness, Laryngitis, Sore Throat, Worms

Internal Applications: Tea, Tincture, Capsules, Syrup.

Maidenhair Fern has been used to aid detoxification for alcoholics.  It stimulates the function of the mucus membranes and can help those who have lingering coughs and are always clearing their throats. 

Topical Uses: Dandruff, Insect Stings, Snakebites

Topical Applications: Wash for bee stings, centipede and snake bites. Hair rinse to give body to hair and to treat dandruff. The stems of the plant are used to make baskets. 

Culinary uses: Young shoots are edible in the spring when they are still tightly coiled.

Energetics: Sweet, Bitter, Cool.

Chemical Constituents: Filicine, filicinal, fernene, beta-sitosterol, stigmasterol, gallic acid, bitter principle (capillarine),  terpenoids (adiantone), flavonoids (rutin, quercitin), mucilage, tannin.

Contraindications: Ferns that are uncoiled are somewhat toxic when eaten.

Comments: The genus name, Adiantum is from the Greek Adiantos, meaning 'unwetted' as the leaves of this plant repel water even though the herb grows in a wet environment.  Ancient Mayans used it to decorate their altars for ceremonies.

The common name Maidenhair Fern also includes the species Adiantum pedatum, which is often used interchangeably with Adiantum capillus-veneris.

(c)1997 Hale Software, Inc.  Unauthorized reproduction prohibited.

MEADOWSWEET HERB PLANT

Latin Name: Filipendula ulmaria

Alternate Names: Queen Of The Meadow, Bridewort, Pride Of The Meadow, Spireae

Family: ROSACEAE

Parts Used: Above ground portion.

Properties: Analgesic, Antacid, Antiemetic, Anti-inflammatory, Antirheumatic, Urinary Antiseptic, Antispasmodic, Astringent, Diaphoretic, Diuretic, Febrifuge, Sedative, Stomach Tonic.

Internal Uses: Arteriosclerosis, Arthritis, Cellulitis, Cervicitis, Colds, Cystitis, Diarrhea, Dyspepsia, Edema, Epilepsy, Fever, Flu, Gastritis, Gout, Headache, Heartburn, Hyperacidity, Insomnia, Nausea, Pain, Prostatitis, Pulmonary Edema, Rheumatism, Ulcers, Urinary Infections, Vaginitis

Internal Applications: Tea, Tincture, Capsules. 

It is a mild antispasmodic and sedative.  Meadowsweet is a forerunner of aspirin as salicylic acid was first synthesized from Meadowsweet in 1835. It is gentler on the stomach than aspirin because Meadowsweet naturally contains buffering agents.  Meadowseet clears heat and reduces inflammation.  It soothes mucus membranes in the digestive tract and reduces acidity.

Topical Uses: Conjunctivitis, Eye Soreness, Rheumatism

Topical Applications: Eyewash for conjunctivitis and sore eyes. Compress for rheumatic joints.  Oil from buds used in perfume.  Flowers are soaked in rainwater as a complexion water.  The flowers are used as paint brushes.  Potpourri. 

Culinary uses: Flowers impart an almond fragrance to jam, stewed fruit and wine. Leaves are added to soups. The Shakers used this herb in beer brewing as it enabled them to use less sugar. 

Energetics: Bitter, Cool.

Chemical Constituents: Essential oil (salicyladehyde, methylsalicylate, hyperoside), salicylic acid, spireine, gaultherine, spiraeoside, flavonoids (rutin, spiraeoside), vanillin, glycoside, mucilage, tannin, coumarins, vitamin C.

Contraindications: Avoid if sensitive to salicylates, such as those in aspirin.

Comments: The name Meadowsweet is from an earlier name 'meadwort' as Meadowsweet has long been used to flavor mead. Meadowsweet was a sacred herb amongst the Druids.  In 1597, John Gerard said of Meadowsweet in his Herball, 'the smell therof makes the heart merry and joyful and delighteth the senses'.  It was used as a strewing herb during the reign of Elizabeth I. 

(c)1997 Hale Software, Inc.  Unauthorized reproduction prohibited.