Herbs Guide

Convallaria

Family Name: Ruscaceae

Botanical Name(s): Convallaria majalis

Popular Name(s): Lily of the Valley, May Lily, May Bells, Conval Lily

Parts Used: The complete plant

Habitat: Convallaria is found in Asia, Europe and North America.

Description: Convallaria is an herbaceous perennial plant with stems that are sent up by rhizomes. The stems grow up to a height of 15-30 cm. Each stem possesses two leaves, 10-25 cm long and a raceme of 5-15 flowers on its apex. The flowers are generally white (rarely pink), bell-shaped and are 5-10 mm in diameter. Its fruits are small red berries with a diameter 5-7 mm.

Uses: Convallaria is used as a diuretic, laxative and mucilaginous substance. It is effective in curing dropsy, epilepsy, dizziness and convulsions.