May lily of the valley- Convallaria majalis L. - perennial herbaceous plant from the lily of the valley family (Convallariaceae) with a horizontal thin rhizome. The aerial part of the plant is up to 30 cm high, consists of 2-3 basal leaves and a leafless triangular flower arrow emerging from the axil of the innermost leaf.
The leaves are bright green, oblong-elliptical, up to 20 cm long and up to 8 cm wide. Their elongated sheaths are located inside each other so that a formation similar to a stem is obtained. It is called “false stem”.
The flower arrow ends in a one-sided loose inflorescence-tassel of 6-20 flowers. The flowers are fragrant, very beautiful, suspended on arched stalks. The perianth is simple, corolla-shaped, white, bell-shaped, with 6 teeth bent outward at the top. Stamens 6. Pistil with superior ovary. It blooms in April - June, the fruits ripen in August - September. The fruit is a spherical red-orange berry with light, round-ovoid seeds.
Plants grown from seeds bloom in the seventh year of life. In addition to the seed, lily of the valley has a well-defined vegetative propagation with the help of rhizomes, so it often forms thickets.
Spread of lily of the valley
May lily of the valley is widespread in the temperate zone of the Northern Hemisphere: in Eurasia and North America. Common in many areas of European Russia and Siberia. In the Far East there is a closely related species, the Keiske lily of the valley (Convallaria keiskei Miq.), considered by many taxonomists as a variety of the May lily of the valley. Lily of the valley is a forest plant, grows in light forests, forest ravines, on forest edges and clearings, and there is no person who would pass by these beautiful and fragrant flowers indifferently.
Lily of the valley was introduced into cultivation as an ornamental plant back in the 16th century. For cultivation in flower beds, garden large-flowered forms, varieties with pink and double flowers, and also with variegated yellow-green leaves were bred.
Economic use of lily of the valley
Lily of the valley is a wonderful ornamental plant. Its flowers are distinguished by their exquisite shape and color, and have a unique strong smell. Mostly wild lily of the valley is collected for bouquets, which causes significant damage to its natural populations. Lily of the valley flowers are a valuable raw material for the perfume industry. By distilling fresh flowers, perfumers obtain essential oil, which is used to prepare original perfumes.
But especially a lot of lily of the valley is collected for pharmaceutical needs. More often the grass is used whole with flowers and leaves.
Features of the preparation of medicinal raw materials of lily of the valley
The above-ground part of the lily of the valley is collected during the budding and flowering of plants. It is cut with a knife, scissors or sickle 3-5 cm from the soil surface. Plants need to be cut and not plucked, since even with careful plucking, the buds on the rhizomes are inevitably damaged, and vegetative regeneration and reproduction in lily of the valley is of great importance for the preservation of the thickets.
To prepare various herbal medicines, three types of lily of the valley raw materials are used: grass, separately leaves and separately flowers (more precisely, inflorescences together with the upper part of the flower arrow). When preparing, you need to immediately decide what type of raw material is needed. If leaves and flowers separately are needed, then fresh raw materials are disassembled into parts before drying and dried separately. If you plan to use grass, then the entire prepared mass is dried together.
For drying, lily of the valley raw materials are laid out on a clean bedding in a thin layer. Dry in ventilated areas (often in living rooms), trying to carefully turn the raw materials daily, as they easily turn black and lose their presentation. Drying in the sun is completely unacceptable, since the sun's rays destroy the cardiac glycosides contained in lily of the valley.
Dried lily of the valley flowers and leaves can be stored in a dry place for 2 years. You can also use fresh grass, but it cannot be stored for a long time without preserving it with alcohol.
Medicinal value of lily of the valley and methods of therapeutic use
Since ancient times, lily of the valley has been used in folk medicine of different nations. To introduce any drug into scientific medical practice, theoretical developments and their practical confirmation are necessary. And at the end of the 19th century in Russia, N.P. Bogoyavlensky first began studying the medicinal properties of lily of the valley in the clinic of the famous Russian doctor S.P. Botkin. Since that time, medicines from lily of the valley have been used in scientific medicine. They are included in the State Pharmacopoeia of Russia and a number of other countries.
Lily of the valley is a universal favorite among many peoples; it was revered as a symbol of spring, joy, fidelity, tenderness, and the most beautiful human feelings. Dedicated to him poetic works, fairy tales and legends were written about him.
The flower symbolized belonging to the medical class. Many painted and engraved portraits of the 16th-18th centuries have survived, depicting doctors with a lily of the valley flower in their hand. Among them are portraits of the great astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus, who was also an excellent medical practitioner.
Lily of the valley preparations are used to treat various heart diseases. The active ingredients are cardiac glycosides: convallatoxin, convallaside, etc. Lily of the valley glycosides normalize the activity of the heart and blood circulation and have a general calming effect.
Many have been developed dosage forms from lily of the valley raw materials, starting with ampoule solutions and ending with simple herbal medicines. They are prescribed for neuroses, heart defects, cardiosclerosis, heart failure, tachycardia, etc. Preparations from lily of the valley reduce and at the same time increase heart contractions and increase urination. In patients, shortness of breath decreases, pain goes away, cyanosis and swelling disappear. Extracts from lily of the valley raw materials are an integral part of many well-known medicines: valocormid, Zelenin drops and others that act directly on the heart.
Caution in dosage and accuracy in indications are required, so any self-medication is fraught with serious danger to the health (and even to the life itself) of the patient.
The raw materials of the Far Eastern Keiske lily of the valley are used to obtain heart medicines along with the raw materials of the May lily of the valley. But the original independent drug convaflavin, which is the sum of flavonoids in tablets, was also obtained from the aerial part (grass) of this plant. It has a choleretic and antispasmodic effect and is prescribed for diseases of the liver and biliary tract.
The Latin name for lily of the valley is lily of the valley. In Rus', lily of the valley was called: shirt, lily of the valley, mytna grass, hare ears, vannik, gladysh, voronets.
In Rus', lily of the valley has always been a popular medicine. They wrote about his tincture: “it is more valuable than precious gold and is good for all ailments.”
Lily of the valley was used for heart disease, epilepsy, dropsy, and eye diseases.
In an old herbal book we read:
“There is a bitter herb that grows in dark dense forests, a leaf on each side, among them the color is white, six inches tall. Pound and drink with nettle or mint herbs or buttercups for mortal hernia, if your eyes hurt.”
An infusion was prepared at home at the rate of 2-6 g of flowers per 1 glass of water and taken 1 tablespoon 3 times a day.
In England, an infusion of lily of the valley flowers in water called “golden water” was used for a long time for nervous disorders and headaches. This name comes from the fact that the infusion was sold in gilded or silver-plated bottles,
In Western European countries, Hartmann's water was considered an effective remedy for paralysis. To prepare it, lily of the valley flowers were collected before sunrise, while they were still covered with dew. For a runny nose and headache, they used “Schneeber snuff,” consisting of fine lily of the valley powder and chestnut seed powder. In Bulgaria, lily of the valley is used for cardiac neuroses in older women, for muscle inflammation, physical fatigue, as well as for diseases affecting the heart. A decoction of lily of the valley is used to make baths for rheumatism.
Ancient German herbalists also recommended lily of the valley flowers infused with wine for paralysis. Lily of the valley is an old remedy for epilepsy.
Lily of the valley water (the recipe was described at the beginning of the 18th century).
Take lily of the valley flower, infuse it with white wine, strain and take 1 teaspoon once or twice, as needed. Restores speech to tongue-tied people, heals gout, relieves heart pain and strengthens memory. Put the flower in a glass container, crush it tightly, stick it in the anthill and leave it like that for a month, then take it out; then you will see that the flowers have released juice, and store it in a bottle; useful for both sick and healthy men, as well as women.
For angina pectoris and cardiosclerosis, crush lily of the valley flowers tightly into a half-liter bottle until half full. Top up with alcohol or vodka. Bury in the ground for 10 days. Take from 5 to 15 drops, increasing, adding a drop daily.
Contraindications
Although lily of the valley preparations do not have a cumulative property, an overdose is dangerous, as with other cardiac drugs. In case of an overdose, extrasystole, heart rhythm disturbances, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, tinnitus and other signs of poisoning are possible. In this case, gastric lavage is one of the methods of providing first aid.
By the way, a carelessly thrown away bouquet of lily of the valley can cause poisoning of farm animals.
It is undesirable to use lily of the valley preparations for gastritis and acute diseases liver and kidneys. Korglykon is contraindicated in organic changes heart and blood vessels, with acute myocarditis, endocarditis, with severe cardiosclerosis.
Lily of the valley is ruled by Mercury and is healing for Gemini and Virgo.
Plants often develop modified shoots. They perform a number of functions: support, deposition of reserve nutrients and water, vegetative propagation, protect them from being eaten, and form flowers and inflorescences.
Modified shoots there are like underground. so and above ground. Typical underground shoots are: rhizome, tuber, bulb and corm. They all have similar structural features: nodes, internodes, apical and lateral buds, modified leaves.
Rhizome- underground shoot of perennial grasses, subshrubs and shrubs. Externally, the rhizome is similar to the root, but usually differs from the true root in its horizontal location in the soil, the presence of scale-like leaves, scars from fallen leaves, buds and adventitious roots, and the absence of a root cap. The internal structure of the rhizome is typically stem. From the buds of the rhizome, above-ground shoots develop annually, dying off in the fall. The old parts of the rhizome also gradually die off, the connection between individual groups of shoots is disrupted, as a result of which, over time, several new ones develop from one plant with a branched rhizome (creeping wheatgrass, coltsfoot, goosefoot, lily of the valley, kupena, etc.).
Thus, rhizomes are storage organs and provide the possibility of vegetative propagation and dispersal of plants.
Tuber- a modified shoot with a very thickened stem in which reserve nutrients accumulate.
Tubers are either underground or aboveground. underground tubers appear as thickenings on a thin leafless underground shoot - stolon (potato, Jerusalem artichoke). The place where the tuber attaches to the stolon is the base of the tuber.
The tuber develops apical and lateral buds - eyes.
Aboveground tubers develop in kohlrabi cabbage and some orchids.
Bulb- an underground shortened shoot with succulent leaves (storing nutrients) attached to a short stem called bottom. At the top of the bottom there is an apical bud, and in the axils of the succulent scales there are lateral buds that give rise to young baby bulbs (onions, garlic). The outside of the bulb of many plants is covered with dry scales that perform a protective function. Bulbs can arise as modifications of not only underground, but also above-ground shoots. For example, small bulbs (bulbs) develop in leaf axils (in some lilies) or in inflorescences (in some types of onions).
Corm outwardly similar to an onion, but differs from it in its strongly overgrown bottom. Corms are formed in colchicum, gladiolus, and saffron. Many plants are characterized by modified above-ground shoots. In this case, both individual parts of the shoot (stem, leaves, buds) and the shoot as a whole are modified. In ordinary, or cabbage, cabbage forms head of cabbage. consisting of a short stem with numerous thick, overlapping leaves, almost devoid of chloroplasts. The head of cabbage is essentially a metamorphosed giant bud, i.e., a rudimentary shoot.
Plants with modified shoots are most often found in arid areas, where they lack moisture, so the function of storing water begins to predominate in the vegetative organs of plants. Plants with such shoots are called succulents. In succulents, water can be stored in the leaves (leaf succulents) and in the stems (stem succulents). Leaf succulents include numerous types of sedum, sedum, agave, aloe, and among the stem succulents the most famous are cacti and euphorbia.
Quite common modifications of parts of the shoot are spines. In some plants, leaves (barberry, cacti), stipules (white acacia) or leaf petiole turn into spines after the leaf blade falls off (astragalus). In hawthorn, wild apple and wild pear, the stem of some side shoots turns into a thorn. Peas, peas and other climbing plants have the upper part of a compound leaf, while grapes have shoots that turn into mustache .
Modified plant shoots
January 14, 2016
Plant shoots amaze with their diversity and uniqueness. But the conditions environment often require new adaptations from representatives of this kingdom. Modified shoots are capable of performing additional functions. Thus, they provide higher vitality of organisms.
Modifications of underground shoots
These metamorphoses can be above ground or underground. Modified underground shoots are the most common and widely represented in nature.
One of them is the rhizome. Both in name and in appearance it resembles a root. But, unlike the underground organ, it consists of elongated internodes and nodes. On the stem of the rhizome there are accessory buds, of which, with the onset favorable conditions leaves grow. The nodes also contain adventitious roots. The elongated horizontal stem is located underground, where temperature changes and drought have less impact on the life of the plant. And the supply of water and nutrients significantly increases the plant organism’s chances of survival.
Many have encountered a situation where they need to get rid of annoying wheatgrass, overgrown lilies of the valley or other plants with rhizomes. This is not so easy to do. Modified shoots grow greatly, parts of them often remain in the ground, forming new shoots. But, on the other hand, this ability is often used for vegetative propagation of plants.
Tuber
A tuber is a modified shoot that is also located underground and stores nutrients. Everyone knows that potato tubers are of great economic importance. They accumulate a large number of starch.
Some people mistakenly consider this modified shoot to be a fruit. In fact, potato fruits are formed on above-ground shoots after flowering. The tuber is a thickened stem with apical and lateral buds - eyes. When sprouting, the eyes form young shoots.
Elongated, oblong and short-lived shoots are also called stolons.
Plants such as saffron and gladiolus have a corm - a thickened stem with adventitious roots. A layer of dead leaves protects the internal contents of the corm.
Bulb
Onions, garlic, tulips and lilies have another modification - the bulb. The flat stem, called the bottom, contains buds. Several types of scale-like leaves develop from them. Some of them are thick and fleshy. They store water with nutrients, providing life to the plant. They are protected from above by dry filmy leaves. Young onion leaves, the so-called green onions. Bulbs are also characteristic of plants of the steppe natural zone. In conditions of cold winters with little snow and hot, dry summers, this modification allows the plant underground in this form to survive an unfavorable period.
Aboveground modifications of shoots
Modified shoots of plants can also be located above the ground. Thus, on the branches of hawthorn and thorn there are thorns - shortened and lignified modified shoots. They are the result of branching and sharpening of the stem, reliably protecting their owners from being eaten by animals. Plants with thorns have tasty, juicy fruits with bright colors, so they simply need additional protection.
Strawberries and wild strawberries have additional device for vegetative propagation - elongated shoots of the mustache. They anchor in the soil, forming a new plant.
The mustache should not be confused with the tendrils of grapes. They have a completely different functional purpose. With the help of tendrils, the plant is attached to the support, occupying the most advantageous position in relation to the sun. This adaptation is also typical for pumpkin, cucumber, and watermelon.
Modifications of shoots in the direction of growth
Depending on growing conditions, shoots can also change. Woody and herbaceous plants most often have erect stems directed towards the sun. Creeping and creeping stems grow very quickly and cover the surface of the soil with shoots and leaves. This provides them with a prosperous existence. Plants with climbing stems are called vines. They are characteristic of tropical and humid equatorial forests, although they are often found in temperate zones. To attach the vines to the support, special devices are used: hooks, trailers, bristles.
Internal structure of shoot modifications
Despite external differences, various modifications retain all the features internal structure. For example, a potato tuber, being a thickened stem, is covered with bark on top. This is what we peel off when we peel potatoes. On the longitudinal section of the tuber, a dark stripe is clearly visible - wood. And in the core, the loose main tissue, reserve nutrients are actively deposited.
If potato tubers are left in the light for a long time, they will begin to turn green. This indicates that colorless plastids, leucoplasts, in which starch accumulates, turn into green plastids, chloroplasts, in the light. This product should not be eaten as it contains the alkaloid solanine, which is toxic to the body and causes poisoning.
Functions of modified shoots
It is the modified shoots that determine the survival of plants in unfavorable conditions. By storing valuable nutrients, they allow plants to survive during periods of drought. Biennial and perennial plants survive only due to the presence of bulbs and rhizomes. Their leaves, which appear on the surface in the spring and develop throughout the summer, die off with the onset of cold autumn. And the underground part lives by feeding on reserves of thickened stems. With the onset of warmth, the plant resumes growth again.
Many shoot modifications serve for vegetative propagation, quickly increasing the number of valuable plants. This property is actively used by humans in agriculture.
Origin of the flower
A flower is a modified shoot. Prove this fact very simple. It develops from a specialized generative bud. Character traits this part of the escape acquires to fulfill the most important additional function- implementation of sexual reproduction of plants. That's what a flower is for. The modified shoot is significantly shortened compared to ordinary stems. Its main parts are the stamen and pistil, which contain the sex cells - sperm and egg, respectively. The bright color of the flower petals is needed to attract pollinating insects. Small flowers collected in groups - inflorescences. This way they are much more noticeable, and their aroma spreads more strongly.
After pollination and fertilization, a fruit is formed in place of the flower. It consists of seeds and pericarp. The seeds give rise to a new plant, and the pericarp nourishes and warms them.
In addition, a flower is a modified shoot that has given people aesthetic pleasure for many centuries, inspiring poets and musicians.
Modified shoots are one of the main adaptations of higher plants to environmental conditions. In the process of evolution, they appeared to increase the viability of plant organisms due to the need for the emergence of new functions in constantly changing living conditions.
Pobiology.rf
Modified escape
— a shoot in which the stem, leaves, buds (or all together) irreversibly change shape and function, which is a consequence of adaptive changes during evolution. Similar modifications appear in representatives of different systematic groups of plants, which indicates convergence under homogeneous environmental conditions. Rhizome- a modified perennial underground shoot with nodes, internodes, scale-like leaves and buds, used for vegetative propagation, renewal and storage of nutrients (wheatgrass, horsetail, lily of the valley). Adventitious roots. Tuber- a modified underground shoot formed at the top of the stolon, storing nutrients in the thickened stem part and serving for vegetative propagation (potatoes, Jerusalem artichokes). Bears axillary buds. When a potato tuber germinates, it produces shoots, in the axils of the leaves of which lateral buds are formed. Those buds that are at or above the soil level develop into green above-ground shoots; those in the soil also develop into shoots, but into different ones. These shoots are called stolons. They white, thin, short-lived, with buds in the axils of scale-like leaves. Stolons help remove future young tubers from the mother plant. They can produce side shoots. Nutrients accumulate in the apical part of the stolons, then their growth in length stops and thickening occurs - this is how tubers are formed. There may be several tubers on one branching stolon. The potato plant is hilled up so that as many lateral axillary buds as possible develop into stolons and, therefore, so that more tubers and adventitious roots are formed. Tubers of root origin are formed from adventitious and lateral roots, therefore they do not have their own buds, and such tubers are planted with part of the shoot (dahlia). Corm- a shortened shoot, the stem part of which grows strongly and stores nutrients. The leaves are dry, scale-like. In their axils, small corms are formed from axillary buds - children that separate and serve for vegetative propagation (gladiolus, saffron). Bulb- a shortened shoot, the stem part of which is represented by a flat thickening - the bottom, from which adventitious roots grow. Nutrients are stored in the succulent scale-like leaves, and dry leaves cover the bulb. The lateral axillary buds grow and separate. Serves for vegetative propagation and renewal (onion, garlic, tulip).
Metamorphoses of the shoot can be either minor or significant - up to greatly changed plant forms. Both main and lateral shoots, as well as buds and leaves, undergo metamorphosis.
Modified underground shoot of lily of the valley bulb
A tendril is a shoot of a metameric structure without leaves, having a rope-like shape with or without branches. Thanks to the presence of stem tendrils, the plant receives additional support. The straightened section of the tendril without branches is the first internode of the axillary shoot, and the twisted, thinner section is a modified leaf. Tendrils develop in plants that are not able to stand upright on their own. Blue passionflower, grapes, and many members of the Cucurbitaceae family (pumpkin, watermelon, melon, cucumber) have tendrils.
Phyllocladium is a modified flat leaf-shaped side shoot that has limited growth and serves as a leaf in the life of the plant. The lateral buds of the shoot give rise to phyllocladia, and therefore, phyllocladia are always located in the axils of small scale-like or membranous leaves. Such modified shoots perform the function of photosynthesis, so they look like leaves in appearance. Their growth is limited, and there is no metameric structure. Phyllocladies are characteristic of plants such as phyllanthus, mossy, butcher's broom, and some representatives of the Asparagus genus.
Modified underground shoots- these are the rhizome, caudex, bulb, corm, underground tuber and stolon. The conditions for the existence of shoots located underground are very different from the terrestrial environment. Therefore, they acquired other important functions, such as the ability to endure unfavorable periods of life, the deposition of nutrients into reserves, and the possibility of vegetative reproduction.
Corm- also a modified underground shoot that has a thickened stem, where nutrients are stored, adventitious roots growing on the lower surface of the corm, and a protective cover of dried leaf bases. Corms are characteristic of saffron, gladiolus, ixia, and colchicum.
underground stolon is an annual long underground shoot. This thin shoot with underdeveloped scale-like leaves has a tuber or bulb at the thickened end with a reserve of organic substances. Underground stolons are formed in potatoes, adoxa, and sedmichnik.
underground tuber- a modified underground shoot, in which the storage function comes to the fore. This shoot has scale-like leaves that quickly fall off, and buds located in the axils of the leaves.
Underground shoots
Most herbaceous plants store organic matter in underground shoots. They can be of several types: rhizome, bulb and tuber. The development of underground shoots occurs in a completely different environment than aboveground ones, because sunlight does not penetrate the soil.
What is rhizome. This is an underground shoot of the plant. The rhizome is a structural part of lily of the valley, iris, aspidistra, phlox, etc. Of course, the rhizome looks completely different from the above-ground shoots of the same plant. Usually this plant organ is not green, but light or brownish in color. On it you can see underdeveloped leaves in the form of microscopic scales and many adventitious roots of various sizes. Also, the apical and lateral buds are located on the stem of the plant’s rhizome. The purpose of the rhizome is to store nutrients in it as a reserve.
Plants having rhizome. are classified as perennial. In autumn, when it gets colder, the above-ground shoots of the plant die off, and the rhizome remains in the soil, where they survive the winter under a layer of fallen leaves and snowdrifts. When the sun warms up in the spring, the buds on the rhizome begin to swell, and later give rise to young above-ground shoots. In the early stages of their development, these shoots use reserves of organic substances from the plant's rhizome.
Many ornamental plants reproduce through rhizomes. For this purpose, the rhizomes are divided into approximately equal parts, each of which has buds. When these rhizome particles are planted in the soil, above-ground shoots develop from these buds. It is not only cultivated plants that reproduce in this way. For example, the rhizomatous wheatgrass weed can give rise to young plants from small parts of the rhizome, but with intact buds on it.
More distinctive features compared to aboveground shoot at the tuber. Consider, for example, potato tubers. Elongated underground potato shoots have tubers at the ends. These are peculiar thickenings that increase due to the accumulation of huge amounts of nutrients. The tuber is attached to the underground stem by its base, and the apex is the side of the tuber opposite the base. The buds (eyes) are in a certain order according to outer surface tuber, and smaller at the base than at the top. Potato tubers are rich in starch. Tuber buds give birth to new above-ground shoots in spring period. These young shoots consume the tuber's organic matter until they produce leaves.
Interesting bulb structure. It is found in onions, tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths. The structure of the bulb can be compared with the structure of the kidney. In the section at the base of the bulb, the bottom is visible - a short flattened stem. Succulent scales extend from it, which are transformed leaves with a reserve of organic substances. These scales are tightly adjacent to each other. On the outside there are dry leathery scales that perform a protective function. They prevent the inner scales from drying out. The buds are located between the scales on the stem. In spring, these buds give rise to young shoots that use the nutrient reserves in the plant bulb.
Plants having onion. are classified as perennial. The process of accumulation of reserves of organic substances in the fleshy scales of the bulbs occurs in spring and summer. And when environmental conditions become unsuitable for plant life, the above-ground parts of the plants die, and the bulbs remain in the soil.
Application on the farm organic plant matter very diverse. The purpose of accumulation of these nutrients by plants is to protect their lives in unfavorable conditions and give life to new representatives of this species.
People harvest crops, and then the organic substances from the tubers, bulbs and rhizomes are used for their nutrition, animal feed, or are sent for processing to factories and factories as raw materials in the manufacture of various products.
Modified shoots
The escape is one of the main vegetative organs of higher plants. It consists of a stem on which buds and leaves are located. The shoot is the most variable structural element of the plant in appearance. Modified escape is a plant organ in which the shape and function of the stem, buds and leaves are irreversibly changed in the process of evolutionary adaptations to certain conditions of existence of the organism. In cultivated plants, shoot modification is caused by human intervention.
The main types of green plant shoots are: aboveground and underground. Aboveground (aerial) shoots are assimilative, along the axis of which the leaves are located. Assimilating shoots are very diverse in appearance. In many cases, in addition to the main function of photosynthesis, such shoots perform the role of a storage and supporting organ of the plant, as well as the function of vegetative propagation.
To modifications of aboveground shoots include spines, antennae, cladodes, phyllocladies. In some cases, not the entire shoot of a plant changes, but only its leaves, and the metamorphoses are externally similar to those of the shoot as a whole (antennae, spines).
The thorn is a lignified shortened shoot without leaves with a sharp tip. The role of spines originating from the shoot is mainly protective. The wild apple tree, laxative buckthorn, and wild pear have such spines. In honey locust, thick branched spines appear on the trunks from dormant buds. Hawthorn spines are also formed from the axillary buds of the leaves and are located where the side shoots of other plants are located.
Cladodium is a lateral shoot that has undergone modification, which is capable of continuous growth and has green, flattened long stems that take on the functions of leaves. Cladodium performs the function of photosynthesis, since well-developed chlorophyll-bearing cells are located under the epidermis. The group of plants with cladodes includes the Decembrist cactus, prickly pear, Mühlenbeckia planiflora, and southern carmichelia.
Rhizome (rhizome) is an underground shoot with scale-like leaves, adventitious roots and buds. Wheatgrass has thick and branched rhizomes. Kupena and iris have shortened and fleshy rhizomes, while water lilies and water lilies have the thickest rhizomes of all plants.
Caudex is a perennial structure derived from a shoot, characteristic of perennial grasses and subshrubs with a tap root system. The caudex, along with the root, is a place of accumulation of reserve nutrients and has many buds. Plants that have a caudex are lupins and alfalfas from the Legumes, femoris and ferula from the Apiaceae, dandelion, and wormwood from the Asteraceae.
Bulb is a specialized underground shortened shoot. In it, organic substances are stored in scales of leaf origin, the stem in the bulb is transformed into the bottom. Vegetative propagation is carried out using bulbs. Bulbs are formed in monocots of the Amaryllidaceae family (hyacinth, narcissus), the Liliaceae family (onion, tulip, lily), and less often in dicotyledonous plants.
Doctor of Agricultural Sciences, Professor of the department. Botany RGAU-MSHA named after K.A. Timiryazeva
It would seem that everyone knows Lily of the Valley. Its gentle and touching bells with drops of dew will not leave anyone indifferent. Its name from some European languages is translated as May bell (German: Maiglöckchen). Meanwhile, even the family to which he is classified is indicated differently in different books. Previously, it was traditionally classified as a member of the Liliaceae family, but now it has migrated to the Asparagus family. (Asparagaceae), and before that, for some time it was even classified as a separate family - Lily of the Valley.
This is a perennial herbaceous plant. The underground organs are represented by a system of rhizomes with adventitious roots, so a whole clearing of lilies of the valley may initially turn out to be almost one plant. And so that there is at least some way of cross-pollination, and the flower does not pollinate itself, the lily of the valley has a phenomenon with a tricky botanical name - protoandry, translated into non-tanical language means that first the pollen ripens in the flower, but the pistil is not yet ready and self-pollination does not occur. And insects, primarily bees, spread pollen to other flowers. The fruit is a 2-6-seeded, round, orange-red berry. And here the second adaptation of the lily of the valley to active dispersal is manifested - its bright fruits are eaten by birds - for example, some species of thrushes, and after passing through themselves, they are carried over long distances.
Lily of the valley blooms in May-June; the fruits ripen in June-July.
A bouquet of lilies of the valley is universal; it can be presented for any celebration. In the language of flowers, lily of the valley means happiness and love, it seems to say “Happiness is very close and will definitely come.”
May lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis) has a very large range, and several subspecies are distinguished: Transcaucasian lily of the valley (Convallariamajalis L . var. transcaucasica(Utkin ex Grossh.) Knorring), growing in the North Caucasus and Keizke's lily of the valley (Convallariamajalis L. var. keiskei(Miq.) Makino), found in the south of the Far East. May lily of the valley Keizke - Convallaria majalis L. var. keiskei (Miq.) Makino, now refers to a special species - Keizke's lily of the valley ( Convallaria keiskei Miq.). Although this division is not recognized by all botanists. But everyone prepares them for further use in medicine.
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Lily of the valley prefers moderately moist habitats, but is also found sporadically in a wider ecological range - from meadow-steppe to swamp-meadow degrees of moisture, which makes it a valuable ornamental plant for shaded and waterlogged areas. The lily of the valley's attitude to light depends on its growing zone: the further south you go and the hotter the climate, the more it loves shade. In the northern part of its range, lily of the valley is a light-loving plant found mainly in open places. In the south, lily of the valley is more shade-tolerant. But in any case, with very strong shading, the number of generative shoots of the lily of the valley decreases, and it practically stops blooming.
On the site, it is better to plant it on neutral and slightly alkaline soils, loose and rich in organic matter.
Medicinal properties of lily of the valley
In medicine, the above-ground part (grass) collected in the flowering phase is used, as well as the leaves of the May lily of the valley (including Keizke's lily of the valley). And here you must always remember that the sweet and gentle lily of the valley can be deadly.
For centuries, herbalists have considered the roots of the lily of the valley plant to treat weak hearts, shortness of breath, tachycardia and extrasystole.
In Germany, it is very fashionable to choose a plant of the year in a certain category. There is a nomination “Medicinal Plant of the Year,” but the lily of the valley received a completely different nomination “ Poisonous plant of the Year" in 2014 (and this year Californian Eschscholzia reigns in this category). And if you think about it, this delicate and touching flower really poses a serious danger if you get to know it closely, like any plant containing cardiac glycosides. According to its properties, it is related to foxglove, hellebore and strophanthus, which are used for heart failure and, accordingly, is one of those plants whose independent use is not permissible! For centuries, many herbalists and doctors have considered lily of the valley safer than foxgloves. But this is only partly true. If used improperly, lily of the valley can also be very dangerous. And you should always remember that a plant is a living organism, and depending on growing conditions and weather, the content of potent cardiac glycosides can be within very wide limits.
Lily of the valley has three types of medicinal raw materials: leaf, grass and flowers.
In the Middle Ages, it was readily used in Europe for heart failure, edema and many other diseases. But then it was completely replaced by foxglove. S.P. was introduced into Russian scientific medicine. Botkin. And in the 20th century he returned from Russia to European medicine again.
The raw material of lily of the valley is poisonous, and its introduction into other species medicinal plants unacceptable.
The aerial parts of lily of the valley contain up to 40 cardiac glycosides, the main ones being convallotoxin, desglucocheirotoxin, convalloside, etc. The cardiac glycosides of lily of the valley are not identical to the glycosides of lily of the valley.
Lily of the valley glycosides are characterized by low stability and do not have a cumulative effect, that is, they practically do not accumulate in the body and are eliminated quite quickly. Lily of the valley preparations increase heart contractions, but slow down their rhythm, increase urination, relieve pain, shortness of breath, cyanosis and swelling.
As a result of laboratory studies, it was revealed that other glycosides that are not included in cardiac drugs also have very interesting effects. For example, Convallamaroside can reduce angiogenesis (that is, the proliferation of the vasculature) and has antitumor activity.
In lily of the valley preparations, the properties of an inhibitor of lipoxygenase, an iron-containing enzyme that catalyzes the dioxygenation reaction, that is, the addition of two oxygen atoms to polyunsaturated fatty acids, were also noted. And this is the peroxidation reaction that antioxidants fight.
Application in medicine
Tincture and extract of lily of the valley herb, as well as the crystalline glycoside Convallyatoxin and the novogalenic drug Korglikon, containing a sum of glycosides, are used for cardiac neuroses, as well as for cardiac failure.
But there is still an industry in which the use of lily of the valley is not so dangerous - homeopathy. Homeopathic medicines are characterized by very low concentrations of active substances, and they are used in slightly different cases than in traditional herbal medicine. The range of applications ranges from throat diseases to kidney diseases.
The raw materials of Keizke's lily of the valley are used only for the preparation of herbal preparations and for the production of Convaflavin, used as an antihepatotoxic agent.
The aroma of lily of the valley is often found in perfumes. Who doesn’t remember the perfume “Silver Lily of the Valley”. But I hasten to disappoint - the smell is synthetic. Purchasing natural lily of the valley aroma is extremely expensive and ineffective. Therefore, this aroma is obtained by synthesizing coriander essential oil from semi-finished products.
Photo: Rita Brilliantova, Maxim Minin
In the article we discuss the May lily of the valley. We will give a botanical description of lily of the valley and tell you where the plant is found. By following our tips, you will learn how to prepare infusions and decoctions based on the plant. You will learn how lily of the valley is used in folk medicine to treat myocarditis, glaucoma, insomnia, cystitis, rheumatism, seizures and fever.
May lily of the valley is a herbaceous plant of the Asparagus family (lat. Asparagaceae), which is listed in the Red Book. Latin name: Convallaria majalis. Other names for lily of the valley are forest bell, convalia, lily of the valley, eye grass, field lily, rejuvenator.
What does it look like
Appearance (photo) of the May lily of the valley To better understand what the May lily of the valley looks like, we will give a botanical description of the plant and show what the May lily of the valley looks like in the photo. This herbaceous plant reaches a height of 30 cm.
The rhizome of lily of the valley is long, thin, creeping. Numerous shoots extend from the main root. There are pale leaves at the base of the plant.
The shoots are shortened. The plant has two, rarely three, whole broadly lanceolate leaves, between which there is a flowering stem.
The racemose inflorescence of lily of the valley consists of 6-20 pale yellow or white flowers, similar to bells. At the base of the inflorescence there are more large flowers. They become smaller towards the top. Lily of the valley blooms from May to June.
The fruits are spherical bright red or orange-scarlet berries, up to 8 mm in diameter. They contain one to two round seeds. Lily of the valley berries ripen from June to July. 
This is what lily of the valley berries look like. We described the appearance of the lily of the valley. Now we’ll tell you where lily of the valley grows, what climate and soil it prefers.
Where does it grow
Lily of the valley grass prefers a temperate climate, so the plant is found mainly in the Northern Hemisphere. It grows in forests, clearings and forest edges with well-moistened soil.
Lily of the valley is distributed throughout Europe, North America, the Caucasus, China and Asia Minor. In Russia, the plant is found in the European part of the country, in Crimea, Transbaikalia and the Far East.
Lily of the valley grass and flowers
All above-ground parts of the plant are used as medicinal raw materials: stems, leaves and flowers. The roots of the lily of the valley are left unharmed to prevent the death of the rare plant.
The herb and flowers of lily of the valley are used in folk and traditional medicine. Let's consider the chemical composition of the plant and its medicinal properties.
Chemical composition
Lily of the valley contains:
- glycosides;
- flavonoids;
- saponins;
- organic acids;
- coumarins;
- ash;
- Sahara;
- alkaloids;
- essential oils.
Lily of the valley contains convallatoxin, a toxic substance. plant origin. It sharply increases blood pressure and provokes arrhythmia. Eating it is fatal.
You found out the chemical composition of the plant, and whether lily of the valley is poisonous or not. Now we’ll tell you why the plant is useful and how to properly prepare it for storage.
Medicinal properties
Lily of the valley has cardiotonic, antispasmodic, vasodilating, anti-inflammatory, choleretic, diuretic and sedative effects. Plant-based products are used for cardioneurosis, diseases of the eyes, genitourinary system and biliary tract.
Lily of the valley regulates fat metabolism in cells and normalizes blood circulation. The plant slows down the heart rate, while increasing heart contractions. With regular use, products based on lily of the valley eliminate shortness of breath and swelling.
Lily of the valley calms the central nervous system. To enhance the sedative effect, it is combined with mint, hawthorn and motherwort.
How to collect
Before you start collecting lily of the valley leaves and flowers, you must wear protective gloves. All parts of the plant are poisonous.
Medicinal raw materials are harvested during the flowering period of the lily of the valley - from late May to June. Leaves and stems are cut with a sharp knife at a height of 3 to 5 cm from the soil. They are laid out in a thin layer on paper or fabric and dried under canopies at a temperature not exceeding 50-60 degrees.
Store dry medicinal raw materials away from other plants in a separate glass container or fabric bag. The shelf life of dry lily of the valley leaves is 2 years, flowers - 1 year.
How to use
Infusions are prepared from lily of the valley and alcohol tinctures Before using lily of the valley based products, you should consult a specialist. The plant is poisonous, so it is necessary to strictly adhere to the dosage and course of taking the drugs.
Based on the medicinal raw materials of lily of the valley, infusions and decoctions are prepared, which are consumed internally and used externally. Let's look at the most common recipes from the plant, tell you what lily of the valley treats, and how to properly take products based on it.
Infusion for myocarditis
For myocarditis, it is useful to take an infusion of lily of the valley in combination with mint and valerian. This remedy calms and normalizes not only the cardiovascular system, but also the nervous system.
Ingredients:
- May lily of the valley flowers - 5 gr.
- Peppermint - 10 gr.
- Dill seeds - 10 gr.
- Valerian root - 20 gr.
- Water - 1 liter.
How to cook: Mix the dry ingredients, pour boiling water over them, cover with a lid and leave for at least an hour. Strain the cooled infusion through a cotton-gauze filter.
How to use: Take 50 ml up to 3 times a day. The course of treatment is 2 weeks.
Result: An infusion of lily of the valley in May normalizes myocardial function, strengthens and tones the heart muscle, and normalizes blood pressure.
Lotions for glaucoma
Lotions with lily of the valley - effective remedy for glaucoma, blepharitis, conjunctivitis. This procedure quickly relieves inflammation, has an analgesic effect and improves visual acuity.
Ingredients:
- May lily of the valley flowers - 1 tablespoon.
- Nettle leaves - ½ cup.
- Water - 50 ml.
How to cook: Wash the nettle leaves and chop finely with a knife. Combine them with lily of the valley flowers, pour boiling water and leave for 8-10 hours. You should have a porridge-like consistency. Add a little water if necessary.
How to use: Apply the mixture to two pieces soft fabric and place them on your closed eyes. The duration of the procedure is 30 minutes. The procedure is carried out daily for 14 days.
Result: The product effectively reduces intraocular pressure and normalizes blood circulation in the retina. With regular use, it slows down the development of eye diseases.
Tincture for cramps and fever
Lily of the valley tincture can be purchased at a pharmacy or prepared yourself. The plant is infused with vodka or alcohol. Consider a recipe for a concentrated tincture based on 90% alcohol.
Ingredients:
- May lily of the valley flowers - 300 gr.
- Alcohol - 500 ml.
How to cook: Place lily of the valley flowers in a glass bottle, fill them with 90% alcohol and close the lid tightly. Shake the container and store in a dark and cool place for 14 days. Filter the finished product through a cotton-gauze filter, squeeze out the liquid, and discard the cake.
How to use: Take 10-15 drops 3 times a day.
Result: The product effectively eliminates convulsions, tremors, and fever. When taken systematically, it normalizes the functioning of the central nervous system and eliminates muscle spasms.
Tea for insomnia
To treat insomnia, stress and depression, a drink based on lily of the valley and motherwort is used. To make tea you will need lily of the valley tincture, the recipe for which we reviewed above.
Ingredients:
- Lily of the valley tincture - 40 drops.
- Motherwort - 2 tablespoons.
- Water - 500 ml.
How to cook: Pour motherwort into a teapot, pour boiling water over it, cover with a lid and let steep for 2 hours. Strain the cooled tea through cheesecloth or a strainer. Add lily of the valley tincture to the drink and stir.
How to use: Divide the resulting volume of liquid into 5 equal parts. Take 1 serving 5 times a day. The course of treatment is from 10 to 14 days.
Result: Tea normalizes the functioning of the central nervous system, has a mild sedative effect, eliminates anxiety and helps overcome depression.
Diuretic decoction
A decoction of lily of the valley has a diuretic effect and normalizes kidney function. It is used to treat various diseases of the genitourinary system. The product is used with caution for urolithiasis, as it can provoke rapid movement of stones.
Ingredients:
- May lily of the valley flowers - 15 gr.
- Water - 250 ml.
How to cook: Fill the flowers with water, place the container in a water bath and bring to a boil. Simmer the broth under the lid over low heat for 30 minutes. Remove the pan from the stove. When the drink has cooled, strain it.
How to use: Take 2 teaspoons 3 times a day 20-30 minutes before meals.
Result: The decoction increases urine output, relieves inflammation and pain in cystitis, pyelonephritis, urethritis.
Rubbing for rheumatism
To relieve pain from rheumatism, use baths with a decoction of lily of the valley or a tincture for rubbing. To enhance therapeutic effect these procedures are carried out in combination with taking drugs based on the plant orally. Consider a recipe for rubbing for rheumatism.
Ingredients:
- Lily of the valley herb - 50 gr.
- Vodka - 500 ml.
How to cook: Wash and chop the lily of the valley herb, fill it with vodka, close the lid and leave in a dark and cool place for at least 2 weeks. Shake the container periodically. Strain the finished tincture through a strainer.
How to use: Rub the resulting tincture into problem areas 2-3 times a day. For oral administration - drink 15-20 drops half an hour before meals at least 3 times a day.
Result: The product effectively eliminates pain and inflammation, increases motor activity joints.
Pharmaceutical preparations with lily of the valley
Lily of the valley was first introduced into traditional medicine by the Russian scientist, professor of the Medical and Surgical Academy S.P. Botkin in 1861. Nowadays, in pharmacies you can purchase ready-made pharmaceutical preparations based on lily of the valley, for example, Korglikon, Kardompin, Convaflavin.
Korglykon is a product based on cardiac glycosides obtained from the leaves of lily of the valley. This intravenous drug is prescribed for heart failure, tachycardia, arrhythmia. It is completely eliminated from the body without accumulating in it, and is approved for use by children from the age of two.
Cardompin is a sedative based on lily of the valley, peppermint, hawthorn and valerian. It tones the heart muscle, has an analgesic effect and normalizes sleep.
Convaflavin is a drug based on flavonoids from the herb Lily of the Valley. It has choleretic and antispasmodic effects. The drug is prescribed for disorders of the liver and bile ducts. Convaflavin has a low content of cardiac glycosides, making it low-toxic.
Lily of the valley for children
Plant-based products are used to treat children over two years of age. Lily of the valley for children more early age life-threatening.
Before use, you must consult a doctor and strictly follow the prescribed dosage. For the treatment of children, safe ready-made pharmaceutical preparations are prescribed that are free of toxic substances or contain them in minimal quantities.
Contraindications
Contraindications to the use of lily of the valley products:
- heart failure;
- cardiosclerosis;
- endocarditis;
- gastritis;
- ulcer;
- renal failure;
- exacerbation of any diseases of internal organs;
- During pregnancy and breastfeeding;
- children under 2 years of age;
- individual intolerance.
For more information about lily of the valley, watch the video:
Classification
May lily of the valley belongs to the genus Lily of the Valley (lat. Convallaria), family Asparagaceae (lat. Asparagaceae). The plant belongs to the order Asparagales (lat. Asparagales), class Monocots (lat. Monocotyledoneae), department Flowering (lat. Magnoliophyta).
Varieties
The genus Lily of the Valley is considered a monotypic genus of plants. Despite this, some taxonomic classifications distinguish three independent species:
- mountain lily of the valley;
- Keizke's lily of the valley.
May lily of the valley infographics
Photo of May lily of the valley, it beneficial features and application 
Infographics on lily of the valley in May
What to remember
- Lily of the valley is widely used in folk and traditional medicine.
- The healing properties of lily of the valley lie in its rich chemical composition. It contains flavonoids, glycosides, alkaloids, essential oils and acids.
- Plant-based products have cardiotonic, antispasmodic, vasodilating, anti-inflammatory, choleretic, diuretic and sedative effects.
- For the treatment of children, pharmaceutical preparations purified from toxic substances are used. It is not allowed to treat a child under 2 years of age with lily of the valley based products.
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Lily of the valley– a symbol of spring, warmth, purity and tenderness. We all love this flower for its fragility and simple beauty. But lily of the valley is a medicinal plant recognized by the official pharmacopoeia of thirteen countries, the beneficial properties of which have found their use in the treatment of heart and other diseases. We will talk about the benefits and harms of this plant, its properties and composition, forms of use and contraindications in this article.
Description of the plant
May lily of the valley belongs to a monotypic genus of herbaceous flowering plants (although within this genus in some cases three separate species are distinguished, namely Keiske, Transcaucasian and mountain). Lily of the valley is distinguished by the presence of large, dark green, oval-shaped leaves, the length of which exceeds the 10 cm mark, while the leaf width is about 5 cm. The leaves of the plant arise from a thin creeping rhizome, the color of which varies from light brown to whitish-gray.
The leaves of the lily of the valley have arcuate venation with a pronounced main vein, while the leafless peduncle of the plant is surrounded by two basal leaves. On the peduncle there are fragrant drooping white flowers, shaped like bells, which have six teeth bent along the edge.
The flowers of the plant are collected in a neat one-sided brush. It should be noted that after ripening, the flowers form shiny, spherical red berries with a diameter of 6–8 mm. The berries of the May lily of the valley are preserved for a long time on the plant, which bears fruit in the period from June to July.
Lily of the valley family
Previously, the genus of lilies of the valley was included in the Liliaceae family, or was allocated to a separate small family of Lilies of the Valley. Since 2003 (according to the APG II classification), the genus has been classified as part of the Iglitsev family. Today, the genus Lily of the Valley in the vast majority of international databases is classified as part of the Asparagus family.Where does the May lily of the valley grow?
Lily of the valley grows throughout Europe, the Caucasus, Asia Minor, China and North America.In Russia, lily of the valley grows in the European part of the country, in Siberia and the Far East.
This plant prefers deciduous, pine and mixed forests, forest edges, clearings and floodplain oak forests, which are rich in neutral, moist soil.
It should be noted that the shade-tolerant lily of the valley perfectly colonizes untouched habitats, creating significant thickets.
Collection of lily of the valley in May
Herbs, flowers, and leaves of lily of the valley are used as medicinal raw materials. Flowers are harvested at the beginning of flowering, that is, in early to mid-May, when they contain the maximum concentration of biologically active substances. You can start harvesting the leaves of the plant two to three weeks before flowering.
The above-ground part of the plant is cut with a knife at a height of 3–5 cm from the soil surface. But it is unacceptable to pull out the plant with its rhizome, since such collection can lead to the death of the lily of the valley.
Drying of the raw materials is carried out directly on the day of collection, since after the plant withers, the glycosides are broken down, as a result of which the activity of the raw materials is significantly reduced.
Important! May lily of the valley is listed in the Red Book, so it can be harvested in small quantities, and subject to certain conditions.
Thus, in order to ensure the restoration of the thickets, repeated harvesting of lily of the valley in the same area is carried out no earlier than two years later.
It is recommended to dry the collected raw materials using dryers with forced ventilation, and the temperature in the dryers should be about 50 - 60 degrees. You can dry the raw materials in heated rooms, but always with open windows (if weather conditions permit, drying of lily of the valley can be done in well-ventilated attics). During the drying process, the raw materials must be mixed regularly.
The end of drying of the raw materials is indicated by the fragility of the leaf petioles, as well as the peduncles. Dried lily of the valley has a characteristic faint odor and bitter taste.
Dried raw materials are stored for two years in paper bags or plywood boxes lined with thick white paper.
Important! Since lily of the valley is poisonous, it should not be mixed with other types of medicinal plants.
Chemical composition and properties of lily of the valley
FlavonoidsAction:
- strengthening capillaries and increasing their elasticity;
- regulation of the functioning of the central nervous system;
- normalization of blood pressure;
- normalization of heart rate;
- resorption of atherosclerotic deposits;
- strengthening the process of bile formation;
- removal of puffiness;
- relief of allergies;
- decrease in intraocular pressure.
Action:
- increase in stroke and cardiac output;
- stabilization of the central nervous system;
- vasodilation;
- increased urine output;
- elimination of pathogenic microbes;
- liquefaction and removal of mucus.
Action:
- increased secretion of the bronchial glands;
- increased synthesis of corticosteroids;
- stimulation of the cough center;
- regulation of water-salt metabolism;
- activation of hormones;
- relieving inflammation.
Apple acid:
- eliminating constipation;
- normalization of digestion;
- improving the condition of blood vessels;
- strengthening vision;
- stimulating the formation of red blood cells;
- normalization of metabolism;
- stimulating the breakdown of fats and carbohydrates.
- increased appetite;
- acceleration of metabolic processes;
- breakdown of fats;
- removal of toxins;
- cell regeneration;
- increasing skin elasticity;
- strengthening the immune system.
Action: - normalization of central nervous system functions;
- normalization of hormone levels;
- increased secretion of glands;
- regulation of brain function;
- normalization of the functioning of the cardiovascular system;
- improving the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract;
- relieving inflammation;
- regulation of immunological reactions;
- pain relief;
- slowing down the aging process;
- removal of carcinogenic substances.
Action:
- strengthening the walls of the heart muscle;
- strengthening blood vessels;
- normalization of heart function;
- ensuring metabolic processes;
- preventing the accumulation of carbohydrates;
- increasing immunity;
- promoting the recovery of the body after intense physical and mental stress.
It is starch, which is an easily digestible carbohydrate, which, when converted into glucose, helps the body produce the energy necessary for the normal functioning of all human systems and organs.
Coumarins
Action:
- decreased blood clotting;
- inhibition of tumor cells;
- promoting wound healing;
- prevention of blood clots;
- increased urine output.
Action:
- normalization of blood circulation;
- relief of crises caused by hypertension or endarteritis;
- elimination of pain syndrome;
- decreased blood pressure;
- calming the nervous system.
Action:
- relieves inflammation;
- accelerates wound healing;
- neutralizes the effect of microbes and bacteria;
- slows down blood clotting;
- dissolves intravascular thrombi.
Properties of lily of the valley
- Choleretic.
- Antispasmodic.
- Diuretic.
- Antifever.
- Calming.
- Diuretic.
- Cardiotonic.
- Vasodilator.
- Anti-inflammatory.
Benefits and harms of lily of the valley
Benefits of lily of the valley: 1. Regulation of energy and fat metabolism in the heart muscle.
2. Improving blood supply to the myocardium.
3. Calming the central nervous system.
4. Increasing the strength of heart contractions while slowing down their rhythm.
5. Slowing of atrioventricular conduction.
6. Decreased venous pressure.
7. Increased urination.
8. Pain relief.
9. Elimination of shortness of breath.
10.
Normalization of blood circulation.
11.
Relieving cyanosis and swelling.
12.
Strengthening the nervous system.
13.
Normalization of heart function.
14.
Prevention of infectious diseases.
15.
Reducing congestion.
Important! Preparations containing lily of the valley do not have a cumulative property, and therefore are more harmless compared to other glycosides, and, therefore, can be used for a long time without harm to the body.
May lily of the valley is a poisonous plant
All parts of lily of the valley are poisonous because they contain a strong glycoside, convallatoxin, so preparations from this plant should be used with extreme caution and only after consulting a doctor.In addition, this plant has a steroidal structure, as it contains steroidal saponins.
The toxic effects of this plant are especially difficult for children to tolerate (there are known cases of severe poisoning caused by ingestion of lily of the valley berries). At the first symptoms of poisoning (we are talking about nausea and vomiting), it is necessary to rinse the stomach and do a cleansing enema.
May lily of the valley: description, composition, collection and drying, benefits and harms of the plant - video
Treatment using lily of the valley
Flowers (inflorescence)
Lily of the valley flowers are used in the preparation of remedies for paralysis, nervous diseases and headaches. Dried lily of the valley flowers, crushed to a powdery state, are used as a snuff powder to help with runny nose and migraines.The inflorescence of the plant is included in the Zdrenko collection, which is rightfully considered one of the most effective antitumor collections in herbal medicine.
Leaves (grass)
Preparations from lily of the valley leaves are used as a sedative internally and wound-healing externally, while this part of the plant is no less important medically than the flowers of the plant, since it also contains a large amount of glycosides and other beneficial substances.Use of lily of the valley
What does lily of the valley treat?
Lily of the valley is indicated internally and externally for the treatment of the following diseases:- neuroses;
- hypertension;
- dropsy of cardiac origin;
- headache;
- paralysis;
- thyroid diseases;
- infectious diseases;
- acute and chronic heart failure stages I and II;
- cardiosclerosis;
- myocardial dystrophy;
- eye diseases;
- paroxysmal tachycardia;
- fever;
- throat diseases;
Infusion
An infusion of lily of the valley flowers is used as an anti-inflammatory agent, which can be taken orally or used externally as a lotion. 1 tsp raw materials are poured into a glass of boiling water and infused for 30 minutes, and then carefully filtered and drunk with a dessert spoon three times a day, after eating food.
Tincture
Lily of the valley grass is filled with 70 percent alcohol in a ratio of 1:10, respectively. The remedy is infused for two weeks in a dark place, filtered, and taken for neuroses and cardiac disorders, 15 to 20 drops three times a day. The same tincture, diluted with water, can be used externally in the treatment of conjunctivitis as lotions and tampons for washing the eyes.Preparations of lily of the valley
IN official medicine May lily of the valley was introduced by S. Botkin back in 1861. To this day, this plant is one of the components of many drugs, including Korglykon, Convaflavin, Convallatoxin, Cardompin.Korglykon
A preparation containing the purified amount of cardiac glycosides from lily of the valley leaves. This drug, administered intravenously, is prescribed for acute as well as chronic heart failure, for cardiac decompensation, which is complicated by the tachysystolic form of atrial fibrillation. In addition, Korglykon is indicated for the treatment of attacks of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia. The effect of the drug occurs 3 to 5 minutes after its injection into a vein, reaching a maximum after about half an hour.
Korglykon, which can be used by children over two years of age, does not bind to plasma proteins and is excreted unchanged from the body, mainly in the urine. This drug has almost no cumulative effect.
With long-term use of the drug, the following may occur:
- bradycardia (extremely low heart rate);
- extrasystole (arrhythmia, which is characterized by extraordinary contractions of the heart);
- bigeminy (one of the types of arrhythmia in which an extrasystole occurs after each normal heartbeat);
- heart rate dissociation;
- conduction dysfunction;
- nausea;
- vomit;
- color vision impairment.
- acute myocarditis;
- endocarditis;
- severe cardiosclerosis;
- bradycardia;
- atrioventricular block of II-III degrees;
- hypertrophic cardiomyopathy;
- unstable angina;
- Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome;
- ventricular tachycardia;
- cardiac tamponade.
Convaflavin
This is a total flavonoid preparation based on the herb lily of the valley, which has a choleretic and antispasmodic effect.Convaflavin is indicated for acute and chronic diseases of the liver, as well as the biliary tract.
This drug is low-toxic because it does not contain cardiac glycosides.
Convaflavin is taken one or two tablets twice or three times a day before meals, for three to four weeks.
In case of an overdose of the drug, the following symptoms may be observed:
- stool disorder;
Convallatoxin
The drug, obtained from the leaves and flowers of lily of the valley, quickly normalizes cardiac activity when administered by injection (for example, when the drug is injected into a vein, the effect occurs after 5 - 10 minutes, reaching its apogee after one to two hours, while the effect of the drug lasts up to 20 hours).When administered subcutaneously, convallatoxin acts less actively, while when administered orally, the effectiveness of the drug is significantly reduced, since lily of the valley glycosides, firstly, are slowly absorbed, and secondly, are quickly destroyed in the gastrointestinal tract.
The cumulative effect of convallatoxin is weakly expressed.
Contraindications to the use of the drug are:
- organic changes in both the heart and blood vessels;
- acute myocarditis;
- severe cardiosclerosis;
Kardompin
This preparation, in addition to May lily of the valley, contains adonis, hawthorn, valerian, and peppermint oils.Cardompin increases the tone of the heart muscle and blood vessels, while providing a pronounced sedative effect. The drug also normalizes heart rhythm, relieves discomfort in the heart, and helps normalize sleep.
Indications for use of the drug are:
- functional heart diseases;
- mild heart failure;
- neuroses of the heart;
- cardiac disorders during menopause (we are talking about the menopause phase, which occurs after the last menstrual bleeding).
In addition to the drugs listed above, May lily of the valley is available in the form of powder and drops.
Thus, dry extract of lily of the valley is produced in the form of a brown powder, which, when dissolved in ordinary water, gives a slightly turbid solution of a brown-yellow color.
Lily of the valley tincture is available in the form of drops, and additional components of the drug can be valerian, adonizide, sodium bromide, motherwort, belladonna, menthol, belladonna.
There is also a pure tincture of lily of the valley on sale, which is used for autonomic neuroses, as well as mild forms of chronic heart failure.
Important! All drugs that contain lily of the valley are taken strictly according to the instructions and only after consultation with a doctor, since the plant is poisonous, and, therefore, exceeding its dosage can cause side effects.
Contraindications and side effects from overdose
Lily of the valley belongs to the class of potent medicinal plants that are contraindicated for:
- acute liver and kidney diseases
Collection for myocarditis
Ingredients:- lily of the valley flowers – 5 g;
- fennel fruits – 10 g;
- mint leaves – 15 g;
- valerian – 20 g.
Infusion for glaucoma
To prepare the infusion you will need a teaspoon of lily of the valley flowers and half a glass of fresh nettle leaves. The collection is crushed and poured with 20 ml of hot water, after which the product is infused for 10 hours, after which another 10 ml of water is added to the product. The resulting mass is applied to the sore eyes.Tincture for cramps and fever
A glass container with a narrow neck is filled two-thirds with lily of the valley flowers. Then the container is filled to the very top with 90 percent alcohol. Now the container is tightly closed with a lid and left to infuse for two weeks. After the specified period, the tincture is filtered and squeezed, and the squeezed raw material is thrown away. The tincture is taken 10-15 drops three times a day. This remedy will help not only with convulsions and fever, but also with heart weakness.Infusion for insomnia
A tablespoon of lily of the valley herb is poured into 250 ml of boiling water and infused in a thermos for 10 - 12 hours. The filtered infusion is taken four times a day before meals, two tablespoons.Diuretic decoction
15 g of plant flowers are poured into a glass of boiled hot water, and then placed in a water bath for half an hour. Next, the broth is cooled for about 10 minutes, filtered and squeezed. Take the product three times a day, two teaspoons 20 minutes before meals.Tincture for eye washing and rubbing for rheumatism
Freshly picked lily of the valley flowers are placed in a half-liter container and filled with vodka. The product is infused in a dark place for 18 days, after which it is filtered through a double layer of gauze. For eye washing and rubbing, the tincture is diluted with water in a ratio of 1:10. Before use, you should consult a specialist.
