Lily Of The Valley Herb Cut & Sifted (Convallaria majalis) 1 lb: C
This is Starwest's nitrogen-flushed double wall silverfoil pack. Used as an infusion, decoction, extract. The 1997 Commission E on Phytotherapy and Herbal Substances of the German Federal Institute for Drugs recommends Lily Of The Valley Herb for ''Mild cardiac insufficiency, heart insufficiency due to old age, chronic cor pulmonale. Contraindications: Therapy with digitalis glycosides, potassium deficiency. Side Effects: Nausea, vomiting, cardiac arrhythmias. Interactions with Other Drugs: Increased effectiveness and also side effects of simultaneously administered quinidine, calcium, saluretics, laxatives, and extended therapy with glucocorticoids. Average daily dosage: 0.6 g standardized lily-of-the-valley powder; Comminuted herb, as well as galenical preparations thereof for internal use. Actions Positive inotropic on the myocardium Economizes heart performance Lowers the elevated left-ventricular diastolic pressure, as well as pathologically elevated venous pressure Tonic for the veins Natriuretic Kaliuretic'' Grieve's classic 'A Modern Herbal': Parts Used Medicinally: The whole plant, collected when in flower and dried, and also the root, herb and flowers separately. The inflorescence is said to be the most active part of the herb, and is preferred on that account, being the part usually employed. Constituents: The chief constituents of Lily-of-the-Valley are two glucosides, Convallamarin, the active principle, a white crystalline powder, readily soluble in water and in alcohol, but only slightly in ether, which acts upon the heart like Digitalin, and has also diuretic action, and Convallarin, which is crystalline in prisms, soluble in alcohol, slightly soluble in water and has a purgative action. There are also present a trace of volatile oil, tannin, salts, etc. Medicinal Action and Uses: Lily-of-the-Valley is valued as a cardiac tonic and diuretic. The action of the drug closely resembles that of Digitalis, though it is less powerful; it is used as a substitute and strongly recommended in valvular heart disease, also in cases of cardiac debility and dropsy. It slows the disturbed action of a weak, irritable heart, whilst at the same time increasing its power. It is a perfectly safe remedy. No harm has been known to occur from taking it in full and frequent doses, it being preferable in this respect to Digitalis, which is apt to accumulate in the blood with poisonous results. It proved most useful in cases of poisonous gassing of our men at the Front. It is generally administered in the form of a tincture. The infusion of ½ oz. of herb to 1 pint of boiling water is also taken in tablespoonful doses. Fluid extracts are likewise prepared from the rhizome, whole plant and flowers and the flowers have been used in powdered form. A decoction of the flowers is said to be useful in removing obstructions in the urinary canal, and it has been also recommended as a substitute for aloes, on account of its purgative