Evidence supporting the use of: Lily of the Valley
For the health condition: Heart Fibrillation or Palpitations

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis) has a longstanding history in traditional herbal medicine for the treatment of certain heart conditions, including arrhythmias such as palpitations and fibrillation. The plant contains cardiac glycosides (primarily convallatoxin and convallarin), which are structurally similar to those found in foxglove (Digitalis spp.), a source of digoxin. These compounds act on the heart by inhibiting the sodium-potassium ATPase pump, leading to increased intracellular calcium and stronger cardiac contractions. Historically, Lily of the Valley was used in Europe as a milder alternative to digitalis for heart failure and irregular heartbeats, though its use was based on clinical experience rather than controlled studies.

However, modern scientific evidence supporting its efficacy and safety is very limited, and its therapeutic window is narrow, with toxicity risks. The advent of standardized pharmaceutical cardiac glycosides has largely replaced traditional use. Today, its use is not recommended in clinical practice due to potential for toxicity and lack of robust clinical trials. In summary, while Lily of the Valley was traditionally used for heart palpitations and arrhythmias, scientific validation is lacking and it is not considered a safe or effective treatment in modern medicine.

More about Lily of the Valley
More about Heart Fibrillation or Palpitations

Products containing Lily of the Valley

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