Lily of the Valley

botanical

What is it

Lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis) is a fragrant flowering plant containing cardiac glycosides (convallatoxin, convallarin) with effects similar to digitalis. It has been used in European herbalism and was historically used as a heart medication, but it is potentially toxic and not safe for self-administration.

Evidence for 1 use

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Cardiac contractility

Mixed

Pharmacologically active but with a narrow safety margin. Modern cardiac medications are more reliable and safer.

How it works

The cardiac glycosides in lily of the valley inhibit the Na/K-ATPase pump in heart muscle cells, increasing intracellular calcium and strengthening cardiac contraction (positive inotropic effect), similar to digoxin. This has a narrow therapeutic window — between an effective dose and toxic dose. Overdose causes arrhythmias, GI symptoms, and can be fatal. In some European countries, standardized extracts have historically been used as a digitalis substitute, but in most modern medical contexts, lily of the valley is considered too unpredictable for therapeutic use.

Dosage

Should not be self-administered. Any therapeutic use requires medical supervision and standardized preparations.

When and how to take it

Not appropriate for self-administration.

1 commercial form

Whole plant (toxic)

Cardiac glycosides are orally active.

Not recommended for supplement use due to toxicity risk.

Safety

Toxic. All parts of the plant are poisonous, including water from cut flowers. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, slow or irregular heart rate, confusion, and potentially fatal arrhythmias. Pet poisonings (dogs, cats) are common.

Who should be cautious

Everyone, especially anyone with heart disease, on cardiac medications, or with kidney disease. Keep away from children and pets. Pregnancy and breastfeeding: avoid.

Interactions

Major interactions with digoxin, diuretics (especially potassium-depleting), beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, quinidine, and any drug affecting cardiac conduction or potassium. Severe additive cardiac toxicity is possible.

Food sources

FoodAmount%DV
Not a food source (toxic)Do not consume—

Frequently asked questions

Can I use lily of the valley for my heart?⌄

No. It is toxic and has a narrow safety margin. Use prescribed cardiac medications under physician supervision instead.

References

  • Lily of the Valley on Wikidata — Wikidata link
  • Lily of the Valley on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link
  • Research on Lily of the Valley (PubMed search) — PubMed link

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.