May bells, Fairy cups, Stairway to heaven are some of the names of the flower that is well known to everyone as the beautiful and very fragrant lily of the valley.
The delicate white flowers of the lily of the valley symbolize absolute purity, freshness, sincerity and restraint. But not only that: it represents happiness and in different cultures it is customary to give a lily of the valley to a loved one every May 1st. This comes from the ancient Germanic custom of honoring the goddess of the coming spring and rising light with these flowers that herald summer.
Lily of the valley is still considered a sign of love and is often found in wedding bouquets as a talisman of good luck. The flowers emit a wonderful sweet aroma that has long been used in the perfume and cosmetics industry.
Origin and characteristics of lily of the valley
The Latin name for Lily of the Valley, also called Mayflower, is Convallaria Majalis. This name comes from the fact that it grows mainly in deep valleys (Convallaria) and because its flowering time is in May. Mayflower is a perennial plant that spreads easily by means of a creeping rhizome and grows abundantly in damp woodland areas, but is also a popular plant in gardens. At the base of the flower stalk grows a pair of broadly elliptical parallel leaves. Each stalk bears a cluster of six to twelve fragrant white flowers that grow like small bells and all lean to one side of the stem. Ancient writings from the 16th century indicate that the flowers and roots were known and used for their beneficial effects on the functioning of the heart.
Lily of the Valley Oil and Its Benefits
Lily of the Valley essential oil is extracted from the sweet, aromatic bellflowers by steam distillation. The invigorating aroma heralds balance, calm, and optimism for the mind, body, and spirit. Lily of the Valley contains flavonoids, saponins, citric, malic, and cardenolide acids. Lily of the Valley oil has a number of health benefits: it is antispasmodic, cleansing, calming, and antipyretic. It is said to stimulate the brain and enhance memory. The bright, clean aroma of Lily of the Valley oil relieves anxiety and situational depression. It is cooling and calming with mild sedative properties that promote a good night’s sleep.
Lily of the Valley Body Oil
Lily of the valley oil is suitable for skin care of both the face and body, it perfectly moisturizes and promotes skin regeneration. Due to the rejuvenating effect, fine and deep wrinkles are reduced, skin tone is evened out and pigment spots are lightened. Lily of the valley oil can be used as an additive to lotions, day or night creams, nourishing face masks, balms, conditioners and hair masks. The skin acquires a well-groomed appearance due to improved blood circulation in the subcutaneous tissues, which provides the skin with sufficient nutrition and hydration.
Skin care
Lily of the valley essential oil deeply nourishes the skin. Applied topically, mixed with your regular skin care product, it leaves the skin feeling fresh and vitalized, while healing minor scars, sores, superficial wounds and eczema.
Lily of the valley manages mild pain and inflammation, reduces any bacterial activity present, and helps relieve unwanted muscle spasms.
Reduces scars
Lily of the valley oil is extremely useful in treating various skin conditions. It is a good remedy for treating burns and other types of wounds that can leave scars. Existing scar tissue can also be quickly and effectively reduced by applying this oil.
Brightens the skin
Lily of the valley has been used for skin lightening since the Middle Ages. It also has an astringent effect on the skin.
Helps with gout
The essential oil extracted from lily of the valley is extremely useful in the treatment of gout. Topical application of the oil to affected areas of the body such as joints and bones helps reduce pain and inflammation.
Reduces the temperature
The antipyretic action of lily of the valley is beneficial in the treatment of fever. It helps by regulating blood circulation in the body, which in turn helps to reduce body temperature.
Soothing massage
Lily of the valley oil diluted with base oil can be used for massage. This mixture increases microcirculation and reduces muscle pain in the affected areas.
Lily of the valley oil for the mind
Improves cognitive function
Little lily of the valley is said to improve the functioning of the nervous system. The herb’s anti-aging properties help slow the onset of age-related cognitive decline and also have a positive effect on improving memory. Lily of the valley is also used in the treatment of epilepsy and aging brain cells.
Treats depression
The therapeutic properties possessed by lily of the valley make it very useful in treating anxiety and depression. Lily of the valley essential oil promotes relaxation and calms the mind. Applying this oil behind the back of the neck and temples helps to get rid of anxiety.
Mental discomfort
Lily of the valley oil is used in aromatherapy to treat headaches, depression and melancholy. It can be used to treat memory loss, apoplexy and epilepsy, and is also used to strengthen brain cells and improve the brain’s cognitive processes.