Lily of the Valley- May’s Birth Flower

Lily of the Valley- May’s Birth flower is for you–if you are born in May. The florists have symbolized the Lily of the valley with happiness, sweetness, and humility. In the “language of flowers, ” the lily of the valley means the rebuilding of happiness. When the Romans started celebrating birthdays with flowers they gifted friends with lily of the valley. With a more common name, ‘Jacob’s Ladder’ lily of valley reminds us of bell-shaped flowers on a sturdy stem.  In Christian mythology, the flowers of lily of the valley suggest tears of Virgin Mother Mary. During the Victorian period, lily of the valley was gifted to express a special relationship and a romantic message ‘you have made my life complete’ to someone special.

Born in May? Happy birthday with lily of the valley!!

The origin of the Lily of the Valley-May’s Birth Flower

Lily of the valley is a flower of the cool regions of the Northern Hemisphere, Europe, and Asia. The scientific name is Convallaria majalis. Lily of the valley is a monocotyledonous plant, belonging to the family Asparagaceae. It is a perennial herbaceous plant propagating through stems with bulbs. So once you plant a bulb, you can expect flowers every year. Lily of the valley is a trumpet shaped flowers on a long stem popping out from the ground. The usually white or light pink colored Lily of the valley- May’s birth flower obviously starts flowering in May to June. Besides the beautiful shape, the flowers spread sweet fragrance that serves as aromatherapy.

How to grow Lily of the Valley- May’s Birth Flower

Born in May? Wouldn’t it nice to have some in your garden? Or grow them in pots to keep indoors? Here’s is how.

• Plan for spring flowering by planting in Jan to February
• Use soil containing decomposed manure or compost. The soil should have moisture but no standing water.
• Buy or find bulbous roots also known as ‘pips’. Soak the bulbs in lukewarm water for a few hours until they swell.
• Plant bulbs in 8 to 12 inches apart on soil and cover above with the pointed ends of bulbs can be barely seen
• Water generously under drainage condition
• The bulbs should start sprouting within a week.
• Plants will bloom in May and stay for several months
• Potted plants can be kept indoors in a cool place.
• If kept indoors, place in North East facing window

Medical Ingredients of May’s Birth Flower

Besides carrying happiness and good luck, the lily of the Valley has many medicinal values. The medicinal properties are due to the presence of two glycosides; the diuretic action of Convallamarin and the purgative action of Convallarin. Besides it contains essential oils, saponins, flavonoids and citric and malic acid. All parts of the lily of the valley, the leaves, flowers, root, inflorescence has herbal properties

Treatment of diseases with extracts of Lily of the Valley

The dried plant parts and distilled extract are used to make ointments and medicines. The medicines help in the treatment of a number of illnesses. Here are 12 benefits of Lily of the Valley-May’s Birth Flower.

• Aromatherapy-lift depression
• Lower blood pressure
• Heart Diseases
• Chronic Lung Diseases
• Mental Problems
• Chest pain and angina
• Urinary Tract Infection
• Healthy Digestive system
• Skin astringent; lightens skin tone
• Burns and scars
• Breaks kidney stones
• Treatment of conjunctivitis

Lily of the Valley – May’s Birth flower in wedding bouquets

Lily of the Valley has been a gift for 1 May Day, the International Labor day. Princess Grace Kelly of Monaco and Duchess of Cambridge of England chose Lily of the Valley for their wedding bouquet.

Celebrate your Birthday with Lily of the flowering pot of Lily of the Valley- May’s Birth flower on your bedside and have sweet dreams!!

A word of caution

Lily of the Valley like many herbs may be poisonous if the right quantity is not used.