Herbs of Spring - Part III

Convallaria majalis (Lily of the Valley)

Looking strong and fresh in the herb garden is this Lily of the Valley. Traditionally used in Co Antrim for heart complaints according to Allen & Hatfield, this herb is prized by herbalists but it is a remedy that should not be taken without professional guidance as the wrong dose can be dangerous. It contains cardiac glycosides which have a similar action to Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) though without the toxic effects.

According to David Hoffman: "Lily of the Valley is perhaps the most valuable heart remedy that the medicinal herbalist uses today." (The Holistic Herbal)

Primula vulgaris (Primrose)

Benjamin Disreali's favourite flower can often be found in Spring in gardens and on roadside verges. Maud Grieve suggests:

"In the early days of medicine, the Primrose was considered an important remedy in muscular rheumatism, paralysis and gout. Pliny speaks of it as almost a panacea for these complaints. The whole plant is sedative and in modern days a tincture of the fresh plant in bloom, in a strength of 10 OZ. to 1 pint of alcohol, in doses of 1 to 10 drops has been used with success in America in extreme sensitiveness, restlessness and insomnia. The whole plant has somewhat expectorant qualities. An infusion of the flowers was formerly considered excellent against nervous hysterical disorders. 'Primrose Tea,' says Gerard, 'drunk in the month of May is famous for curing the phrensie.' The infusion may be made of 5 to 10 parts of the petals to 100 of water.
In modern herbal medicine the infusion of the root is generally taken in tablespoonful doses as a good remedy against nervous headaches. A teaspoonful of the powdered dry root serves as an emetic.
'Of the leaves of Primrose,' Culpepper tells us, 'is made as fine a salve to heal wound as any I know.'
The leaves are said to be eagerly eaten by the common silkworm."

Valeriana officinalis (Valerian)

Valerian is becoming more well known for its use in insomnia and nervous complaints. Cats love it too so be careful where you plant it as they have be known to roll about in it and tear it up!

A study by Koetter et al in 2007 found Valerian to be 'more effective than placebo'. In my experience valerian is best used over a period of time rather than a single dose in an acute situation which tends to be ineffective. The Commission E Monographs suggest it should be used specifically for insomnia derived from nervous disorders.

Melissa officinalis (Lemon Balm)

This gloriously lemon-scented shrub is one of my personal favourites (this is a variegated variety btw). The herb has  antibacterial and antiviral effects as well as being a mild sedative. William Cook's 1869 Herbal suggests:

"This herb forms a pleasant and slightly aromatic drink, which may be used without hesitation by all classes of fever patients, in preference to cold water. It slightly favors the flow of sweat and urine, soothes the nerves, and sometimes promotes the menstrual flow moderately. It is a popular family remedy in recent colds, and an adjunct to less pleasant diaphoretics."
(The Physiomedical Dispensatory 1869)

Hydrastis canadensis (Golden Seal)

I've tried for a few years to grow Golden Seal and despite giving up I found this young plant coming through just a few days ago. Golden Seal is an endangered species as it has been overharvested for many years. It is a very 'cold' herb due to its extremely bitter taste but is a most-excellent anti-microbial. It's important to protect species such as this in whatever ways we can!

NOTE: This site is for information purposes only - herbal medicines should not be taken without consulting a professional herbalist, and plants should not be taken from the wild unless correctly identified and harvested according to sustainable methodology.