LILY-OF-THE-VALLEY. (Convallaria-convalis, a valley inclosed on all sides.).
Introduction
Convallaria is one of out newer remedies, not being mentioned in our literature previous to 1883, and for that reason it is not to be found in Allen’s Encyclop. or Hering’s Guiding Symptoms. In large doses it causes irregularity of the heart’s action, vomiting and collapse; in somewhat smaller doses it diminishes the rate of the pulse, promotes the flow of urine and “probably stimulates the respiratory function” (Warner). In small doses it acts as a cardiac tonic and dissipates dropsical effusions of cardiac origin.
It is a drug similar in many respects to Digit. but is less energetic and usually safer to use. Nausea and vomiting occupy a very minor place in the pathogenesis, but dyspnoea. with inability to lie down (24) occupies a very prominent position and is a leading indication for the selection of the remedy.
Symptoms
The symptom that I keep in mind in reference to this remedy, and around which most of the others revolve, is that in the chest and heart conditions, lying down is difficult, if not impossible, and the patient is obliged to sit up, or to sit propped up (24).
It is a remedy to be thought of in dyspnoea, with pulmonary status and hydrothorax (29), with inability to lie down (24). It has relieved dyspnoea caused by walking, or ascending stairs or a hill (24) even when there was no organic heart lesion.
Convallaria is a valuable remedy for weak heart, with more or less irregularity and with or without valvular lesions. There will be great dyspnoea and inability to lie down, scanty urine and dropsy (63). It is useful for dilation of the heart due to emphysema (66) or kidney disease.
Dr. Boericke says that Convallaria is “of use when the ventricles are over-distended and dilation begins, when there is an absence of compensatory hypertrophy, and when venous stasis is marked.”
I use Convallaria in the tincture.
