Lily of the valley
The Lily of the valley is a 30 cm tall plant found wild in wooded areas. It is a creeping plant that expands so much in size and flowers in May and June. It gives off a pleasant fragrance.
The flowers and roots are still used in today’s pharmacy as they have a beneficial effect on heart function. For instance, they promote the contraction of the heart muscle which slows down the heart rate. Thus, in the past they were also added to snuff. The essential oils extracted are sought after in perfumery and cosmetics. It is a poisonous plant that should definitely not be consumed.
According to a church myth, the lily of the valley is said to have originated from the tears Mary wept under the cross of Jesus. However, long before that, it was dedicated to the Germanic goddess of spring, Ostara. Ancient Germanic people believed the flowers bring good luck in love, symbolising purity.
