Herb & supplement monograph

Lily-of-the-valley Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More

Medically reviewed by ·Updated July 2026
What is this page for?

First and foremost: how Lily-of-the-valley interacts with medications. The heart of this page is the interaction list — every drug Lily-of-the-valley is known to interact with, and how serious each one is.

But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Lily-of-the-valley is, what people use it for and how strong the evidence is, its safety and side effects, and answers to the questions we’re asked most — written and reviewed by the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases, not medical advice, and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

Check Lily-of-the-valley against your medication

Add one medication
Lily-of-the-valley
+
Start typing any prescription or over-the-counter drug name.
Reviewed by licensed pharmacists Sourced from Natural Medicines
On this page

Lily-of-the-valley Drug Interactions: The Bottom Line

From the HelloPharmacist Editorial Team · Updated July 2026

Lily-of-the-valley drug interactions deserve genuine caution, because this plant contains natural heart-active compounds (cardiac glycosides) and none of its known interactions are considered minor. A meaningful share of the interactions are rated major, the rest moderate, and the most serious concern is backed by human evidence rather than theory alone.

Interactions deserving the most attention

The clearest danger is with digoxin, since combining two sources of cardiac glycosides raises the risk of heart toxicity, and this interaction is well documented in people. Long-term corticosteroids and quinine also stand out as major concerns, mainly because they can deplete potassium or slow the clearance of these heart-active compounds. Potassium-losing diuretics and overused stimulant laxatives raise a similar worry, and there is a probable risk that lily-of-the-valley could push lithium levels higher.

What the rest of the list means

Even so, a long list of interactions does not mean every combination will cause harm. Many of the moderate entries, such as those with certain antibiotics and laxatives, are theoretical, based on how these drugs affect absorption or potassium rather than on reported problems in people. Still, because the shared theme is added strain on the heart, this supplement calls for more respect than most.

Check your medications against Lily-of-the-valley

Based on HelloPharmacist’s Lily-of-the-valley interaction data and reviewed under our editorial standards.

Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Lily-of-the-valley

157 medications have a known interaction with Lily-of-the-valley, graded by severity. Select any drug for the full evidence-based detail.

26 major interactions. These combinations can be clinically significant — best avoided, or used only with close professional supervision. Always check with your pharmacist before combining them with Lily-of-the-valley.

2,830 drugs
Azelastine Hydrochloride, Fluticasone PropionateDymista
Major Corticosteroids

Theoretically, using lily-of-the-valley with prolonged corticosteroid therapy can cause cardiac glycoside toxicity.

Read the full Lily-of-the-valley + Azelastine Hydrochloride, Fluticasone Propionate interaction
Beclometasone DipropionateBecotide
Major Corticosteroids

Theoretically, using lily-of-the-valley with prolonged corticosteroid therapy can cause cardiac glycoside toxicity.

Read the full Lily-of-the-valley + Beclometasone Dipropionate interaction
BeclomethasoneBeclovent, Vanceril
Major Corticosteroids

Theoretically, using lily-of-the-valley with prolonged corticosteroid therapy can cause cardiac glycoside toxicity.

Read the full Lily-of-the-valley + Beclomethasone interaction Beclomethasone drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
Beclomethasone DipropionateQNASL, Qvar
Major Corticosteroids

Theoretically, using lily-of-the-valley with prolonged corticosteroid therapy can cause cardiac glycoside toxicity.

Read the full Lily-of-the-valley + Beclomethasone Dipropionate interaction Beclomethasone Dipropionate drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
BetamethasoneCelestone, Diprolene AF, Diprosone
Major Corticosteroids

Theoretically, using lily-of-the-valley with prolonged corticosteroid therapy can cause cardiac glycoside toxicity.

Read the full Lily-of-the-valley + Betamethasone interaction Betamethasone drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
Betamethasone DipropionateSernivo
Major Corticosteroids

Theoretically, using lily-of-the-valley with prolonged corticosteroid therapy can cause cardiac glycoside toxicity.

Read the full Lily-of-the-valley + Betamethasone Dipropionate interaction Betamethasone Dipropionate drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
Betamethasone Dipropionate, CalcipotrieneEnstilar, Wynzora
Major Corticosteroids

Theoretically, using lily-of-the-valley with prolonged corticosteroid therapy can cause cardiac glycoside toxicity.

Read the full Lily-of-the-valley + Betamethasone Dipropionate, Calcipotriene interaction
Betamethasone ValerateLuxiq
Major Corticosteroids

Theoretically, using lily-of-the-valley with prolonged corticosteroid therapy can cause cardiac glycoside toxicity.

Read the full Lily-of-the-valley + Betamethasone Valerate interaction Betamethasone Valerate drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
BudesonideEntocort EC, Eohilia, Pulmicort, Tarpeyo, Uceris
Major Corticosteroids

Theoretically, using lily-of-the-valley with prolonged corticosteroid therapy can cause cardiac glycoside toxicity.

Read the full Lily-of-the-valley + Budesonide interaction Budesonide drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
ClobetasolClobex, Temovate
Major Corticosteroids

Theoretically, using lily-of-the-valley with prolonged corticosteroid therapy can cause cardiac glycoside toxicity.

Read the full Lily-of-the-valley + Clobetasol interaction Clobetasol drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
Cortisone AcetateCortisone Tablets, Cortone
Major Corticosteroids

Theoretically, using lily-of-the-valley with prolonged corticosteroid therapy can cause cardiac glycoside toxicity.

Read the full Lily-of-the-valley + Cortisone Acetate interaction
DexamethasoneDecadron, Dexone, Dextenza, Dexycu, Hemady, Hexadrol +1 more
Major Corticosteroids

Theoretically, using lily-of-the-valley with prolonged corticosteroid therapy can cause cardiac glycoside toxicity.

Read the full Lily-of-the-valley + Dexamethasone interaction Dexamethasone drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
DigoxinDigitek, Lanoxicaps, Lanoxin
Major Digoxin (lanoxin)

Using lily-of-the-valley with digoxin can cause cardiac glycoside toxicity.

Read the full Lily-of-the-valley + Digoxin interaction Digoxin drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
FludrocortisoneFlorinef Acetate
Major Corticosteroids

Theoretically, using lily-of-the-valley with prolonged corticosteroid therapy can cause cardiac glycoside toxicity.

Read the full Lily-of-the-valley + Fludrocortisone interaction
FluticasoneFlixotide, Flonase, Flovent, Seretide, Veramyst
Major Corticosteroids

Theoretically, using lily-of-the-valley with prolonged corticosteroid therapy can cause cardiac glycoside toxicity.

Read the full Lily-of-the-valley + Fluticasone interaction
Fluticasone Furoate, Umeclidinium, VilanterolTrelegy Ellipta
Major Corticosteroids

Theoretically, using lily-of-the-valley with prolonged corticosteroid therapy can cause cardiac glycoside toxicity.

Read the full Lily-of-the-valley + Fluticasone Furoate, Umeclidinium, Vilanterol interaction Fluticasone Furoate, Umeclidinium, Vilanterol drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
Fluticasone Furoate, Vilanterol TrifenatateBreo Ellipta
Major Corticosteroids

Theoretically, using lily-of-the-valley with prolonged corticosteroid therapy can cause cardiac glycoside toxicity.

Read the full Lily-of-the-valley + Fluticasone Furoate, Vilanterol Trifenatate interaction Fluticasone Furoate, Vilanterol Trifenatate drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
HydrocortisoneAlkindi Sprinkle, Alphaderm, Calmurid HC, Carmol HC cream, Cortef, Dioderm +8 more
Major Corticosteroids

Theoretically, using lily-of-the-valley with prolonged corticosteroid therapy can cause cardiac glycoside toxicity.

Read the full Lily-of-the-valley + Hydrocortisone interaction Hydrocortisone drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
MethylprednisoloneMedrol, Medrol Dosepak
Major Corticosteroids

Theoretically, using lily-of-the-valley with prolonged corticosteroid therapy can cause cardiac glycoside toxicity.

Read the full Lily-of-the-valley + Methylprednisolone interaction Methylprednisolone drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
Olopatadine Hydrochloride, Mometasone FuroateRyaltris
Major Corticosteroids

Theoretically, using lily-of-the-valley with prolonged corticosteroid therapy can cause cardiac glycoside toxicity.

Read the full Lily-of-the-valley + Olopatadine Hydrochloride, Mometasone Furoate interaction
PrednisoloneCortalone, Delta Cortef, Pred Forte, Prednisolone, Solupred, Sterane
Major Corticosteroids

Theoretically, using lily-of-the-valley with prolonged corticosteroid therapy can cause cardiac glycoside toxicity.

Read the full Lily-of-the-valley + Prednisolone interaction Prednisolone drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
PrednisoneCortan, Deltasone, Meticorten, Orasone, Prednicen-M, Prednisone +2 more
Major Corticosteroids

Theoretically, using lily-of-the-valley with prolonged corticosteroid therapy can cause cardiac glycoside toxicity.

Read the full Lily-of-the-valley + Prednisone interaction Prednisone drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
QuinineQualaquin
Major Quinine

Theoretically, using lily-of-the-valley with quinine can increase the risk of cardiac glycoside toxicity.

Read the full Lily-of-the-valley + Quinine interaction Quinine drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
Quinine SulfateQuinamm, Quinine Sulfate
Major Quinine

Theoretically, using lily-of-the-valley with quinine can increase the risk of cardiac glycoside toxicity.

Read the full Lily-of-the-valley + Quinine Sulfate interaction
TriamcinoloneAdcortyl in Orabase, Adcortyl Intra-articular / Intradermal, Aristocort, Kenacort, Kenalog Intra-articular / Intramuscular, Triesence
Major Corticosteroids

Theoretically, using lily-of-the-valley with prolonged corticosteroid therapy can cause cardiac glycoside toxicity.

Read the full Lily-of-the-valley + Triamcinolone interaction Triamcinolone drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
Triamcinolone AcetonideXipere, Zilretta
Major Corticosteroids

Theoretically, using lily-of-the-valley with prolonged corticosteroid therapy can cause cardiac glycoside toxicity.

Read the full Lily-of-the-valley + Triamcinolone Acetonide interaction
Acetaminophen, Caffeine, PyrilamineMidol Max Strength Menstrual
Moderate Diuretic Drugs

Theoretically, using lily-of-the-valley with diuretics can increase the risk of cardiac glycoside toxicity.

Read the full Lily-of-the-valley + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Pyrilamine interaction
Acetaminophen, Pamabrom, PyrilamineMidol Max Strength PMS, Pamprin, Pamprin ES
Moderate Diuretic Drugs

Theoretically, using lily-of-the-valley with diuretics can increase the risk of cardiac glycoside toxicity.

Read the full Lily-of-the-valley + Acetaminophen, Pamabrom, Pyrilamine interaction
AcetazolamideAk-Zol, Diamox
Moderate Diuretic Drugs

Theoretically, using lily-of-the-valley with diuretics can increase the risk of cardiac glycoside toxicity.

Read the full Lily-of-the-valley + Acetazolamide interaction Acetazolamide drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
Amiloride, HydrochlorothiazideAmil-Co, Amilzide, Moduret 25, Moduretic
Moderate Diuretic Drugs

Theoretically, using lily-of-the-valley with diuretics can increase the risk of cardiac glycoside toxicity.

Read the full Lily-of-the-valley + Amiloride, Hydrochlorothiazide interaction Amiloride, Hydrochlorothiazide drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
Read The List Like a Pharmacist

What Severity, Likelihood & Evidence Mean

Severity — How Serious It Can Be

  • Major. Clinically significant; generally best avoided, or used only under direct professional supervision.
  • Moderate. May need monitoring, a dose adjustment, or separating the times you take each one.
  • Minor. Generally not clinically significant, but still worth noting and mentioning to your pharmacist.
  • No known interaction. Checked against our sources with nothing documented — not the same as proven safety.

Likelihood — How Well It’s Documented

  • Likely. Well-controlled human studies have demonstrated the likely existence of this interaction
  • Probable. Interaction has not been documented in well-controlled studies, however, the interaction has been demonstrated in some small human studies or in controlled animal studies in conjunction with multiple case reports.
  • Possible. Interaction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
  • Unlikely. Interaction has been demonstrated in animal or in lab research but has been shown not to occur in humans.

Where This Data Comes From

  • Interaction records are evidence-graded and sourced from the Natural Medicines database (TRC Healthcare), the same reference used by pharmacists and hospitals.
  • Each drug listed above links to the full report for that exact Lily-of-the-valley combination — clinical detail, likelihood, evidence level, and citations.
  • Content is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists — see our data sources and editorial standards.
The big picture

The kinds of drugs Lily-of-the-valley affects

Every type of medication (drug category) Lily-of-the-valley is known to interact with. Open any category for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

All 8 drug categories Lily-of-the-valley interacts with
CorticosteroidsDigoxin (lanoxin)QuinineDiuretic DrugsLithiumMacrolide AntibioticsStimulant LaxativesTetracycline Antibiotics
Corticosteroids

Theoretically, using lily-of-the-valley with prolonged corticosteroid therapy can cause cardiac glycoside toxicity.
Lily-of-the-valley contains cardiac glycosides. Concomitant, long-term corticosteroid use can increase the risk of cardiac glycoside toxicity due to potassium depletion and electrolyte imbalance.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Digoxin (Lanoxin)

Using lily-of-the-valley with digoxin can cause cardiac glycoside toxicity.
Lily-of-the-valley contains cardiac glycosides. Use of the cardiac glycoside digoxin and lily-of-the-valley concomitantly increases the risk of cardiac glycoside toxicity.

Likelihood Likely Evidence D
Quinine

Theoretically, using lily-of-the-valley with quinine can increase the risk of cardiac glycoside toxicity.
Quinine may reduce the clearance of oral digoxin. Theoretically, concomitant use of quinine with lily-of-the-valley might reduce the clearance of cardiac glycosides found in lily-of-the-valley and increase the risk of toxicity.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Diuretic Drugs

Theoretically, using lily-of-the-valley with diuretics can increase the risk of cardiac glycoside toxicity.
Lily-of-the-valley contains cardiac glycosides. Concomitant use of potassium depleting diuretics and lily-of-the-valley can increase the risk of cardiac glycoside toxicity due to potassium depletion and electrolyte imbalance.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Lithium

Theoretically, lily-of-the-valley can increase levels of lithium and increase toxicity.
Lily-of-the-valley is thought to have diuretic properties. Theoretically, due to these potential diuretic effects, lily-of-the-valley might reduce excretion and increase levels of lithium. The dose of lithium might need to be decreased.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Macrolide Antibiotics

Theoretically, using lily-of-the-valley with macrolide antibiotics can increase the risk of cardiac glycoside toxicity.
Macrolide antibiotics appear to increase the gastrointestinal absorption of oral digoxin. Theoretically, concomitant use of macrolide antibiotics might increase the absorption of the cardiac glycosides found in lily-of-the-valley.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Stimulant Laxatives

Theoretically, using lily-of-the-valley with stimulant laxatives can increase the risk of cardiac glycoside toxicity.
Lily-of-the-valley contains cardiac glycosides. The overuse of stimulant laxatives can increase the risk of cardiac glycoside toxicity with lily-of-the-valley due to potassium depletion.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Tetracycline Antibiotics

Theoretically, using lily-of-the-valley with tetracycline antibiotics might increase the risk of cardiac glycoside toxicity.
Tetracycline antibiotics appear to increase the gastrointestinal absorption of oral digoxin, a cardiac glycoside. Theoretically, concomitant use of tetracycline antibiotics might increase the absorption of the cardiac glycosides found in lily-of-the-valley.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Monograph

Lily-of-the-valley: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Medically reviewed by · Reviewed July 2026 ·
The bottom line

Lily-of-the-valley is a poisonous plant that contains powerful heart-affecting compounds called cardiac glycosides, similar to the drug digoxin. While it was used historically for heart conditions, it is dangerous and is not recommended for self-treatment. All parts of the plant are toxic, and accidental poisoning can be life-threatening.

Lily-of-the-valley
Scientific name
Convallaria majalis
Family
Asparagaceae
Part used
Dried flowering tops, leaves, and roots
Common forms
Tincture, dried herb extract, homeopathic preparations (rarely used today)
People commonly use it for
  • Heart failure (historical)
  • Irregular heartbeat (historical)
  • Fluid retention/edema
  • General heart tonic (traditional)

Popular and traditional uses — not proof it works. See “Uses & effectiveness” below for the evidence.

Safety at a glance
OverallBest avoided

All parts are poisonous and can cause life-threatening heart problems.

PregnancyLikely Unsafe

When used orally for self-medication. Avoid using.

Read the full pregnancy detail
BreastfeedingLikely Unsafe

When used orally for self-medication. Avoid using.

Read the full breastfeeding detail

Pregnancy & breastfeeding ratings are from Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center). Safety guidance is general; always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor for your situation.

Jump to a section

Overview

Lily-of-the-valley (Convallaria majalis) is a small, low-growing plant native to Europe and parts of Asia. It is well known for its sweet-smelling, white, bell-shaped flowers and its bright red berries. It is grown widely as an ornamental garden plant.

Despite its pretty appearance, the entire plant is poisonous. In traditional and historical medicine, it was used for heart-related problems because it contains compounds that act on the heart in a way similar to the prescription drug digoxin. Today, it is rarely used in modern medicine because of its strong toxicity and the difficulty of using it safely.

How it works

Lily-of-the-valley contains cardiac glycosides, including a compound called convallatoxin. These chemicals work much like digoxin, a prescription heart medicine. They affect how the heart muscle contracts and can change heart rate and rhythm.

In theory, these effects could strengthen heartbeats in a failing heart. But the same effects can be very dangerous, causing dangerously slow heartbeats, abnormal rhythms, and even cardiac arrest if too much is taken. Much of what we know comes from the plant's known toxic effects and laboratory study of its chemistry rather than from controlled clinical trials.

Effectiveness

Does Lily-of-the-valley work?

Here’s what the research actually shows for each use — graded by Natural Medicines and reviewed by .

Evidence overview · 2 uses evaluated
2 Insufficient evidence
How to read these evidence grades

Natural Medicines’ 7-point scale. We show each rating’s label word-for-word.

1EffectiveStrong, consistent evidence it works.
2Likely EffectiveGood evidence, though not yet conclusive.
3Possibly EffectiveSome evidence suggests a benefit.
4Possibly IneffectiveSome evidence it may not help.
5Likely IneffectiveFairly strong evidence it doesn’t help.
6IneffectiveStrong evidence it doesn’t work.
7Insufficient Reliable Evidence to RateToo little research to say either way.

For Lily-of-the-valley, current evidence isn’t strong enough to rate any specific use. The conditions it has been studied for are listed below.

Also studied for 2 conditions — evidence insufficient to rate
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Arrhythmia
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there has been interest in using oral lily-of-the-valley for arrhythmia, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of lily-of-the-valley for this purpose.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Heart failure
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there has been interest in using oral lily-of-the-valley for heart failure, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of lily-of-the-valley for this purpose.

Source & disclaimer. Effectiveness ratings and evidence summaries are provided by Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) and shown as licensed. Where Natural Medicines hasn’t rated a use, HelloPharmacist’s pharmacists may add their own reviewed rating and evidence (each such entry is labeled). This is educational information, not medical advice — talk with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing a supplement.

Safety & precautions

All parts of lily-of-the-valley are poisonous, including the flowers, leaves, berries, roots, and even the water that cut flowers have been kept in. Eating any part can cause serious poisoning.

It is especially dangerous for children, who may be attracted to the bright red berries, and for pets. People with heart disease are at particular risk. Pregnant or breastfeeding people should never use it. Because of its toxicity, this plant should not be used for self-treatment under any circumstances. If you grow it as an ornamental, keep it away from children and animals, and wash your hands after handling it.

If you suspect someone has swallowed any part of this plant, contact a poison control center or seek emergency medical care right away.

Side effects

Even small amounts can cause poisoning. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, confusion, and blurred or yellow-tinted vision.

More serious effects involve the heart, including a slow, fast, or irregular heartbeat and dangerously low blood pressure. In severe cases, poisoning can lead to seizures, collapse, and death. There is no safe level of casual use.

Lily-of-the-valley: Reported Adverse Effects

Documented safety reports on Lily-of-the-valley from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database, shown word-for-word from the licensed record.

When used orally without the supervision of a healthcare professional, lily-of-the-valley is unsafe.

Serious Adverse Effects (Rare):

Orally, lily-of-the-valley can cause cardiac arrhythmias.

Reports by condition
Arrhythmia Cardiovascular

Orally, lily-of-the-valley can cause cardiac arrhythmias, due to the numerous cardiac glycosides it contains. In one case report, an 87-year-old female was admitted to the hospital with bradycardia, cardiac repolarization abnormalities, and elevated blood pressure after the consumption of 2 sprigs of lily-of-the-valley. The patient was discharged after 24 hours monitoring..

  1. Blumenthal M, ed. The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Trans. S. Klein. Boston, MA: American Botanical Council, 1998.
  2. Alexandre J, Foucault A, Coutance G, et al. Digitalis intoxication induced by an acute accidental poisoning by lily of the valley. Circulation 2012 Feb 28;125(8):1053-5.
Cluster headache Neurologic/CNS

Orally, lily-of-the-valley can cause headache and stupor. Visual color disturbances can also occur.

  1. Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.
Nausea and vomiting Gastrointestinal

Orally, lily-of-the-valley can cause nausea and vomiting.

  1. Blumenthal M, ed. The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Trans. S. Klein. Boston, MA: American Botanical Council, 1998.
DISCLAIMER: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

Adverse-effects data: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

Dosing

There is no established safe dose of lily-of-the-valley for self-care, and it should not be used. Because the strength of its heart-affecting compounds varies so much from plant to plant, even careful measuring cannot make it safe to use on your own.

If you are looking for treatment for a heart condition, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about proven, regulated medicines. Do not attempt to make or use any home preparation of this plant.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Lily-of-the-valley & Pregnancy

Likely Unsafe

When used orally for self-medication. Avoid using.

  1. McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.

Lily-of-the-valley & Breastfeeding

Likely Unsafe

When used orally for self-medication. Avoid using.

  1. McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
DISCLAIMER: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

© 2026 Therapeutic Research Center

Pregnancy & lactation ratings: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

References & further reading

The 7 references that drive our Lily-of-the-valley monograph and interaction data, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Citations with a link open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

  1. Blumenthal M, ed. The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Trans. S. Klein. Boston, MA: American Botanical Council, 1998.
  2. McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
  3. Ellenhorn MJ, et al. Ellenhorn's Medical Toxicology: Diagnoses and Treatment of Human Poisoning. 2nd ed. Baltimore, MD: Williams & Wilkins, 1997.
  4. Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.
  5. Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.
  6. Burnham TH, ed. Drug Facts and Comparisons, Updated Monthly. Facts and Comparisons, St. Louis, MO.
  7. Alexandre J, Foucault A, Coutance G, et al. Digitalis intoxication induced by an acute accidental poisoning by lily of the valley. Circulation 2012 Feb 28;125(8):1053-5. PubMed
Keep reading

This information is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or combining supplements and medications.

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

Brand directory

Brands that make products with Lily-of-the-valley

5 brands in our database make a supplement containing Lily-of-the-valley.

Product directory

Supplement products with Lily-of-the-valley

10 products in our database contain Lily-of-the-valley. Open any to see its full ingredient list and every drug interaction we check.

Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Lily-of-the-valley: Common Questions

What is Lily-of-the-valley used for, and does it work?
People use Lily-of-the-valley for a range of reasons, but according to the Natural Medicines database the current clinical evidence is insufficient to confirm it works for the specific conditions it has been studied for. See the graded list on this page, and talk to your pharmacist or doctor before relying on it for any condition.
Does Lily-of-the-valley interact with prescription medications?
Yes. We list 157 medications with a known interaction with Lily-of-the-valley, including 26 rated major. Use the checker above to see how Lily-of-the-valley interacts with a specific drug.
How are Lily-of-the-valley interactions rated?
Each interaction is graded major, moderate, or minor based on how clinically significant it is and the strength of the evidence behind it. Major interactions are the most serious and are best avoided, or used only under close professional supervision.
Is it safe to take Lily-of-the-valley with my medications?
It depends on the specific medication. Some combinations are fine, while others call for monitoring, timing changes, or should be avoided. Check your exact drug above and confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing anything.
Where does this Lily-of-the-valley interaction information come from?
Our interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database — an evidence-graded reference for vitamins, herbs, and supplements — and is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists, who may add clinical context.
Is Lily-of-the-valley poisonous?
Yes. Every part of the plant is toxic, including the flowers, leaves, berries, and roots. Even the water from cut flowers can be poisonous if swallowed.
Can I use Lily-of-the-valley to treat my heart problems?
No. Although it contains heart-affecting compounds, it is too dangerous to use safely. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about proven, regulated heart medicines instead.
What should I do if my child or pet eats the berries?
Seek emergency help immediately. Contact your local poison control center or go to the nearest emergency room, even if symptoms have not yet appeared.
Is it safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
No. Because the plant is poisonous, it should never be used during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Keep exploring

Products that contain Lily-of-the-valley

A rotating sample of real supplements in our database that list Lily-of-the-valley — open any to see its full ingredients and every drug interaction we check.

Where next
Supplement interaction checkerCheck any supplement or product against your medications Drug–drug interactionsCheck two or more of your medications against each other Browse medications A–ZEvery drug we’ve checked against herbs & supplements NDC & pricing lookupFind a drug’s NDCs, packaging and costs Ask a pharmacistFree, personal answer from our licensed team

Have a question about Lily-of-the-valley?

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

Ask a pharmacist