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Herbal Glossary | Medicinal Glossary | Herbal Preparations | Ayervedic Formulas | Chinese Formulas Sweet Violet
Scientific Names
Common Names
Parts Usually UsedDried leaves and flowers; fresh rootstock Description of Plant(s) and CultureGarden violet is a small, European, perennial plant; the creeping
rootstock sends out runners along the ground which also take root.
The leaves are basal, petioled, and cordate. The spurred, violet,
sometimes white or rose-colored, flowers grow on long peduncles, pale
violet spurs at the back; from March to May. Fruits are rounded, hairy,
three-part capsules. Where FoundCommonly cultivated and also grows wild in damp woods, shady places,
meadows, thickets, hedges, and along roadsides and the edges of woods.
Native to Europe. Medicinal PropertiesDiaphoretic, emetic, expectorant, laxative, mucilaginous, antipyretic,
alterative, antiseptic, anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory Biochemical InformationSalicylic acid, volatile oil, mucilage, resin, sugar, an aromatic
principle, flavonoids, a glucoside, saponins, an alkaloid called odoratine,
rich in vitamins A and C. The flower also contains an aromatic compound
called irone, and a blue pigment. Legends, Myths and StoriesThe violets have a large family tree; some 400 species, mostly perennial but a few annual herbs. According to Greek legend, the violet originated from the tears of Io, a beautiful nymph whom Zeus loved. To hide Io from Hera, his jealous wife, Zeus changed her into a white heifer. When Io cried because the field grasses were coarse and bitter for her taste, Zeus transformed her tears into violets to provide her a more delicate food. In Greek burials it was the custom to cover the dead person with violets as a symbol of both the beauty and the transitory quality of life. As far back as 500 BC, violet herbs were used in poultice form as a cure for surface cancer (skin cancer). Homer relates how the Athenians used violets to moderate anger. Pliny recommended wearing a garland of violets to prevent headaches and dizziness. Because of his fondness for the flower, Napoleon was sometimes known
as Corporal Violet. When he was exiled on Elba, the violet became
his symbol for his supporters. Violets were strewn along the parade
route when he returned to power in Paris, after escaping from the
island. UsesGarden violet is primarily an herb for respiratory problems. A tea made from the leaves is excellent as a soothing gargle, for sore gums, canker sores, good for inflammations, relieves pain of cancerous growths, as well as used as a poultice to the back of the neck for headache. A blood purifier, good for treating gout, colds, asthma, sores, ulcers, scrofula, pleurisy, syphilis, and difficult breathing due to gas and morbid matter in the stomach and bowels. The flowers lower blood pressure. Has been used to treat blemished skin, psoriasis, eczema, acne, and infants' cradle cap. A decoction of the rootstock makes a good expectorant. For inflamed mucous tissue in the mouth, rinse with a tea made from the rootstock or the whole plant. A tea or syrup made from the plant, especially the rootstock and the flowers, is a soothing remedy for coughs and whooping cough. Use it also as a calming agent for insomnia and hysterical or nervous problems. The flowers and the seeds can be used as a mild laxative. In large doses, the rootstock is emetic. Particularly used to soften hard lumps and counteract cancer, swollen glands. Violet leaves are used in puddings, jellies, and salads; flowers
in salads or in candied form as a decorative garnish for desserts. Formulas or DosagesCollect the rootstock in the fall. Infusion: steep 1 tsp. mixed plant parts in 1/2 cup water and strain. Decoction: boil 1 tbsp. rootstock or plant parts in 1/2 cup water. Soaking for a few hours before boiling is said to strengthen the activity. Syrup: pour 1 qt. boiling water over an equal volume of compressed
flowers; let stand for 10 hours and strain. Heat the resulting liquid
to simmering and pour over a new batch of flowers. Let stand and strain
as before. Repeat the procedure several more times (the more the better).
Heat the final liquid, let cool, and add honey until a syrupy consistency
is obtained. Nutrient ContentRich in vitamins A and C. WarningAvoid very high doses, as they contain saponins, which may induce
nausea and vomiting.
Bibliography
Herbal Gardening, compiled by The Robison York State Herb Garden, Cornell Plantations, Matthaei Botanical Gardens of the University of Michigan, University of California Botanical Garden, Berkeley., Pantheon Books, Knopf Publishing Group, New York, 1994, first edition
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Common
blue violet
Back to Eden
, by Jethro Kloss; Back to Eden Publishing Co., Loma Linda, CA 92354, Original copyright 1939, revised edition 1994
, by John Lust, Bantam Books, 666 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY. copyright 1974.Copyright © 1996-2010 Lynn DeVries, all rights reserved.