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Information about the herb Violet
Viola odorata , also known as Blue Violet is part of the Violaceae plant family. Violet originates from Europe, Asia and the
British Isles.
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General Information
The Violet family has over 200 species widely distributed throughout the temperate and tropical regions of the world. The genus viola contains about 100 species, 5 native to Great Britain.
Botanical Name: Viola odorata
Plant Family: Violaceae
Common Names: Blue Violet, Sweet Violet, Veilchen
History: The name Viola is the Latin form of the Greek name Ione, from the legend of Jupiter when he changed Io into a white heifer for fear of Juno's jealousy and caused these little flowers to spring forth from the earth for her to eat.
Another derivation of the word Violet is said to be from vias, meaning 'wayside'.
Violets were mentioned frequently by Homer and Virgil stating: '....they were used by the Athenians for moderating anger, procuring sleep and to comfort and strengthen the heart.'
It is mentioned in the10th Century Anglo-Saxon translation of the Herbarium of Apuleius
Culpepper says 'It is a fine pleasing plant of Venus, of a mild nature and in no way hurtful....'
Tradition: Violet
- and Primroses have been associated with death, especially of the young
- flowers carried brings a change in luck
- flowers mixed with Lavender makes a powerful love sachet
- placed in a pillow eases headaches
- worn as a garland around the head dispelled the fumes of wine and prevented headaches and dizziness
Contains:
- antiseptic glucosides, including Viola -quercitin
- blue coloring matter
- mucilage
- odorous principle
- salicylic acid
- saponin
- Violine, an alkaloid
Action:
- anti-inflammatory [an agent to ease inflammation]
- antiseptic [an agent for inhibiting the growth of microorganism on living tissue or destroying pathogenic or putrefactive bacteria]
- diuretic [an agent that increases the volume and flow of urine which cleanses the urinary system]
- expectorant [an agent that promotes the discharge of mucous and secretions from the respiratory passages]
- laxative (root) [an agent promoting evacuation of the bowels; a mild purgative]
- remedial [therapeutic healing]
- soothing
Medicinal Parts Used: Leaves, flowers, root
Violet is used for:
Brain and Nervous Conditions
- epilepsy
- hysterical or nervous complaints
- improves a weak memory
- insomnia
Inflammatory Conditions
- eases inflammation
- rheumatism
Liver Conditions
- jaundice
Respiratory Conditions
- bronchitis
- colds
- coughs
- dissolving mucous
- pleurisy
- spasmodic cough with hard breathing
- upper respiratory catarrh
It is used as a mouthwash or gargle in
- inflamed gums
- sore or inflamed throats
Other
- allays (relieves) pain
- heals internal ulcers
- cancer in general
- cancer of the tongue
- malignant growths
- tumors
Other
It is used both externally as a poultice for:
- abscesses
- bronchitis
- cancerous growths
- pimples
- rheumatism of the wrists
- skin irritations
- sores
- superficial tubercles of the glands of the neck
- swollen glands
- tumors
In lotions it is used for:
- acne
- eczema
- skin disorders
In Aromatherapy:
- when inhaled Violet eases the pain of a headache caused through lack of sleep
Other Uses:
- coloring agent
- in perfumes
Dosage:
Recommended dosage is as follows:
- 12-25mL per week of 1:2 fluid extract
Drug Interactions:
Do not use Violet without first talking to your practitioner or healthcare provider if you are taking any of the following medications:
- None indicated
Global Herbal Supplies has Violet available in the following forms:
Information given by our website is provided for informational purposes and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by a physician or other medical professionals. You should not use the information given for diagnosing a health problem or disease. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider. The above information is just a guide to general circumstances and in no way should it contradict the advice that you have been given by your naturopath, medical doctor or specialist.
