August 30, 2002

VIOLET

Latin Name: Viola odorata

Alternate Names: Heartsease, Hu-chin-tsao (Chinese)

Family: VIOLACEAE

Parts Used: Leaves, flowers.

Properties: Alterative, Antifungal, Antiseptic, Demulcent, Diuretic, Expectorant, Febrifuge, Laxative.

Internal Uses: Acne, Anger, Asthma, Boils, Breast Cancer, Bronchitis, Colds, Cysts, Eczema, Fever, Fibrocystic Breast, Gout, Grief, Headache, Lung Cancer, Lymphatic Congestion, Mastitis, Melanoma, Postoperative Recovery, Psoriasis, Rheumatism, Sore Throat, Thread Veins, Throat Cancer, Tongue Cancer, Tumors, Ulcers, Whooping Cough

Internal Applications: Tea, Tincture, Capsules, Syrup for coughs and lung congestion.

Violet leaf tea is safe, gentle and can be used as a substitute for baby aspirin. It is a mild laxative and also used for cancers of the breast, lung, skin, throat and tongue.

Topical Uses: Breast Cancer, Breast Cysts, Cancer, Corns, Headache, Melanoma, Sore Throat, Tinnitus, Warts

Topical Applications: Compress or poultice for breast cysts and cancers (including breast and skin). Also apply a cloth soaked in Violet tea to the back of the neck to treat headaches. Use in ointment for corns and warts. Oil infused with Violets is used to treat tinnitus. Gargle for sore throat. At one time, wearing a garland of Violets around the head was used to prevent dizziness, hangovers and headaches.

Culinary uses: As long as the leaves are heart shaped, they are edible in salads or as a potherb. Flowers are edible and make a beautiful garnish. Freeze flowers into ice cubes for a touch of elegance. Violet vinegar is made from the flowers. One can also make Violet sherbet and candied Violets.

Energetics: Pungent, Bitter, Cold, Moist.

Chemical Constituents: Salicylates, saponins, alkaloids (violene), flavonoids, essential oil, beta-carotene, vitamin C.

Contraindications: Leaves contain saponins and if eaten in very large quantities can cause digestive distress. Eating the roots may cause vomiting.

Comments: Mythology recounts that Zeus loved a woman named Ione (Viola). His wife, Hera became jealous and turned her into a white heifer and so Violets were created by Zeus to give her something lovely to graze upon. Romans would plant Violets upon the graves of children. In gardening, Violet leaves are used as a fertilizer for leaf crops. Cherokee Indians have soaked corn seeds in cooled Violet tea to prevent insect damage during germination. Growing Violets by your doorstep is believed by some to calm the heart and offer protection. (Plus, they are edible.) Violets are regarded as a symbol of innocence and modesty. Violets are a traditional remedy for mending broken hearts from loss of a loved one. The Violet is the state flower of Illinois, New Jersey, Rhode Island and Wisconsin.

-- Cheryl in KS (klingonbunny@planetkc.com), September 03, 2002

Answers

-- Cheryl in KS (klingonbunny@planetkc.com), September 03, 2002.