Violet: Materia Medica
Société Apothecary
SUMMARY The leaves and flowers of the common blue violet are edible and medicinal. Typically considered a “weed” because of its relative ease in adapting to human disturbance, think twice before weeding out this medicinal and edible wildflower; it may be one of the most valuable plants in your garden, even if you didn’t put it there! MATERIA MEDICA Latin Binomial: Viola sororia Common Name(s): Common blue violet TCM Name: Zi Hua Di Ding Ayurvedic Name: (Sanskrit) Vanapsa, (Hindi) Banafsaj, Banafshah Family: Violaceae Physical Description of the Plant: Violet is a herbaceous perennial plant with leaves and flowers emerging directly from the rhizomes, and forming a basal rosette. A typical mature plant may be 6" across and 4" high, with the flowers slightly higher than the leaves. The leaves are individually up to 3" long and 3" across (excluding the long petioles), and vary in color from yellowish green to dark green, depending on growing conditions. They are oval-ovate to orbicular-cordate in shape, and crenate or serrate along the margins. The flowers are about ¾" across, and consist of 5 rounded petals. There are 2 upper petals, 2 lateral petals with white hairs (or beards) near the throat of the flower, and a lower petal that functions as a landing pad for visiting insects. The flowers of this form of Viola sororia are medium to dark violet. The inner throat of each flower is more or less white, from which slightly darker veins radiate outward along the petals (particularly the lower one). There is no noticeable floral scent. The blooming period occurs from mid- to late spring, and lasts about 1-1½ months. Habitat: The Viola genus contains over 500 species, mostly found in the temperate climates of the world. The common blue violet ( Viola sororia , Violaceae) is native to most of central and eastern North America, found in lawns, gardens, sidewalk cracks and along trailsides. The “confederate violet” is an escaped cultivar of Viola sororia —it has white flowers with blue streaks and is common in the southeastern United States. The sweet violet ( Viola odorata , Violaceae) is the principal medicinal and culinary species used in Europe. It has escaped cultivation in many locales, because it is popularly planted for its fragrance. Much of the American use of violets stems from the European herbal tradition. However, most violet species in North America lack the signature aroma of sweet violet. Harvest and Collection: Pick violet leaves and flowers fresh to make a tea. Drying the leaves first will make a more mineral rich detoxifying drink. Parts of the Plant Used: Leaves and flowers. Qualities: Cooling, soothing, moistening and anti-inflammatory. Chemical Constituents: Violet leaves contain mucilage, or soluble fiber, helpful in lowering cholesterol levels and restoring healthy populations of intestinal flora. The leaves are high in Vitamins A and C, and rutin, a glycoside of the flavonoid quercetin. Taste: Sweet Actions: expectorant alterative anti-inflammatory antineoplastic antirheumatic aperient cholagogue demulcent depurative diaphoretic diuretic febrifuge lymphatic nervine tranquilizer neurovasodilator peripheral vasodilator vulnerary Indications: Epithelial used as a poultice, compress or salve for cuts, bits, scrapes, stings, other wounds/abrasions specific for eye inflammation cooling/soothing for eczema, hemorrhoids or varicose veins Depurative acts on all channels of elimination – liver, urinary and lymphatic chronic inflammatory conditions – acne, eczema, psoriasis, gout chronic joint inflammation including rheumatic conditions and arthritis Liver jaundice, constipation Lymphatic System swollen lymph nodes, edema, lymphatic congestion Urinary system Inflammatory conditions of the urinary tract (including chronic conditions) reduces inflammation associated with urinary tract infections gravel in urine Respiratory secretolytic (breaking up phlegm) expectorant especially useful for dry/unproductive coughs bronchitis, whooping cough, chest colds, pleurisy, asthma helps modulate fevers helpful with sinus congestion/mucus and chronic congestion around the ears Contraindications/Cautions: Violet can safely be consumed in large quantities. As a gentle food herb, violet is generally safe for elders, youngsters, and people taking pharmaceuticals. However, because it contains saponins it can be mildly irritating to the mucus membranes of the throat and digestive tract. Drug Interactions: None reported Dosage: Infusion: : pour a cup of boiling water into 1 teaspoonful of the herb and let infuse for 10-15 minutes. Drink 2-3 cups of tea a day for 1-3 months as a spring tonic. Tincture: take 1-2ml (30-45 drops) three times a day for 1-3 months Combinations: Used internally as a blood cleanser and lymphatic stimulant with chickweed, dandelion and red clover. Energetics: Cool and moistening/mucilaginous Folklore: Violet has a rich tradition in Europe, where it has been used for centuries as a pulmonary remedy for dry hacking cough. It is often recommended for bronchitis and whooping cough, along with the roots of marshmallow ( Althaea