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Photo by Karen Bergeron
Copyright 2000
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Violet
Viola odorata
Other Names: Ordinary violet, Common blue violet,
Sweet violet, Garden violet
Habitat
Violets are European perennials. They are now naturalized throughout North America, and can be found growing in most any
soil or situation.
Cultivation
Violets are easily cultivated through root cuttings or seeds. With
over 900 species, plant identification to the exact is an expertise in itself. However all
have practically the same medicinal and edible herb values.
Description
The heart shaped leaves often
with scalloped or slightly serrated edges are dark green, smooth or sometimes downy
underneath, and grow in a rosette at the base of the plant. Roots are creeping and send
out runners. Depending on soil and light the flowers may be
from deep purple or blue to pinkish or even yellow whitish. All have 5 petals, which may
have a yellow (fur) or beard on the inside of two of the petals, blooming from March to
June. Gather flowers in full bloom, leaves anytime, and rootstock in fall. Dry root for
later use.
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Properties
Medicinal and edible, the flowers
and leaves of viola are made into a syrup used in alternative medicine
mainly for respiratory ailments associated with congestion, coughing, and sore throat.
Flowers are also edible and used as food additives for instance in salad, made into jelly,
and candied for decoration. Large doses of the root contain an alkaloid called violine
which is emetic (causing vomiting). A decoction made from the root (dry herb) is used as a
laxative. Tea made from the entire plant is used to treat digestive disorders and new
research has detected the presence of a glycoside of salicylic acid (natural aspirin)
which substantiates its use for centuries as a medicinal remedy for headache, body pains
and as a sedative. The plants constituents are being studied and show these uses
to be valid. Eugenol, Ferulic-acid, Kaempferol, Quercetin, Scopoletin, also show promise in the
treatment of many kinds of cancer, arthritis, AIDS, gum disease and more. Used externally
the fresh crushed leaves reduce swelling and soothe irritations. As a bath additive the
fresh crushed flowers are soothing to the skin and the aroma is very relaxing.
Folklore
The Ancient Greeks considered the Violet a symbol of fertility and love,
they used it in love potions. Pliny recommended that a garland of them be
worn about the head to ward off headaches and dizzy spells.
Recipes
Syrup: Pour 1 pint of boiling water over 1 cup
packed, of fresh crushed flowers and leaves cover and let stand for 12 hours. Strain and
squeeze through cloth, add 2 lb. of sugar and boil for 1 hour or until syrupy. Store in
glass jar. Give 1 tbs. -1 tsp. for children 2 or 3 times a day.
Tea: Steep ¼ cup dried or fresh herb in 1 cup of
water for 10 min. stain, flavor to taste. Take in ½ cup doses twice a day.
Article by Deb Jackson & Karen
Bergeron
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