Heartsease

Viola tricolor

Traditionally used for skin conditions such as eczema and cradle cap, and for coughs. There is little clinical research.

Safety notes

Generally well tolerated, but long-term use is little studied. Have eczema in babies assessed by a doctor.

Preparation

The flowering herb as tea, compress or in a bath. No dosage is given here.

Use in traditions

The English name heartsease and Shakespeare's love potion in A Midsummer Night's Dream show how the plant was linked to love and comfort. Ody describes it as a skin herb for children.

Applications

Use by tradition

How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.

Folklore and herbal magic

Symbolic meanings from folk use and modern herbal magic. These are handed-down associations, not effects.

Divination, communication, luck, love.

Home, kitchen and folk use

Preparation and amount

Edible flower; candied.

Ways to prepare herbs: Tea (infusion)Compress, poultice and paste

Sources

All herbs from Europe →