- Region
- Europe
- Origin
- Europe, Asia (west), Africa (north)
- Sanskrit
- Banaphsha
- Other names
- Maarts viooltje en driekleurig viooltje
Europe · Herb · № 211
Viola odorata
Herb · Europe
Sweet violet
Viola odorata
Traditionally attributed effects: V. odorata anti-inflammatory, expectorant, diuretic, antitumour; V. tricolor expectorant, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, antirheumatic, laxative, strengthens capillaries.
Safety notes
Serious illnesses such as infections, cancer or hepatitis need a doctor: there is no evidence that this remedy cures them. Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Cautions by tradition (4)
- Herbal medicine worldwide: Serious illnesses such as infections, cancer or hepatitis need a doctor: there is no evidence that this remedy cures them.
- Western herbalism: Serious illnesses such as infections, cancer or hepatitis need a doctor: there is no evidence that this remedy cures them.
- Ayurvedic materia medica: Serious illnesses such as infections, cancer or hepatitis need a doctor: there is no evidence that this remedy cures them.
- Natural skin and hair care: Contains alcohol and goldenseal: not for children, not during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Preparation
Heartsease: tea as a cleansing remedy for rheumatism, chronic skin problems and infections; wash for nappy rash, cradle cap, weeping ulcers; paste on ulcers; tincture for fragile capillaries.
Use in traditions
The fragrant sweet violet was the emblem of the city of Athens. In Unani medicine (banafsha) violet syrup is a classic remedy for cough and fever, and in Europe the flowers were candied and boiled into cough syrup. The scent contains ionone, which briefly numbs the sense of smell. Sanskrit name: Banaphsha. In herbal magic associated with attracting love and supportive people and spirits, being true to yourself, joy and peace.
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.
Herbal medicine worldwide
Attributed effects
V. odorata anti-inflammatory, expectorant, diuretic, antitumour; V. tricolor expectorant, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, antirheumatic, laxative, strengthens capillaries.
Preparation and amount
Heartsease: tea as a cleansing remedy for rheumatism, chronic skin problems and infections; wash for nappy rash, cradle cap, weeping ulcers; paste on ulcers; tincture for fragile capillaries; cream for eczema; sweet violet: tea for catarrh and cough, mouthwash, syrup.
Caution: Serious illnesses such as infections, cancer or hepatitis need a doctor: there is no evidence that this remedy cures them.
Western herbalism
Attributed effects
Expectorant, thins mucus; reduces swellings and lumps (studied in cancer), moistens dry bronchi, intestines and skin (eczema, dandruff), mildly laxative, calms the nerves.
Preparation and amount
Tea: 1 tsp per cup, 8–10 min (stronger: 4 tbsp per half litre, steep overnight; never boiling water); tincture 5–30 drops 1–3 times a day; syrup as a mild laxative for children.
Caution: Serious illnesses such as infections, cancer or hepatitis need a doctor: there is no evidence that this remedy cures them.
Ayurvedic materia medica
Attributed effects
Soothing, induces sweating and urination, mildly laxative, fever-reducing; leaves traditionally for cancer (pain relief, including throat and tongue); flowers for bile complaints, epilepsy, nervous diseases, rectal prolapse.
Preparation and amount
Flower tea 28–56 ml; infusion of about 70 g fresh leaves in 0.5 l boiling water (12 hours) spread over the day; root emetic.
Caution: Serious illnesses such as infections, cancer or hepatitis need a doctor: there is no evidence that this remedy cures them.
Natural skin and hair care
Attributed effects
Used in European folk medicine for coughs and colds; the leaf contains mucilage.
Preparation and amount
Internal: violet leaf in a cold-season tincture with thyme, echinacea, peppermint and goldenseal (see the recipe).
Caution: Contains alcohol and goldenseal: not for children, not during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Folklore and herbal magic
Symbolic meanings from folk use and modern herbal magic. These are handed-down associations, not effects.
Attracts love and supportive people and spirits, being true to yourself, joy, peace, hope, harmony, protection, luck, love, sleep, calm, fertility, abundance, healing.
Herbal magic and rituals
Attributed effects
In herbal magic associated with love, faithfulness, modesty and healing.
Preparation and amount
The sweet violet is one of the first fragrant flowers of spring. The Athenians chose it as a symbol of their city, Napoleon and his followers wore it as a badge, and in the Victorian language of flowers the violet stood for modesty and faithfulness.
Home, kitchen and folk use
Attributed effects
Helps sleep and calms nightmares (pillow).
Preparation and amount
In sachets and amulets for peace; children's pillow with lavender; peace oil; violet syrup; candied; flower water; sugar.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- Tea (infusion)TinctureSalve and balmCompress, poultice and pasteSyrup, honey and oxymel
- Recipes
- Tincture for the cold season