Violet - Viola odorata
Violet or sweet violet, Viola odorata, is a beautiful flowering plant native to Europe and Asia. It has been introduced in the North Americas and has spread widely. It is a perennial I have encouraged on my pesticide and herbicide-free land. Traditional uses for violet are as an expectorant, for pain relief, antiseptic, laxative, for skin problems and cancer. The flowers contain essential oil, terpenes, sugar, and melatonin. The leaves contain essential oil, quercetin, salicylic acid, flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, and saponins. The plant has peptides that have been demonstrated to have bactericidal activity against gram-negative bacteria. The salicylic acid speaks to its use in combating inflammation. It’s a very useful plant.
Studies support its use for the headache, diarrhea, myalgia, and cough that accompany viral infections.1 Studies also support its use for chronic insomnia.2 It can be used as a tea, tincture, applied to the skin, or aerosolized for the nostrils.
Tincture dosing: 2-3 ml up to 3 times daily. Start slowly as allergies and intolerances are always possible.
Possible side effects: allergy
Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose or treat any illness.