Properties for Sweet Violets (Viola odorata)

Sweet Violets

Viola odorata
Names	History	Constituents	Uses

L Violaceae Other Violet Species: arvensis calcarea canina hirta lutea palustris purpurea sylvatica tricolor	The name describes both the smell and colour of the flowers. It has been cultivated for 2000 years as a colorant for syrups and drinks. Violet scent is also obtained from Iris germanica , as the scent is very expensive to extract. The rootstock is now the most commonly employed part.	Saponins a glycoside violarutin methyl salicylate mucilage vitamin C an alkaloid odoratine anthocyanine pigments an aromatic substance ionine or irone (which is the aromatic principle) salicylic glycosides (Viola - quercinin)	hot compress candied violets violet syrup violet water, perfume violet ointment laxative colouring agent and flavouring in other neutral or acid medicines besides laxatives remedy for bruising (poultice) homeopathic medicinal tincture for spasmodic cough ; rheumatism of the wrists internal and external use in the treatment of cancer hot compress

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Of note: There are several quite complicated descriptions of medicines manufacture and medicinal uses of violets in:

A Modern Herbal by Mrs Grieve, Tiger Books International, London

Contra-Indications

emetic and purgative in large doses

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To make a simple Violet Ointment

(From A Modern Herbal)

Take shortening like Crisco and place 2 oz in a container in the oven. Heat it until clear.
Add about 36 fresh violet leaves. Stew them in the Crisco for about an hour until the leaves are the consistency of cooked cabbage.
Strain (also filter through coffee filters) and place in a lotion jar.
Use when cool and hardened for glands at the throat, or for rheumatism.

(original recipe uses lard)

Companions Note: Click to Article

Link Here to

Spring 2009 Column on Violets

Medicinal Violets

Also see Violets and Passover "Tansies"

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Sweet Violets

Viola odorata

Names

History

Constituents

Uses

L Violaceae

Other Violet Species:

arvensiscalcarea canina hirta lutea palustris purpurea sylvatica tricolor

The name describes both the smell and colour of the flowers. It has been cultivated for 2000 years as a colorant for syrups and drinks. Violet scent is also obtained from Iris germanica , as the scent is very expensive to extract. The rootstock is now the most commonly employed part.

Saponinsa glycoside violarutinmethyl salicylatemucilagevitamin C an alkaloidodoratineanthocyanine pigmentsan aromatic substance ionine or irone (which is the aromatic principle)salicylic glycosides (Viola - quercinin)

Contra-Indications

To make a simple Violet Ointment

(From A Modern Herbal)

Companions Note: Click to Article

Spring 2009 Column on Violets Medicinal Violets Also see Violets and Passover "Tansies"

LINKS BELOW BRING PAGES UP IN SEPARATE WINDOW

index ] text-only directory ] column ] herb directory ] moonphase] links] contact ] copyright] credits] dictionary ]

arvensis
calcarea
canina
hirta
lutea
palustris
purpurea
sylvatica
tricolor

The name describes both the smell and colour of the flowers.

It has been cultivated for 2000 years as a colorant for syrups and drinks.

Violet scent is also obtained from Iris germanica , as the scent is very expensive to extract.

The rootstock is now the most commonly employed part.

Saponins
a glycoside
violarutin
methyl salicylate
mucilage
vitamin C
an alkaloid
odoratine
anthocyanine pigments
an aromatic substance ionine or irone (which is the aromatic principle)
salicylic glycosides
(Viola - quercinin)

Spring 2009 Column on Violets

Medicinal Violets

Also see Violets and Passover "Tansies"