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Violet
There are over 500 species in the viola family, including pansies, all are medicinal. Odorata is a wild variety.
Viola odorata (many species)
Family: Violaceae – violet, pansy
Parts used: flowers, leaves
Antioxidant
Antitussive
Anticancer
Cathartic
Emollient
Laxative
Nervine
Nutritive
Energetics/Body Systems Affected
Cooling
Pungent
Nervous
Lymph
Immune
Uses
Lymph cleanser and support
Immune support
Female breasts and reproductive system support
Blood cleansing
Infection of all kinds
Coughs, sore throat, respiratory issues, sinus infection.
Mouth, sore, throat infection
Cools fevers, burns, hot inflammation.
Lubricates dry membranes, eyes, throat, sinus, digestive tract.
Cysts, tumors, lumps, mastitis, fibrocystic breasts, boils, carbuncles, etc.
Shock and trauma
Skin issues, eczema, acne, sores, burns, rash, wounds, etc.
Sprains, broken bones, injuries
Urinary tract infections
Cancer
Tea
Gargle, mouthwash (mouth and throat infections)
Extract
Honey, syrup
Herbal oil, salve, balm
Poultice, compress
Food; both flower and leaves can be added to culinary dishes, raw or cooked. Flowers can be made into syrups, jams, jellies, and candied. Used as culinary decorations.
Care/Harvesting
Found in shady, moist environments, by streams, woodland areas, and parks. Leaves are heart shaped and flowers are generally purple but can also be white or yellow in the wild varieties. Pansies are the cultivated variety that you can plant in your garden.
Prefers shady, moist conditions.
A perennial plant that spreads by runners and seeds.
Gather anytime both leaves and flowers. The more you take, the more will be produced.
They are more tender and sweet in the spring and get tougher into the summer and fall.
