Medicinal Plants : Viola odorata

Name

Wild Violet

Biological Name

Viola odorata
Violaceae

Other Names

Wild Violet, Trayman, Vanpsa, Banaphsa, Sweet Violet, Violet, common blue violet
Banasa, Banafshah, Nilapuspa

Parts Used

Flowers, root

Active Compounds

Phenolic glycosides, gaultherin, violutoside (=salicylic acid methyl ester)

Saponins; myrosin and violin

Flavonoids; rutin and violarutin

Miscellaneous; odoratine, an alkaloid, 2-nitroproprionic acid, mucilage.

Remedies For

Action

alterative, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, emetic, expectorant.

Flowers: aperient, astringent, demulcent, diaphoretic, diuretic, emollient, laxative.

Root: emetic (in larger doses)

Uses

bronchitis
cancer
catarrh
chest tightness
cough
eczema
fever
flu
kidney and liver diseases
lung disorders
rectum and uterus prolapse
rheumatism
sneezing
urinary infections

Sweet Violet has a long history of use as a cough remedy and for the treatment of bronchitis. It may also be used to aid in the treatment of upper respiratory catarrh. It is also used for treating skin conditions such as eczema and rheumatism. Also used for urinary infections. Sweet Violet has a reputation as an anti-cancer herb.

This herb is reported to be a very effective folk remedy for the treatment of types of cancers. The aboriginal tribes of India are reported to have been using the plant for the complete cure of cancer among their people for a long time. Infusion of the leaves is said to relieve the pain of cancerous growths, especially in the throat. Either the water extract of the leaves or the leaf juice is effective in the cure of tongue-cancer. All the plant parts contain the alkaloid "Violine." The stem is a very good substitute for Ipecacuanha.

When mixed with almond oil and senna syrup, this herb is an excellent demulcent and aperient for children.

The flowers of this herb are used in bilious affections, epilepsy, nervous disorders, prolapse of the rectum and the uterus, and inflammatory swellings. The flowers are popularly used for the treatment of coughs, sore throats, kidney diseases, liver disorders and infantile afflictions. The flowers are either used as an infusion in water or as a syrup.

Description

A herb found in high altitudes in Himalayas. It is a long trailing plant of less than 6 in high. The plant has thick and scaly underground stem, with rooting runners.

Dosage

Decoction, infusion, powder, pill, syrup

Infusion: pour a cup of boiling water onto 1 teaspoonful of the herb and let infuse for 10-15 minutes. This should be drunk three times a day.

Tincture: take 1-2ml of the tincture three times a day.

Safety

No information about the safety of this herb is available.

Use caution. Ayurvedic herbs are often taken in combination with others to neutralize the toxicity one herb with the opposing effect of other. Do not take except under the supervision of a qualified professional.