Native to North America, sweet violets have a long and colorful history. From being used in love potions to being a cure for cancer, the violet appears in various forms of literature, art, and medicine throughout time.
The violet was the national flower of Athens, Greece; ancient Persians used it to flavor their sherbets; and Romans made a sweet wine from violets. Romans also used a garland of violets worn around the head to relieve hangovers or headaches.
In18th century England, the violet was commonly used as a treatment for skin cancer and in recent years, it is once again being used to treat this disease. It is believed that violet leaves can allay the pain in cancerous growths, especially in the throat.
Very popular in Victorian times, the flowers are edible and have been candied, added to salads, and have long been a popular decoration for cakes and desserts.
An infusion of the leaves in boiling water has been administered in doses of 1 to 2 fluid ounces. A syrup of the petals and a liquid extract of the fresh leaves is also used. The extract is taken in teaspoonful doses or rubbed in, locally.
The seeds have been used as a purgative and diuretic and in cases of urinary complaints.
The leaves contain a high concentration of vitamin C and both the leaves and flowers of the violet have diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties. They are normally gathered in the early spring and dried for medicinal use. Syrup made from the flowers is a traditional remedy for a cough, sore throat, and bronchitis. Also beneficial to the skin, violets are a remedy for eczema, bruises, boils, impetigo, ulcers, and other eruptions. Violet has also been used to treat rheumatism, urinary tract infections, and upper respiratory problems. Syrup of Violets was used for epilepsy, inflammation of the eyes, pleurisy and jaundice.
Violet has also been commonly used as a remedy for insomnia:
"For they that may not sleep for sickness steep this herb in water and at even let him soak well his feet in the water to the ankles, when he goeth to bed, bind of this herb to his temples." Askham's Herbal
The chief use of the violet today is as a coloring agent and perfume.
Sources:
- Back to Eden, Jethro Kloss, Woodbridge Press Publishing Company, Santa Barbara,CA 1972
- Nature's Medicines, Richard Lucas, Parker Publishing Company, Inc., 1966
- The Dictionary of Useful Plants, Nelson Coon, Rodale Press, Emmaus, PA, 1974
- The New Holistic Herbal, David Hoffman, Element Inc., 1992
- Field Guide to Edible Wild Plants, Lee Peterson, Houghton Mifflin, Boston, MA 1977
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.
Veronica Timpanelli - Artist, photographer, wildcrafter/herbalist, researcher, and avid music-lover, Veronica makes and sells natural skincare products at ...
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