Violet Herb or Hearts-Ease or Viola tricolor, plant family Violaceae, also known as love-in-idleness, wild pansy and Herb Trinity. V. tricolor has a long history of use in herbalism and folk medicine, both for epilepsy, skin diseases and eczema, and for respiratory problems such as bronchitis, asthma, and cold symptoms. It is also a diuretic, leading to its traditional use for rheumatism and cystitis. In modern herbalism it is seen as a purifying herb and is taken internally in the treatment of skin complaints such as eczema. Being expectorant, it is used in the treatment of various chest complaints such as bronchitis and whooping cough, whilst its diuretic action makes it useful for treating rheumatism, cystitis and difficulty in passing urine. It is also used as an ointment for treating eczema and other skin complaints and is also useful in cases of rheumatism, bed-wetting etc. Violet leaves contain a good bit of mucilage, or soluble fiber, and thus are helpful in lowering cholesterol levels, and is also helpful in restoring healthy populations of intestinal flora, as beneficial bacteria feed off of this type of fiber. The leaves are high in Vitamins A and C, and rutin, which is a glycoside of the flavonoid quercetin. Rutin has been shown in animal and in vitro studies to be anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and blood thinning, and can be used as a remedy for hemorrhoids and varicose veins. Violet is cooling and moistening and is used internally as a blood cleanser and lymphatic stimulant. It is taken as a tea or syrup, but remember that the dried herb should only be consumed after infusion in boiling water.
Heartsease is used in the cosmetics industry as a skin softener and in products that require soothing properties. A tisane can be made from the leaves and flowers and dyes can be obtained giving different shades of green dependent on the mordant used. Violet has a rich tradition in Europe, where it has been used for centuries as a pulmonary remedy for dry hacking cough. It is often recommended for bronchitis and whooping cough, along with the roots of marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) and licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra). Violet can also be used as a tonic for chronically swollen lymph nodes. As with many other herbs with an action on the lymphatic system, it has a long tradition of use in the treatment of cancer.
Topically, violet is used as a poultice, compress, infused oil and salve in the treatment of dry or chafed skin, abrasions, insect bites, eczema, varicose veins and hemorrhoids. It is cooling, soothing and anti-inflammatory.
To make hearts-ease tea, pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 tsp – 1 tblsp dried herb. Cover and infuse for 5 to 15 minutes. Strain and if desired add a teaspoon of honey, except if using for stomach problems when it should remain bitter. Sip your cup of natures blessings.
Avoid use if asthmatic and thoroughly research any new herb you are about to use. If taking prescribed drugs, have a chat with your GP before using.