Violet ~ Viola yeodensis

Violet

Latin name: Viola yeodensis

Family: Violaceae

Part used: leaves (mainly), flowers, root

Habitat: widespread in Europe,Britain, andAsia

Main constituents: phenolic glycosides, saponins, flavonoids, mucilage, eugenol, ferulic-acid, kaempferol, quercetin, scopoletin

Energetics: cooling

Main herbal actions: antiseptic, expectorant

Minor herbal actions: laxative, sedative

Main medicinal uses: skin inflammation (leaf), coughs, colds, bronchitis, catarrh

Minor medicinal uses: cancer, external irritations and swelling

Preparations: syrup: 1tsp-1 Tbsp bid-tid; decoction of root: 1 Tbsp/cup water qd; infusion: 1 Tbsp/cup water qd

Contraindications: large doses, as violine can induce vomiting

Toxicity: none known

Sources: Wren, R.C. Potter’s New Cyclopaedia of Botanical Drugs and Preparations; http://altnature.com/gallery/violet.htm