general characteristics

harvesting and preparation

therapeutic actions and uses

Sweet violet flowers and leaves have been in use as a medicine around the world for centuries and prized for their various therapeutic properties. They may be small but they are very impressive with their exquisite beauty, intoxicating fragrance and plethora of medicinal actions including mild sedative, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antioxidant, diuretic, anti-cancer, decongestant, antihypertensive, anti-lipemic (reducing blood lipids/fats), diaphoretic, pre-anesthetic, antipyretic, anti-fungal, mildly laxative as well as having positive effects on body-weight reduction. Chemical constituents include salicylic acid, mucilage, vitamin C, essential oils, glycosides, cyclocides, anthrocyanins and are especially rich in carotenes and carotenoids. Here is a comprehensive list of sweet violet constituents and their applications.

Violet leaf is particularly suited to conditions involving dry atrophied tissues (degeneration and lack of function) and stagnation.

Cancers (breast cancer in particular) and other tumours. Sweet violet leaves contain substances called cyclotides which make cancer cell membranes rupture, leak their contents and subsequently die. Besides having this powerful cancer cell killing action on their own, violet leaves can also be used alongside conventional treatments like chemotherapy as they render cancer cells much more permeable and therefore more susceptible to the effects of chemotherapy, link here. Violet leaf has also shown an ability to cause cell death of cervical cancer cells, link here. Cancer of the throat and mouth have also been helped with violet leaf tea and many cancer sufferers have found pain relief from drinking the tea. Violet poultices and pastes can be used externally for cancers of the skin or near the surface.

Sweet violet has the reputation from old herbals as being a 'blood purifier' and is well thought of as a spring tonic herb, to help clear away the thickness and stodginess of a winter diet and lifestyle. It is well known to herbalists as a deep yet gentle lymphatic cleanser, helping the body to efficiently remove waste from the system.

Violet leaves will help to decongest and dissolve lumps and congestion anywhere in the body such as in blocked salivary glands, swollen glands in the neck and throat, uterine fibroids, polycystic ovaries and cysts and boils generally, breast lumps (tea and poultice), mastitis, enlarged spleen and many chronic and stubborn skin conditions such as impetigo. Childhood diseases such as mumps, chickenpox and measles could also benefit from violet leaf tea - soothing itching, dispersing hard swellings and cooling heat.

Violet leaves are often used for their mucilaginous, cooling and hydrating nature. They will help in fevers and dry tissue states, cool hot flushes, soothe irritated mucous membranes and dry skin as well as dry constipation and even the burning pain of cystitis.

Perhaps as a result of its mucilage and sedative properties, it is used in Ayurvedic medicine for whooping cough and has a good reputation against any dry hacking cough. The flowers and leaves appear to have an affinity for conditions of the lungs and respiratory system and can be used in bronchitis, sore throat, dry mouth and nose, dry sinus congestion, hoarseness of voice, symptoms of common cold etc.

Has a long history of use in Switzerland in angina and for headaches, migraine and as a calming nerve tonic in Persian medicine. For headaches, make a strong tea and soak a cloth in the infusion before applying to the forehead.

Sweet violet also possesses potent anti-inflammatory actions to equal the action of corticosteroids but without the side effects as shown in this research abstract.    

Sweet violet leaves have anti-bacterial and anti-fungal actions.

Has a protective effect on liver cells, especially damage caused by alcohol consumption.

Sweet violet flowers are often used in chronic insomnia due to their sedative and moistening effects. Traditional Iranian medicine likes to use violet flowers infused in almond oil (one part violet flowers to 2 parts almond oil) as nasal drops before bed, 2 drops in each nostril. Read a recent study on this here. A handful of flowers can also be added to baths to induce restfullness and bring on a peaceful sleep.

High blood pressure can be lowered with violet leaf tea as it dilates blood vessels. Sweet violet also reduces circulating fats and can aid in cholesterol reduction and weight loss in those consuming a high fat diet. Link to study here.

Sweet violet leaves are traditionally used in some Asian countries as a liver protector. Studies have shown that they are successful in protecting the liver from the harmful effects of medicines such as paracetamol. A tea of the leaves significantly reduces the inflammation and cell death of liver cells that drugs such as paracetamol and some cancer medications, link here.

On an emotional level, violets are used to help dispel shyness (shrinking violets!) and to aid and calm an emotionally troubled heart and also to cool heated emotions such as anger. I personally feel it softens a hard heart too - "Forgiveness is the fragrance that the violet sheds on the heel that has crushed it" (Mark Twain).

A link to a lovely informative article on sweet violet including a violet honey syrup recipe suitable for children.

A link to an in depth analysis of Violata odoratas' chemical constituents and how they affect health is found here.

Another link to a great article on sweet violet uses, including many other useful links to violet info is here.

dosage and cautions