-IBIS-1.7.0-
rx
herb
Viola spp. (Sweet Violet)
Botanicals

definition

botanical name(s): Viola odorata, Viola tricolor, Viola striata

synonyms:

» V. odorato: sweet violet

» V. tricolor: heartsease, European wild pansy, Johnny-jump-up

part(s) used: flowers, leaves

qualities:

affinities: lungs

actions: antiseptic, expectorant

dosage:

» tincture: 2 - 4 ml.

therapy: coughs and colds, bronchitis and catarrh; has also been used for neoplasms, and a related species, Viola striata, has antitumor effects in murine tests

AHPA Botanical Safety Rating: 1

toxicity: 0

» seeds are reported to be a strong and effective cathartic, exerting emetic, diuretic, and purgative side effects (Fuller and McClintock, pp. 258-259; Spoerke, p. 168)

» noted to contain salicylate glycoside (Fuller and McClintock, pp. 258-259)

constituents: phenolic and salicylate glycosides, saponins, flavonoids, odoratine, an alkaloid; mucilage

footnotes

Fuller, T.C., and McClintock, E. 1986. Poisonous Plants of California. Los Angeles: University of Southern California Press.

Spoerke, DG, Jr., 1980. Herbal Medications. Santa Barbara, CA: Woodbridge Press Publishing Company.