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.