Medicinal Plants : Viola tricolor

Name

Heartsease

Biological Name

Viola tricolor
Violaceae

Other Names

Heartsease, Wild Pansy, garden violet, Johnny jumper, stepmother

Parts Used

Herb

Active Compounds

Flavonoids, including violanthin, rutin, violaquercitrin

Methylsalicylate

Miscellaneous; mucilage gums, resin, saponin.

Remedies For

Actions : Expectorant, diuretic, anti-inflammatory.

Traditionally used for bronchitis and rheumatism, Heartsease is especially valued remedy for treating skin disease. Used both internally and topically it is good for eczema, psoriasis and acne. It is also helpful in cases of cradlecap in babies.

Employed in treating frequent and painful urination in conditions such as cystitis. Both the salicylates and the rutin contained in the plant are anti-inflammatory; it is used traditionally for treating arthritis. The saponins in the plant account for its expectorant action while its mucilage content soothes the chest.

Heartsease is used to treat a range of respiratory disorders such as bronchitis and whooping cough. Due to the high concentration of rutin in the flowers, this herb may be employed to prevent bruising and broken capillaries, to check the build up of fluid in the tissues and to reduce atherosclerosis and in so doing help reduce blood pressure. Heartsease is mildly laxative.

Description

Very common in the UK.

Dosage

Infusion: pour a cup of boiling water onto l teaspoonful of the dried herb and leave to infuse for 10-15 minutes. This should be drunk three times a day.

Tincture: 1-2 ml of the tincture 3 times a day.

Safety

No information available. Some herbs are known to react with your medication. Please consult your physician before starting on any herb.