Blue Violet
Botanical Description & Habitat
Viola odorata
Family
Violaceae
Common Names
English violet
Sweet violet
Sweet scented violet
Habitat
Northern Europe and Asia, cultivated in the United States and throughout the world; grows wild in meadow hedges, along roadsides, and at the edges of woods.
Description
A small perennial plant, commonly cultivated and used all over the world. The herb grows from a short, thick rootstock and spreads by long stems that creep across the ground and take root. The dark green leaves are heart-shaped with toothed margins and are sparsely hairy. Long-stemmed violet flowers grow in peduncles from March to May; they are sweetly scented and may also be white or rose-colored.
Medicinal Parts
Leaves - dried and Flowers - dried
Historical Properties & Uses
Blue violet can be used for respiratory problems, provided the user is able to avoid several other side effects, such as vomiting and diarrhea. On the other hand, the emetic, laxative, and purgative properties can be depended upon when desired. Small doses are expectorant and bechic. In homeopathy, it is used for earache, eye infections, and whooping cough. Research has revealed some hypotensive action, but most effects of the herb have not been experimentally investigated.
Method of Action
There is presently insufficient data on this subject.
Drug Interactions & Precautions
In sub-laxative and sub-emetic doses, blue violet should have no drug interactions. At higher doses, interactions similar to those involving diuretics and cathartics may occur.
Safety Factors & Toxicity
No known toxicity other than emesis and purgation at high dosage.
Preparation & Administration
Three times a day
Dried herb
2-4 grams
Tea
made of 1 tsp of dried herb
Fluid extract
1:1 in 25% alcohol, 2-4 ml
Note: This Herbal Preparation information is a summary of data from books and articles by various authors. It is not intended to replace the advice or attention of health care professionals.
References
Am Hospital Formulary Service. Am Soc of Hosp Pharm. Wash, D.C.
Bressler, R., M.D. Bogdonoff & G.J. Subak-Sharpe. 1981. The Physicians Drug Manual. Doubleday & Co, Inc. Garden City, NY. 1213 pp.
Committee on Pharmocopaeia of the Am Institute of Homeopathy, The Homeopathic Pharmacopaeia of the United States. 8th ed., Vol 1. Otis Clapp and Son, Agents, Boston, l981.
Goodman, L.S. & A. Gilman. 1975. Pharm Basis of Thera. Macmillan, NY.
Hansten, P.D. 1979. Drug Interactions, 4th ed. Lea & Febiger, Phila.
Hyde, F.F. British Herbal Pharmacopoeia. British Herbal Medicine Assoc: West Yorks, England, 1983
Kastrup, E.K., ed. 1981. Drug Facts and Comparisons, 1982 edition. Facts and Comparisions Division, J.P. Lippincott Co, Phila(St. Louis).
List, P. & L. Hoerhammer. 1969-1976. Hagers Hanbuch der Pharmazeutischen Praxis, vols. 2-5. Springer-Verlag, Berlin.
Martin, E.W. 1978. Drug Interactions Index, 1978/79. J.B. Lippincott Company, Philadelphia.
Mowrey, Daniel B., Ph.D. Exper. Psych., Brigham Young University. Director of Nebo Institute of Herbal Sciences. Director of Behavior Change Agent Training Institute. Director of Research, Nova Corp.
Scientific Committee, British Herbal Pharmocopaeia, British Herbal Med. Assoc, Lane House, Cowling, Na Keighley, West Yorks, Bd Bd220lx, l983
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