(NaturalNews) Blue Violet Leaf (Viola odorata), also known as Sweet Violet, has been used medicinally for over two thousand years. As far back as 500 BC, Violet herbs were used in poultice form as a cure for skin cancer. Used over the ages as a lung tonic and for cancer alike, as well as a treatment to ease temper and to prevent headache and dizziness.
The plant's constituents include eugenol, ferulic-acid, kaempferol, quercetin, and scopoletin. The leaves and flowers of Blue Violet are edible and contain large amounts of Rutin.
The whole plant is an antiseptic, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, diaphoretic, diuretic, emollient, expectorant, and mild laxative. It is taken internally for the treatment of bronchitis, respiratory catarrh, coughs, and asthma. Externally, it is typically used to treat mouth and throat infections.
The HistoryThe older Herbal writers had great faith in Syrup of Violets; ague, epilepsy, inflammation of the eyes, sleeplessness, pleurisy, jaundice and quinsy are only a few of the ailments for which it was held potent.
Gerard says: 'It has power to ease inflammation, roughness of the throat and comforteth the heart, assuageth the pains of the head and causeth sleep.' Homer relates how the Athenians used Violets to moderate anger. Pliny recommended wearing a garland of Violets to prevent headaches and dizziness. Culpepper used Violet to cool heat in the body, for eye inflammations, jaundice, pleurisy and lung diseases. The renowned mystic Hildegard of Bingen's proclaimed Violets to kill 'vermes' on contact.
Of later years, preparations of fresh Violet leaves have been used both internally and externally in the treatment of cancer, and though the British Pharmacopoeia does not uphold the treatment, it specifies how they are employed. From other sources it is stated that Violet leaves have been used with benefit to allay the pain in cancerous growths, especially in the throat, which no other treatment relieved, and several reputed cures have been recorded.
Today's ResearchBlue Violet Leaf is used by herbalists to treat digestive disorders and lung disorders. Recent research indicates that Blue Violet Leaf contains a type of natural aspirin, which validates its use in the past to treat headaches and body pains as well as a sedative. It may also play a useful role in providing relief of skin conditions, rheumatism and urinary infections. Blue Violet Leaf has also earned a reputation in the holistic approach as an anti-cancer herb mainly through its blood purifying ability.
Violets have recently been proven to be Anti-HIV so this would be a good herbal to take for both protection and for those suffering form the HIV or AIDS Virus.
The plant can either be used fresh, or dried, and some reports suggest the dried material is much stronger in regards to its laxative qualities. The flowers are demulcent and emollient and are used in the treatment of lung troubles. The flowers are sometimes added to salads or made into jellies.
Old Violet Ointment RecipePlace 2 oz. of the best lard in a jar in the oven till it becomes quite clear. Then add about thirty-six fresh or dried Violet leaves. Stew them in the lard for an hour till the leaves are the consistency of cooked cabbage. Strain and when cold put into a covered pot or jar for use. This is a good old-fashioned Herbal remedy which has been allowed to fall into disuse. It is good as an application for congested lymph in the glands of the neck with Violet Leaf Tea being drunk at the same time. Recipe below.
Violet Leaf TeaThe
infusion is generally drunk cold and is made as follows: Take 2 oz. of dried Violet leaves. Place them in a stainless steel or glass pan and pour over them 1 quart of boiling water. Cover the pan and let it stand for twelve hours until the water is green. Then strain off the liquid and bring to a brief boil then remove from burner. Cool and bottle in a quart jar with a lid and refrigerate. The tea is now ready for drinking cold at intervals of every two hours during the day, taking 2 to 3 oz. at a time. It is essential that the tea should be made fresh every other day to prevent it turning sour. If any should be left over it should be thrown away.
As an old cure for cancer of the tongue, it was recommended to drink half this quantity daily at intervals and apply the rest in hot fomentations by soaking gauze or white flannel in the tea and then place on the tongue as you would a poultice.
Blue Violet Syrup RecipeBlue Violet Leaf is often made into syrup to relieve respiratory ailments, asthma, colds, coughing, lung congestion and sore throat. Herbalists often prescribe the syrup for Lung and Lymph Cancers.
Mountain Rose Herbs offers organic bulk Blue Violet Leaf (Viola odorata) in 4 ounces ($4.50), 8 ounces ($7.50) and 1 pound ($13.00) quantities and can be found at this link: (
http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/bulkherb/b.html)
Ingredients:* 1 ¼ oz of dried Blue Violet Leaf (Viola odorata)
* 1 ¼ quarts of distilled water
* 3 quarts of honey (roughly)
Place the Blue Violet Leaf in a stainless steel or glass pan and cover with 1 ¼ quarts of water. Let it sit overnight. In the morning place the pan on the stove and simmer for 15 minutes, then strain. Measure strained liquid. Take that measurement and add 3 times the amount of honey to the liquid. Heat gently until the liquid and honey incorporate, then pour into sterilized jars and cap. Label and store in a cool place. Syrup made in this manner has a shelf life of 1 year so be sure to date the jars.
Once a jar is opened for use refrigerate it.
Precautions: None
Disclaimer - The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other health care professional. You should not use the information in this article for self-diagnosis or to replace any prescriptive medication. You should consult with a healthcare professional before starting any diet, exercise or supplementation program, before taking any medication, or if you have or suspect you might have a health problem, suffer from allergies, are pregnant or nursing.
Source:
Herbal History from the book A Modern Herbal by Mrs. Grieve
About the author
Leslee Dru Browning is a 6th generation Medical Herbalist & Nutritionist from the ancestral line of Patty Bartlett Sessions; Pioneer Mid-Wife & Herbalist. Leslee practiced Medical Herbalism and Nutritional Healing for over 25 years and specialized in Cancer Wellness along with Chronic Illness. She now devotes her career to teaching people, through her writing, about Natural Healing from An Herbal Perspective.
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