What is tincture of violet used for?
Gentian violet has been used in medicine for almost 100 years: as an antiseptic for external use, as a topical antibiotic, as a topical antifungal agent, as an antihelminthic agent by oral administration, and more recently, as a blood additive to prevent transmission of Chagas’ disease. The Violet plant is edible. This is the Common Blue Violet. Historically, violets have been used for both food and medicine. Medicinal uses have included treatment of the common cold, headache, cough, sore throat and constipation.Safety note Several sources suggest that the overuse of violet can be harmful; thus, it is a herb to use in moderation. Side effects may include vomiting. In addition, it’s thought best to avoid using violet during pregnancy and when breastfeeding.Violets have a wide range of medicinal uses, many of which have been evidenced through modern research. Violets are used to support systemic health via their lymphatic and alterative effects.Topically, violet is used as a poultice, compress, infused oil, and salve for dry or chafed skin, abrasions, insect bites, eczema, varicose veins and hemorrhoids. It is cooling, soothing, and anti-inflammatory. See my articles on the topical uses of calendula for infused oil, salve, and poultice recipes.Violet flowers are slightly laxative and are also a gentle expectorant, but at one time herbalists believed that the syrup of violets would cure almost everything from ague to pleurisy! The roots and seeds of sweet violet are purgatives.
What is the medicinal use of violet?
Violet has a long history of use for cough, colds and catarrh. The saponins account for much of its expectorant action, whilst its mucilage and flavonoids offer a demulcent, soothing effect on the lungs. The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia indicates violet in pertussis (whooping cough) and acute bronchitis (1,8). Sweet violet is used for stress, fatigue, insomnia, symptoms of menopause, depression, common cold, influenza, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Sweet violet has chemicals that help break up chest congestion by thinning mucous and making it easier to cough up.One double-blind randomized clinical trial with children aged 2 to 12 years found that violet syrup could help the coughs of children with intermittent asthma. Violet can also soften and soothe a sore throat, especially when it is dry and irritated.Violet syrup is a delicately flavored, sweet elixir made from wild violet flowers that has been historically used in a variety of preparations for its medicinal and culinary properties. Violets were grown for medicinal purposes in ancient Greece, Rome, and Egypt and used to treat coughs, colds, and sore throats.Violet contains salicylic acid, which is similar to the pain-relieving component in aspirin, and both the leaves and flower are used to ease headaches. It can help support restful sleep and is a nice addition to a gentle sleep blend.
What does violet do for the body?
Violet is moist and cooling and the leaves ease inflammation, and when used externally, soothe skin irritations and swelling. It has an affinity for the lymphatic system and can promote healthy lymphatic function. Modern research is investigating its antimicrobial properties (Zarrabi et al. Violets and plant leaves are sweet and high in vitamins A and C. Vitamin A is important to protect your bones and reproductive system, and it also improves respiratory capacity.Once the leaves are too tough to eat fresh, they can still be dried and used in cooked dishes, or used either fresh or dried as a mild herbal tea infusion. I will use wild violet leaves throughout the fall in both of these ways since they don’t become bitter like many other wild leaves will.
Is violet good for your skin?
Violet, including violet leaves and violet flowers, are demulcent. This means they are moistening for our tissues. Violet pairs this moistening quality with its anti-inflammatory properties to soothe and nourish dry skin conditions. It also has an affinity for soothing itchy skin conditions. Violet doesn’t force change—it eases you into it, helping shift heavy feelings, strengthen gentle bonds, awaken intuition, and bring a sense of spiritual peace back into the body. Its properties speak to love, emotional healing, serenity, and the kind of inner grounding that allows the heart to soften without fear.The color violet, or purple, is traditionally associated with penitence, humility, and preparation. It’s the color of reflection, self-discipline, and spiritual growth. When you see violet vestments or altar cloths, it’s a visual reminder to take a step back and reflect on your spiritual journey.
Can you drink violet tea?
Violets (or pansies in some cases) are also edible. Their leaves and/or flowers can be used in salads, drinks, and desserts. One way to use the leaves is to make tea, so that’s what I did. Topical gentian violet is used to treat some types of fungus infections inside the mouth (thrush) and of the skin. Gentian violet is available without a prescription. This product is available in the following dosage forms: Solution.Folk medicine claims violets can be used to treat a variety of respiratory ailments, headaches, high cholesterol, and skin problems, such as eczema and acne. All of these uses are scientifically supported, particularly internal use of tinctures or syrups to ease coughs, bronchitis, and whooping cough.