Herbs - Viola (Viola tricolor ).

What Is It?

Also known as wild pansy, this is a flowering plant native to Europe. The flowers are used in herbal medicine and offer valuable benefits to the skin. The other well known species of viola is sweet violet (V. odarata), which is sometimes used in herbal medicine for respiratory problems such as coughs, colds, catarrh and bronchitis.

Action

This herb contains compounds called saponins which help to clear toxins through the kidneys and out of the body. Saponins applied topically are soothing to the skin. This herb also contains high levels of flavanoids, which are anti-inflammatory, especially to the skin. It is also said to be blood cleansing (depurative).

Uses

Historically it has been used to treat a number of conditions including:

• Acne
• Eczema
• Dermatitis
• Psoriasis
• Skin rashes

Other information

It is rarely found as a loose herb, but can be bought in tincture for internal use and is a herb that can be taken long-term with no known problems. Tinctures can be used for children above two years of age - dosage should be one drop per stone of weight.

Cautions

• The safety of viola during pregnancy and lactation has not been sufficiently studied and should therefore be avoided.



• At the time of writing there are no well -known side effects, drug interactions or contra-indications.

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