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Viola tricolor (Violaceae)
HEARTSEASE, WILD PANSY, LOVE-LIES-BLEEDING
This is a traditional remedy for mending broken hearts (but not for heart disease),
which is reflected in its many regional names. It has been used for centuries to
treat inflammatory skin conditions and "against scabs and itchings of the whole body".
A native of Europe, it is a short annual or biennial herb with fragile stems
and spear-shaped serrated leaves. Yellow, white, and purple flowers in the classic pansy shape appear throughout the summer.
PARTS USED
Whole herb.
ACTIVE INGREDIENTS
Flavonoids; saponins; methyl
salicylate; resin; tannin.
ACTIONS
Anti-inflammatory; increases urine production; antirheumatic; expectorant.
MEDICINAL USE
Given to treat skin disease, particularly eczema, and for rheumatism, gout, and chronic bronchitis.
PREPARATIONS
Infusion, tincture. |
