Sweet Violet

Viola odorata

Common name: Sweet Violet, Wood violet

Family: Violaceae

Part used: Most commonly the leaf; the flower and root are also used but more rarely

Habitat: Sweet Violet is an iconic but sometimes rare rhizomatous low growing plant with heart shaped leaves and a sweet aroma, which differentiates it from other violets. Native to Europe and many areas in Asia, Sweet Violet prefers margins of woodland and hedges. 

Constituents in the leaf: Flavonoids, sapoins, salicylates, volatile oils, phenolic acids

Actions: Demulcent, diaphoretic, expectorant

Traditional and current uses:

• Common cold

•  Chronic catarrh in nose and throat 

•  Pharyngitis, tonsillitis

• Cough, chronic bronchitis

•  Asthma