Viola odorata, commonly known as sweet violet, common violet or garden violet, is a small perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Violaceae family. For the ancients, besides the fact that it was a sacred flower, violet was also very appreciated as a remedy able to treat headache caused by a very rich meal. Nowadays common violet can be used to soothe cough, both the cough of seasonal illnesses and the cough of the smokers, to treat inflammations and stomach irritations. It has also a laxative action. Let’s see the main applications.
Herbal tea for internal use
Against cold and bronchitis you can prepare a herbal tea of flowers of viola odorata. Bring to boil a cup of water, remove from heat and add a teaspoon of dry flowers. Leave them to brew for about ten minutes. Filter and drink in small sips.
Decoction of flowers for external use
In order to soothe skin inflammations, sunburns or wounds you can bring to boil a liter of water together with a handful of dry or fresh flowers. Let it simmer for some minutes, then filter and once lukewarm you can apply on the part with a soaked gauze.
Syrup
According to the well-known herbalist Messegue , a syrup prepared with viola odorata can be useful in case of sore throat, cold and bronchitis. Take a large bowl and pour 1 liter of water, 1 kg of sugar, you can choose whole cane sugar, and 3 handfuls of fresh flowers. Let it rest for half a day, then put all on the heat and cook in a water bath for 1 hour. Filter and pour in a bottle, you can take 3 tablespoons per day or use to gargle.
