Sweet violet
Viola odorata
Herbs & Roots. Western & European.
Also called English violet, Wood violet
Spanish: Violeta
Root and seeds cause vomitingA small woodland flower used in teas and syrups for coughs and sore throats.
Did you know? Violet syrup turns from purple to pink when lemon juice is added, because its flower pigments react to acid.
What it may help, and how strong the proof is
- Sore throat & cough. Used for cough, hoarseness, and sore throat. Mostly tradition, with few human trials.Traditional proof
- Skin. Used on rashes and minor skin irritation. Lab studies only.Traditional proof
Parts of the body
Traditional use
European folk medicine used violet tea and syrup for coughs, hoarseness, and chest colds. It was also a common ingredient in old chest-soothing tea mixes.
How it is classified
- Herbal actions
- Expectorant, Demulcent. Energy: neutral.
How people take it
Tea is made from dried flowers or leaves, and syrup is made with sugar. There is no standard dose.
Tea, syrup and food.
Where to get it
Violet grows wild in shady woods and hedges across Europe and Asia, and is also grown in gardens. Dried flowers, syrups, and candied petals are sold.
Be careful
Flowers and leaves are generally safe in food amounts. The root and seeds can cause vomiting, so do not use them. Large amounts of the plant may upset the stomach.
Mixing with other things
- Works well together
Both are soothing herbs used together in traditional chest teas.
- Works well together
Soothing herbs often combined for dry coughs and sore throats.
The honest take
Violet is a gentle, food-safe flower with a long folk record for coughs. The evidence is mostly tradition and lab work. Use the flowers and leaves, not the root.