Page 144 - Lost Book Remedies

The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies

system, it helps relieve the underlying problems caus- Skin Conditions, Abrasions, Dermatitis,
ing these conditions. Try Wild Violet Tea for coughs. Insect Bites, Eczema: As an anti-inflammatory

Anti-inflammatory, Arthritis, and Joint and a cooling and soothing herb, wild violet is useful
Pain: Wild violets are anti-inflammatory and contain for treating minor skin problems including eczema and
a variety of phytochemicals that are antioxidants and other rashes, insect bites and abrasions. Use Wild Vio-
free radical scavengers. Violets can be eaten or taken let Tea as a wash on the skin or make a salve or infused
in tea as an effective anti-inflammatory. The anti- oil with the herb for skin use.
inflammatory effects of wild violet flowers are Harvesting: I begin harvesting wild violets in
useful in treating joint pains of all kinds, April, May, and June when the flowers are
including the neck and back. freshly opening. The exact time depends on the
Pound the leaves and flowers to a weather. Once they begin to open, I go back
paste made with a little water, then daily to pick what I need.
apply the paste to the skin directly Gather the petals in the morning
above the painful area. You can cover the while the blooms are fresh. They tend
poultice with cloth to hold it in place. to wilt in the afternoon or in heat. Dry
Use wild violet internally as well as some flowers for use year-round.
externally for joint pains.
Be careful where you gather. Road-
Minor Scrapes and Bruises: sides and parks are often sprayed
Wild violets have antiseptic proper- with pesticides. Look for flowers in
ties and analgesic properties that re- pristine areas away from industrial
lieve the pain while preventing or treating in- areas, waste areas, and roadsides.
fections and helping the area heal quickly. Use the Also remember, African Violets are
tea as a wash for areas of skin or apply the flowers as a not wild violets and cannot be used.
poultice.
Warning: Some people get a skin rash on contact
Mild Laxative: Violets have a mild laxative effect with the wild violet leaf. There is no known internal
and are deemed safe for children. toxicity, but allergies are always possible. Large doses
of the roots or seeds can cause severe stomach upset,
Lowering Cholesterol and Blood Thinning: vomiting, high blood pressure and breathing prob-
The mucilage in violet leaves is helpful in lowering cho- lems.
lesterol levels and in balancing the intestinal flora. The
leaves are also high in vitamins A, C, and rutin. Rutin Be sure about your identification (if it is in bloom iden-
is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory and has blood tification is much easier) as there are poisonous look-
thinning properties. alikes.

For lowering cholesterol and use as a blood thinner, try Recipes. Wild Violet Tea: *You can make this tea
eating the leaves, taking leaf powder in capsule form, with all flowers, if you have enough, but 1-part flower
or using a tea or tincture. to 2 parts leaves works as well. An all-flower recipe
makes a milder tasting tea. Ingredients: 2 teaspoons
Hemorrhoids and Varicose Veins: The rutin of dried wild violet leaves (or flowers, if desired), 1 tea-
contained in violet leaves is helpful in reducing the in- spoon of dried flowers, 1 cup boiling water, raw honey,
flammation that causes hemorrhoids and varicose optional. Pour the boiling water over the flowers and
veins.
leaves and allow it to steep for about 5 minutes. Strain
Its mild laxative effect helps prevent straining. You can the tea and drink. Sweeten with honey, if desired.
use a poultice directly on the hemorrhoids or veins or NOTE: Do not sweeten the tea if you are using it as a
you can apply a salve or infused violet oil.
wash on injured skin or for other external use.

143