Violet Leaf

Instead of walking past the weeds in your garden, take another look. Violet Leaf is often considered a weed, but its leaves and flowers are edible and have many medicinal properties.

Found in the temperate climates of Europe and North America in gardens, lawns and roadsides, they can be collected multiple times a year throughout Spring and early Summer.

What is Violet Leaf?

A Roman symbol of faith and love, Violet Leaf has a potent aroma and a leafy, green texture.

The Violet Leaf contains soluble fibre, is rich in Vitamins A and C, rutin, and is a good source of saponins, alkaloids and tannins.

What are the Health Benefits of Violet Leaf?

With many desirable health benefits, here are some you should know about:

Antihypertensive and Antidyslipidemic Activity

Hypertension and dyslipidemia are major risk factors for coronary heart diseases. To maintain heart health, it is essential to regulate blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Violet Leaf is rich in soluble fibre and has a positive effect in cholesterol level regulation. Alkaloids, saponins, tannins, phenolics, coumarins and flavonoids may help reduce mean arterial blood pressure. In addition, flavonoids act as a diuretic and are also effective in the regulation of blood pressure.¹

Digestive Regulation

Violet Leaf is rich in soluble fibre, which is helpful in restoring a healthy population of intestinal flora. Some studies even show that Violet Leaf possesses laxative properties.²

Helps With Respiratory Problems

Violet Leaf contains mucilage and saponins that have significant value in the treatment of respiratory infections. They can be particularly useful in the treatment of asthma, coughs and bronchitis. Teas and extracts prepared from Violet Leaf are an effective remedy for colds and inflammatory diseases in the lungs.²

Antioxidant Effects

Violet Leaf is an excellent source of antioxidants due to the potential pharmacological activity of alkaloids, terpenoids, coumarins, flavonoids, lignans and glycosides.³Some studies have found that consuming Violet Leaf is a great defence against oxidative damage.³

Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Violet Leaf has powerful anti-inflammatory properties. According to research, the plant is used to cool, heat⁴ and treat inflammation-associated diseases like hemorrhoids and varicose veins.⁵Since Violet Leaves are rich in rutin, which has great anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity, this can also contribute to Violet Leaf being beneficial in the treatment of hemorrhoids and varicose veins.⁵The salicylic acid in Violet Leaf⁶ is an excellent painkiller and possesses desirable anti-inflammation properties. It acts similarly to aspirin and helps treat headaches,⁷ arthritis and other pain caused by inflammation.⁶

Skin Health Maintenance

Violet Leaf is also beneficial for skin health. Studies have found that they are an effective remedy for some stubborn skin problems such as eczema, psoriasis and acne. Herbalists recommend using the leaves as a topical remedy. Violet Leaf may also help soothe itching and inflammation of the skin.⁴Other studies show that Violet Leaf extract is helpful against skin conditions like scabs and ulcers. Due to its anti-fungal activity, Violet Leaf may be useful in the treatment of fungal infections of the skin.²

Is Violet Leaf Safe?

Yes, Violet Leaf consumption has been proven to be mostly safe. Violet Leaves are commonly consumed in food, including salads, soups, sandwiches and various beverages.

Most people prefer using Violet Leaves in a tea.

If you collect Violet Leaves yourself, dry them, and make sure they aren’t contaminated by unwanted microbes. To make a Violet Leaf tea, put some leaves in a cup, pour in boiling water and let it steep for at least 5-7 minutes before drinking.

Violet Leaf is considered a gentle food herb that is safe for both adults and children.

Be cautious if you are sensitive to some Violet Leaf compounds and avoid consuming in large amounts to avoid unpleasant symptoms like headache or nausea.

With its many health benefits, Violet Leaf has proven time and time again to be an easily and accessible natural remedy and health product.

Properties

Anti-Fungal⁷
Anti-Inflammatory⁴^,⁵
Antioxidant³
Arthritis⁶
Asthma²
Blood Pressure – Reduction¹
Brain Function / Neuroprotective¹
Cholesterol¹^,⁶
Cooling⁴
Cough²
Digestive Function²
Diuretic¹
Haemorrhoids⁵
Headaches⁷
Heart Support / Health¹
High/Good Levels of Flavonoids¹
High/Good Levels of Vitamin A¹
High/Good Levels of Vitamin C¹^,⁵
Hypertension¹
Immune Booster³
Laxative²
Pain Relief⁷
Respiratory Support²
Skin Issues²^,⁴
Wound Healing⁴

References