Violor Tricolor (Heartsease)

Question 1

How do you recognise Heartease?

Answer 1

• A low growing annual (sometimes perennial) herb.
• Specific name from the three-coloured, five petalled flowers.
• Large palmately lobed
• stipules and lancelolate leaves.
• The species from which cultivated pansies are derived.
• Native to Europe, occurring mostly as a ‘weed’ amongst arable crops. There are other species too which are similar.

Question 2

What are Heartease ‘s main constituents?

Answer 2

“Constituents:
* Flavonoids – rutin, quercetin, luteolin.
* Polysaccharides.
* Saponins
* Alkaloids.
* Carotenoids.
* Anthocyanins.
* Essential oil – includes methyl salicylate.
* Cyclotides – the focus of research relating to use in cancer and
autoimmune diseases.
* Many of the constituents are similar to those in Viola odorata
echoing similar applications.”

Question 3

What family is Heartease?

Answer 3

A member of the Violaceae,

Question 4

What is Heartease good for?

Answer 4

Summary: Bendle has used it mainly for itchy skin conditions excema, acne and psorisis, but it may be useful for autoimmune complants. Also cooling, calming.

Actions:
* Alterative.
* Anti-inflammatory
* Expectorant.
* Diuretic
* “Anti-rheumatic

Applications:
* Eczema & itchy skin conditions.
* Bronchitis.
* Whooping cough.
* Cystitis.
* Capillary fragility, varicose ulcers, bruising.
* “Rheumatic complaints” including gout – it may be that it
helps tackle autoimmune conditions
* Modern research shows that the plant may be useful for
cancer in a similar way to V. odorata.
* Historically also used for insomnia and for epilepsy.”

Question 5

What is Heartease ‘s Latin name?

Answer 5

Viola tricolor

Question 6

What parts of Heartease do you use?

Answer 6

Parts used: aerial parts.

Question 7

What safety issues might Heartease have?

Answer 7

Mostly seen as a safe herb but the saponins can upset digestion and can be purgative or laxative in high doses.

Question 8

What useful research does Heartease have?

Answer 8

“External links:
* E.M.A. Assessment report on Viola tricolor L. and/or subspecies V. arvensis and V. vulgaris
* Immunosuppressive activity of an aqueous Viola tricolor herbal extract – “…our results give a rational base for the use of Viola extracts and open new avenues for treatment of inflammatory skin disease.””

Question 9

What remedies might you use Heartease in?

Answer 9

Dosage: 2- - 30 ml/week 1:3 tincture.