VIOLET. 291 



colds, &c., and in the treatment of fits, convulsions, and 

 nervous disorders. The sweetened infusion of i ounce 

 to a pint of boiling water, is a good remedy for coughs, 

 colds, &c., when taken frequently in wineglassful doses. 



Preparation Fluid extract: Dose, -1 drachm. 



Distinctive character Stem 1-2 feet high, quad- 

 rangular. Leaves distant and opposite, pinnately-lobed, 

 serrate, rough. Flowers small, pinkish blue, two- 

 lipped, with didynamous stamens and an entire four- 

 seeded ovary. Taste, very bitter. Odour, when rubbed, 

 slightly aromatic. 



VIOLET. Viola odorata, Linn. 



N.O. Violactce. 

 Syn. Blue Violet, Sweet Violet. 



Parts used Leaves, flowers. 



Action Antiseptic, expectorant. Violet leaves con- 

 tain certain glucosidal principles, not yet fully investi- 

 gated, but of distinct antiseptic properties. It has 

 lately been recommended and used with benefit to allay 

 pain in cancerous growths some even say to cure 

 cancer. The fresh leaves are put in boiling water a 

 handful to a pint covered over and set aside for 24 

 hours. The infusion is then applied by means of lint 

 to the affected parts ; it may also be taken internally at 

 the same time. Or a poultice may be made and used in 

 similar manner. The flowers possess expectorant pro- 

 perties, and have long been used in syrup form for 

 coughs, colds, &c. 



Distinctive character The leaves are cordate- 

 ovate, obtuse, with long stalks bearing deflexed hairs. 

 Flowers blue, with a hooked stigma, and a short spur 

 inflated at the end, and channelled above. In a blue 

 variety of Viola tricolor, sometimes preferred for colouring 

 purposes, the stigma is inflated, not hooked. The 



