Violet Leaves & Cancer

Modern pharmaceuticals are derived from the use of herbs in ancient times. Without plants, many of today's drugs, aspirin included, would not be available. Recently, the trends have reverted back to herbs. Herbal and folklore recipes are commonly used in conjunction with modern medical means. We are rediscovering the uses of numerous plants that our ancestors once knew by heart. Cancer is no different. Many herbs have been found to be helpful in treating cancer, among them the common sweet violet found growing worldwide.

Sweet Violet

• Sweet violets have been eaten since ancient times. Historical references date the usage back 2,000 years. These unassuming wild perennials abundantly dot the world with their violet blue small blossoms in spring. Violet tea served as a common beverage, used to soothe everything from tummy aches to more serious conditions. Violet leaves were eaten for vitamins. Leaves were candied; blossoms added color to salads. All parts of the sweet violet plant are edible.

  Today, sweet violets grace gardens and grow prolifically with little or no care. They project their seeds, spreading the populations. The roots are tubers, spreading through the root system as well as by seeding.

Significance

• Violet plants contain large quantities of rutin, a natural form of aspirin. Violets were used in poultices and applied to skin cancer. Its aspirin-like properties make it useful for fighting inflammation. Lung ailments and cancer were treated with violets. In addition, violets helped ease headaches and dizziness.

History

• Ancient well-known herbalists and philosophists, including Pliny and Homer, prescribed violets as remedies. Violets continued to be used through the ages. Currently, the British Pharmocopeia, while not officially recognizing violets as a cancer cure, lists the usage with directions.

Medicinal Usages

• Today, violets are used for a variety of ailments. A violet serves to ease headaches and body aches, acting as a mild sedative. More recently, it has been used to help protect against and treat HIV. Topically, it works to ease skin conditions. Drinking an infusion of tea or syrup is the current way to ingest the violets. Eating the leaves as a salad is a good way to add a regular dose. Ointments are also used.

Cancer Applications

• The violet's blood purification abilities have led it to be used in conjunction with modern cancer treatments. To date, no known interactions with sweet violet herbs and cancer treatments have been recorded. While the scientific community may not have any recorded instances where it can say that the violets were the cure, they also have no known instances where taking sweet violets caused any harm.

How to Use

• To make an ointment, stew about three dozen leaves in two oz. of warmed and softened lard. Strain once the leaves have the consistency of cooked cabbage. Place in a covered container. Apply topically to affected areas. The ointment can also be used on swollen lymph nodes to help fight general ailments.

  Make violet tea with two oz. of dried violet leaves boiled in one quart of water. Let stand until the water is green, about 12 hours. Strain, then bring to a quick boil. Refrigerate and drink a few ounces every two hours. Do not keep the tea for more than a day.