Viola Odorata (Gule Banafsha, Sweet Violet)

Biological Name:

Viola Odorata

Family:

Violaceae

Other Names:

Sweet  Violet,  English Violet, Common Violet, florist's violet or Garden Violet, wild  violet, Banafshah, Bahaphsa, Gule  Banafsha, Banafsha, Kokash, Banaphsha, Nilapushpa, Violethoo, vialtethoo, Vilaettu, Banosa, Bagabanosa, Banafshaa, 

Habitat:

Hilly areas of Kashmir and Nepal, Kangra and Chamba, at altitudes of 1500-1800 meters, North temperate zones, Pakistan, Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Mediterranean region and Caucasiav areas.It is cultivated in Himachal Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

Additional Info:

• Banafsha is considered bitter, sweet and pungent in taste (Rasa), pungent after digestion (Vipaka).
• Rasa (taste on the tongue): Madhura (Sweet), Tikta (Bitter), Katu (Pungent)
• Guna (Pharmacological Action): Laghu (Light), Snigdha (Unctuous)
• Virya (Action): In Ayurveda, hot / In Unani, Cooling in the first degree
• Vipaka (transformed state after digestion): Katu (Pungent)
• It is a Katu Vipak herb. Vipak refers to post-digestive (effect after digestion/cooking of Rasa) effect of tastes after its mixing with digestive juices. It is the long-term effect of the herb.
• Katu Viapk herb increases dryness in the body. Such foods reduce fertility and Kapha. Excess intake of such foods aggravates Vata and gas in the body.

Ayurvedic Action / Karma

• Anulomna: Anulomna means one which promotes excretions and favor discharge.
• Bhedana: Causes excretion of accumulated feces and Doshas.
• Kaphahara: Pacifies Kapha Dosha
• Kasahara: Removes cough.
• Kasa-shvashar: Gives relief in cough and Asthma.
• Pratishyayhar: Gives relief in coryza.
• Raktashodhak: Purifies the blood.
• Sheetjvaraghna: Gives relief in the fever due to cough.
• Shothagna: Reduces swelling and inflammation.
• Shothahar: Removes inflammation.
• Vata–Pittashamak: Pacifies Vata and Pitta dosha.

Elements Applied:

Whole plant of Viola odorata used for medicinal purpose mainly. Flowers are very beautiful in colour.

Active Components:

Rhizomes contain glycoside-methyl salicylate, an alkaloid violine, a glycoside-violequarcitin which is identical to rutin, and saponin. Leaves and flowers contain methl salicylate.

Used for:

• Sweet violet is an herb. The root and parts that grow above the ground are used to make medicine.
• Sweet violet is used for nervous strain, stress, hysteria, physical and mental exhaustion, insomnia and anxiety.
• Used for symptoms of menopause (hot flashes), depression and irritability.
• It is also used for digestive tract complaints such as abdominal pain, swelling (inflammation) of the stomach and intestines and the tissues that line them, digestion problems caused by improper diet, gas, heartburn, gall bladder disorders, and loss of appetite.
• used for respiratory tract conditions, particularly dry or sore throat, stuffy nose, coughs, hoarseness, and bronchitis and asthma.
• Sweet violet has chemicals that help break up chest congestion by thinning mucous and making it easier to cough up.
• Other uses include treating pain in the minor joints, fever, skin diseases, headache, trouble sleeping (insomnia), and tuberculosis.
• Sweet violet is sometimes applied directly to the skin for skin disorders and as a skin cleanser.
• In herbal combinations, sweet violet is used for breathing problems including sudden (acute) and ongoing (chronic) bronchitis, asthma, emphysema, “dust-damaged” lungs, swelling (inflammation) of the respiratory tract, cold and flu symptoms, hoarseness, cough, and chest congestion.
• These herbal combinations are also used for involuntary urination (incontinence) in older people, bed-wetting, irritable bladder, and prostate conditions.
• Other uses include treating the inability to sleep (insomnia) and improving deep sleep.
• It is used as a cardio-tonic, and tonic for brain, liver, and stomach.

Safety:

5-7 grams, (5-7 masha)