For so many years, the flower of violet has been known for its beauty and certain health benefits. But, not many are aware that its leaves are as good as its flowers. Well, violet leaves contain an amazing range of health benefits as well!
While the health benefits of violet leaves can easily be gotten by drinking violet leaves tea, it can also be effective for external medication.
As a matter of fact, we cannot talk about the health benefits of violet leaves without talking about its incredible nutrition value. Violet leaves contain nutrients, primarily vitamins and minerals, which include vitamin A, vitamin C, tannins, flavonoids, phenolic glycosides, alkaloids, saponins, rutin, and mucilage.
The Health Benefits of Violet Leaves
Considering the nutrition value of violet leaves, it is evident that the herb contains certain health benefits that are good for the body. So, let’s take a closer look at the impressive health benefits of violet leaves.
Aids in Digestion
The soluble fiber or mucilage present in violet leaves is effective for lowering bad cholesterol level. In addition, the herb is also excellent for boosting the health of intestinal flora, which supplies the food for good bacteria that support digestion. This dietary fiber also has the ability to ease bowel movement and prevent certain digestion disorders such as constipation and flatulence.
Lowers Blood Pressure
Violet leaves helps to lower blood pressure levels as it contains flavonoids and alkaloids. Alkaloids actually have a soothing effect on blood vessels. Due to this, it is effective for boosting blood circulation. Evidently, blood circulation inhibits high blood pressure.
In the case of flavonoids, the compound can function as a diuretic which is effective for individuals suffering from high blood pressure. It helps to lower high blood pressure. This shows that violet leaves are actually helpful for the heart because a normal blood pressure will improve the health of the heart.
Purifies the Blood
It is believed that the leaves of violet can be effective as a blood purifier. This means that the leaves can help boost metabolism. This way, the leaves also encourage waste elimination fast. When consumed, violet leaves helps to stimulate the lymphatic glands which help remove the bacteria and the other problematic material present in the blood.
Relieves Coughs
Violet leaves may be effective for relieving coughs. Hot violet tea or decoction of violet leaves can be a potent expectorant as it possesses benefits for pulmonary health such as saponins and mucilage. The herb is also a recommended remedy for treating bronchitis.
Treats Cancer
According to some studies, violet leaves are effective for preventing and treating the early stage of cancer. Due to the high antioxidant level in the herb, it is able to combat the free radicals as the major factor of cancer growth. When consumed regularly, violet leaves are evidently able to reduce or shrink the early stage of tumors, as well as cancer.
Functions as a Pain-killer
The salicylic acids found in violet leaves act as an amazing painkiller while they contain anti-inflammatory properties. It performs the similar action as aspirin to relieve pain in arthritis, headaches, and other kinds of pain caused by inflammation.
Treats Hemorrhoid
Violet leaves contain high contents of rutin, which is commonly present in remedies for hemorrhoid. It is due to the fact that rutin contains anti-inflammatory properties that reduce inflammation in hemorrhoid. Rutin is also incorporated into medicines for treating varicose veins.
Reduces Fever
The consumption of violet leaves can also have a relaxing and cooling effect on the body. It is very powerful when you drink the violet leaves to relieve fever. Its anti-inflammatory property can also relieve fever by reducing inflammation.
Treats Skin Problems
The leaves are also good for the skin. They offer one of the potent treatments for some severe skin problems such as psoriasis, acne, and eczema. In fact, the leaves can be used as a topical remedy or compress. The leaves can effectively soothe inflammation and itching on the skin.
Reduces Inflammation
One of the health benefits of violet leaves is its ability to reduce inflammation. The leaves contain powerful anti-inflammatory properties. It can reduce inflammation, especially for sore throats, sinus infection, and bronchitis.
Side Effects and Precautions
Violet leaves are generally considered safe for consumption because the leaves are believed to be one of the gentle food herbs. However, it’s best to take some precautions.
- Violet leaves are generally considered safe for most people when taken by orally and in the recommended doses. In fact, no side effects have been reported.
- Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers should stay on the safe side and avoid the of the herb use.
How to Use Violet Leaves
- Many people use violet leaf as tea, which is derived from the dried leaves. You only need to ensure that the leaves are really dried, so they do not get contaminated by microbes. Want to serve a cup of violet leaves tea? Simply drop some leaves in the cup and pour boiling water into the cup. Cover the cup and let it steep for about five minutes. Make you drink it while it is still warm.
- Alternatively, you can prepare the extract from violet leaves and use as a syrup.
- People who do not like violet leaves as a food can incorporate the fresh leaves into their salad. In addition to being edible, violet leaves are also healthy. The leaves are also good for soup or can be included in between the sandwich or wrap.
The Bottom Line
As you must already know, violet leaf is used for the treatment of digestive problems such as abdominal pain, swelling (inflammation) of the stomach and intestines, constipation, flatulence, heartburn, loss of appetite, and gallbladder disorders.
The herb is also considered effective for respiratory tract conditions, especially coughs, sore throat, bronchitis, and stuffy nose. In addition, it treats pain in the joints, skin problems, fever, tuberculosis, headaches, and insomnia.
However, as healthy and beneficial as violet leaf is, it is important to check with your doctor first before using the herb.
