Evidence supporting the use of: Viola
For the health condition: Congestion (lymphatic)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Viola species, particularly Viola tricolor (wild pansy) and Viola odorata (sweet violet), have a longstanding tradition of use in herbal medicine for various ailments, including those related to the lymphatic system. In traditional European herbalism, preparations of Viola were employed to address conditions characterized by lymphatic congestion, such as swollen glands, skin eruptions, and mild respiratory issues. The herb was often considered an "alterative," a class of remedies thought to purify the blood and support lymphatic drainage. Key traditional texts, such as those by Maud Grieve and the Eclectic physicians of the 19th century, reference its use for scrofula (tubercular lymphadenitis) and other glandular swellings. However, scientific research specifically validating Viola's efficacy for lymphatic congestion is sparse. Most available studies focus on the plant's anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and mild expectorant properties, with limited direct investigation into lymphatic effects. Some in vitro and animal studies suggest immune-modulating and anti-inflammatory actions, which could theoretically support lymphatic health, but do not provide definitive clinical evidence for treating lymphatic congestion in humans. Therefore, while the traditional use of Viola for lymphatic congestion is well documented, modern scientific validation is lacking, and its evidence base remains primarily historical and anecdotal.
Other ingredients used for Congestion (lymphatic)
AlantolactoneAllium tuberosum
Arisaema
atractylone
basil
bisabolene
bishop\'s weed
bitter grass
black currant
cajuput
Citrus
Echinacea
elderberry
fang-feng
forsythia
gamma-terpinene
garlic bulb
ginger
green tea
Hedyotis
Isatis
Laggera pterodonta
licorice root
Ligusticum
limonene
Mugwort
Paris polyphylla
pomegranate
protease
Pyrrosia
Sesquiterpenes
sweet flag
thyme
Thymus
turmeric
Vervain
Viola
Zedoary
Other health conditions supported by Viola
Abdominal PainAbscesses
Acne
Arthritis
Asthma
Bedwetting
Bleeding (external)
Boils
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Canker Sores
Chicken Pox
Chills
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Colds (with fever)
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (lymphatic)
Congestion (sinus)
Cuts
Dandruff
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Dyspepsia
Eczema
Edema
Eye Problems
Eyes (red or itching)
Fever
Gastritis
Gingivitis
