Violet (Viola odorata and related species) has a long history of use in traditional Western herbal medicine, particularly for supporting lymphatic health and addressing swollen glands. Historical texts and 19th-century herbalists often mention violet leaves as a gentle lymphatic alterative and demulcent, believed to help reduce lymphatic congestion and soften hard swellings such as those associated with enlarged lymph nodes. These uses are primarily based on empirical knowledge and traditional observation rather than rigorous scientific study.

Modern scientific validation for this application is minimal. While violet contains compounds such as mucilage, saponins, and salicylic acid derivatives, which may have mild anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, there are no clinical studies directly investigating its efficacy for swollen lymph nodes or lymphatic support. Most contemporary herbal references cite violet’s lymphatic use as a continuation of traditional practice, not as a result of robust scientific evaluation.

In summary, the use of violet for swollen glands is justified by traditional herbal practice, with limited supporting evidence from modern research. Its evidence rating remains low due to the lack of controlled studies and substantiated clinical outcomes.