Viola tricolor

Also known as Johnny Jump up, heartsease, heart’s delight, come-and-cuddle-me, three faces in a hood, or love-in-idleness.

The story…

Wild pansy is native to Europe and Asia, and is now present in North America. It grows in fallow land, mellows, river banks and alluvions, mainly on acid or neutral soil. Greek mythology associates it with Io, a nymph loved by Zeus and transformed into a heifer by his wife Hera. Io saw little flowers come out of the soil and turn their corolla to her, and she recognized the thoughts of her friends who came to comfort her.

Uses

Skin disorders

Wild pansy flowers help to drain toxins present in skin cells and facilitates their elimination by the kidney, to ease skin issues such as eczema, chronic acne or psoriasis. Internal (drink an infusion or diluted tincture) or external (apply decoction on the skin) use.

Anti-inflammatory

Wild pansy infusion eases mucous membrane inflammations, acute bronchitis, whooping-cough or asthma.

Preparation

Infusion: 1 teaspoon dry flowers per cup; approximately 3 cups a day, between meals. Can be combined with plants acting on the liver (dandelion roots or burdock) for skin disorders.

Wild pansy is also edible, for example as a decoration with salad.

Precautions

Contraindicated for pregnant and nursing women and people taking anti-hypertensive or diuretic drugs. In case of persistent symptoms or if you have any doubts, consult a doctor.