Herb Weaver's Journal #160 - 22nd July 2025

Herb Weaver’s Journal

Hearts Ease

This wonderful little plant looks so small and timid, but packs a punch both health wise and magically. Also knows at Viola, violets, Johnny Jump-Up, Wild Pansies, Jack jump up and kiss me, Come and cuddle me, and many other names. Botanical name is Viola tricolor.

All the parts that grow above the ground can be consumed.

As the name may suggest it helps and supports the heart by reducing BP, bit it is also an anti-inflammatory, helps to treat skin disorders such as warts, psoriasis and eczema and conditions that affect the lungs like asthma and bronchitis.

The leaves are used as a herbal tea and the solution used as a topical and applied to the skin. The flower heads can also be made into lotions and potions and applied to the skin. The young leaves and flowers buds are great for thickening soups and stews and the the flowers can be eaten raw in salads and desserts.

The herb can be a diuretic, s o do be aware if you are already on medication for this. Some find it makes a good natural laxative for constipation and it also works as a detox drink.

For a small plant it offers a lot based on its constituent make up - flavonoids, polysaccharides, salicylic acid derivatives, catechins, and coumarins. It has been found that the plant also contains cyclotides which are reported to inhibit the proliferation of lymphocytes, immune cells that play a major role in many inflammatory diseases.

Be aware of hybrids which aren’t as potent anymore.

The flowers can also be used as a natural dye, so give it a go.