*Note: Violet (Viola odorata) is the source of TerraVita® teas and supplements. It should not be confused with the poisonous violet tree (Securidaca longependunculata) for which a brief monograph is presented below for relat...
* Please Note: This information is based partly on Traditional Medicine which uses natural materials to support health. This information has not been evaluated or approved by the FDA. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These products are intended to support general well being and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure any condition or disease. If conditions persist, please seek advice from your medical doctor.
Description
*Note: Violet (Viola odorata) is the source of TerraVita® teas and supplements. It should not be confused with the poisonous violet tree (Securidaca longependunculata) for which a brief monograph is presented below for related interest only.
Violet Tree Securidaca longepedunculata Fres. (often given as "S. longipedunculata" in the literature).
Family: Polygalaceae.
Other Names: Securidaca (French); Securidaca (German); securidaca (Italian).
Description: The violet tree is up to 6 mm height and has a characteristic pale grey, smooth bark. The oblong leaves are crowded towards the stem tips, where clusters of attractive pink to purple flowers are borne in early summer. The fruit is a round nut with a single large, curved wing. The plant has a very distinctive appearance and is not likely to be confused with any others.
Origin: Tropical Africa. The tree is not cultivated.
Parts Used: Mainly the roots, sometimes also the stem bark or leaves.
Therapeutic Category: Traditional panacea and general tonic, antirheumatic, antitussive.
Uses and Properties: The violet tree is one of the most popular of all traditional medicines in Africa and is used for almost any conceivable ailment. Amongst the numerous uses, it is particularly popular for coughs, chest complaints, rheumatism, toothache, headache, constipation and as contraceptive. It is applied externally for the treatment of wounds, sores and rheumatic pain. The bark has been used as an ingredient of arrow poison and as ordeal poison.
Preparation and Dosage: The safe dosage has not been recorded. Decoctions are taken for chest complaints, while the roots are chewed to relieve toothache. A hot water poultice of the roots is said to give symptomatic relief of rheumatism, while powdered root or wood scrapings are rubbed into scarifications on the forehead to treat headaches.
Active Ingredients: The volatile oil of the roots contains large amounts of methyl salicylate. Various triterpene saponins, with presenegenin as aglycone, the toxic indole alkaloid securinine and some other alkaloids (including ergot alkaloids) have been reported.
Pharmacological Effects: The presence of salicylates may partly explain the wide diversity of uses. Methyl salicylate is known as a counter-irritant that penetrates the skin and underlying tissue to act as a potent anti-inflammatory agent. It is also known to be useful in oral hygiene. Saponins have secretolytic properties and thus would explain the antitussive effects of the drug. The toxicity is ascribed mainly to securinine.
Warning: The plant is known to be very poisonous and is not suitable for self-medication.
Status: Traditional medicine.
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Directions
Hot tea brewing method: Bring freshly drawn cold water to a rolling boil. Place 1 tea bag for each cup into the teapot. Pour the boiling water into the pot, cover and let steep for 2-4 minutes. Pour into your cup; add milk and sugar to taste.
Iced tea brewing method: (to make 1 liter/quart): Place 5 tea bags into a teapot or heat resistant pitcher. Pour 1 1/4 cups of freshly boiled water over the tea itself. Steep for 5 minutes. Quarter fill a serving pitcher with cold water. Pour the tea into the serving pitcher straining the tea bags. Add ice and top-up with cold water. Garnish and sweeten to taste.
Additional Information
ZooScape is proud to be the exclusive distributor of TerraVita teas, herbs and supplements in the United States, Canada and around the world. Please direct all wholesale and bulk inquiries to Simona Heather at 905-494-1785.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Products are intended to support general well being and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure any condition or disease. If conditions persist, please seek advice from your medical doctor. The essence of the current American rule on Traditional Uses is, as stated by FTC, "Claims based on historical or traditional use should be substantiated by confirming scientific evidence, or should be presented in such a way that consumers understand that the sole basis for the claim is a history of use of the product for a particular purpose."
