Herb's Introduction
Viola rupestris F.W.Schmidt, commonly known as the Teesdale Violet or Rock Violet, is a diminutive, perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Violaceae family. It is characterized by its small stature, forming a basal rosette with ascending stems. Native to Temperate Eurasia, including parts of the Carpathian territories, it thrives on sunny, rocky slopes with light, base-rich soils. The plant is a perennial with a short rhizome and small flowers, typically pale-blue to violet, though sometimes white or even pink forms exist. Like other violets, it contains bioactive compounds that contribute to its traditional and potential modern medicinal uses.
Name in Different Countries
Scientific Name: Viola rupestris F.W.Schmidt English Common Names: Teesdale Violet, Rock Violet. The name "Teesdale Violet" refers to a region in the UK where one of its main colonies is found, particularly the rare pink form. Synonyms: Viola arenaria DC., Viola glaberrima C. Serg. Due to its localized distribution in different parts of Eurasia, it may have various local or vernacular names in the regions where it is native, though these are not as widely documented as the names for more common species like Viola odorata (Sweet Violet, Common Violet, Wood Violet, Heartsease). For example, the related general use of Violet is often associated with the medicinal benefits of the genus.
Terminology
The medicinal terminology associated with Viola rupestris and the Viola genus includes: Alterative: An herb that gradually restores proper body function and increases health and vitality, often by purifying the blood. Lymphatic: Supporting the health and function of the lymphatic system, helping to move stagnant fluids and clear congestion. Demulcent: A substance that soothes irritated or inflamed internal or external tissue, particularly the mucous membranes, due to a high content of mucilage (a thick, gluey substance produced by plants). Astringent: Causing the contraction of body tissues, often used to reduce discharges and bleeding. Anti-inflammatory: Reducing inflammation and swelling. Expectorant (in related species): Promoting the secretion or expulsion of mucus from the respiratory tract. Anodyne/Analgesic: Having pain-relieving qualities, likely due to the presence of salicylic acid (a component similar to aspirin) in the leaves.
Availability
Native Habitat: Viola rupestris is native to Temperate Eurasia. It is found across various parts of Europe (including all Carpathian territories) and Asia. Specific Habitat: It grows primarily on sunny and rocky slopes in open habitats with light, base-rich soils (calciphile). It's often associated with limestone grassland. Conservation Status: In some regions, like Britain, the Teesdale Violet is considered nationally rare and even critically endangered in the wild due to habitat loss, though globally it may be assessed as of Least Concern. This highlights the need for sustainable harvesting if used medicinally. In Nepal: While the genus Viola is present in Nepal, and other species like Viola canescens (Himalayan Violet) are well-known medicinal plants of the Himalayas, Viola rupestris is generally listed as native to Eurasia and its presence or specific medicinal use in Nepal is less certain compared to endemic Himalayan species. However, it does have a variety, Viola rupestris var. himalayensis.
External Look
Habit: Diminutive (small), long-lived perennial herb, usually growing only up to 10 cm high. Rhizome: Short, with many heads. Stem: Ascending from a basal rosette. Leaves: Basal rosette of rounded, shovel-shaped (kidney-shaped–cordate) leaves, with a slightly cordate base and shallowly rounded teeth (crenate). They are often bluish-green to dark green, thickish, and usually have a fine covering of short hairs (indumentum). Flowers: Corolla is zygomorphic (irregularly shaped), about 10–15 mm wide, with 5 petals. The color is typically pale-blue to violet, but can also be white or pink. They are solitary and nodding, with the lowest petal forming a spur. Fruit: A short-haired, 3-valved capsule containing obovate, pale- to dark-brown seeds.
Healing Properties
The healing properties are largely inferred from the known phytochemistry and traditional uses of the Viola genus, which includes: Anti-inflammatory and Soothing: The high content of mucilaginous compounds soothes irritated tissues and mucous membranes, making it useful for inflammatory conditions. Pain Relief: Contains salicylic acid which provides analgesic (pain-relieving) and anti-inflammatory effects, useful for headaches, bruises, and swelling. Detoxifying/Lymphatic Support: It's considered a lymphatic and alterative herb, helping to clear congestion, move toxicity through the system, and support the elimination of waste. It has an affinity for the lymphatic system and is used for swollen glands and cystic conditions. Respiratory Support: Its demulcent action makes it beneficial for soothing harsh, dry coughs, sore throats, and irritated respiratory tissues associated with colds and flu. Antioxidant: Rich in antioxidant flavonoids like rutin, which may help address issues related to capillary fragility, such as bruising or oedema.
Advantages
Gentle Medicine: Generally considered a gentle and safe medicine, often prescribed for children. Nutritive: The leaves are rich in vitamins, including Vitamin A and C, and can be added to nutritive teas or salads. Broad Applications: Useful for both internal (respiratory, lymphatic, digestive) and external (skin conditions, bruises, wounds) applications. Skin Health: Primarily used for inflammatory skin conditions like eczema, and for general skin purification due to its alterative action. Traditional Use for Head/Mind: Historically referenced for matters of the head, headaches, and even comforting and strengthening the heart in times of despair.
Uses
Respiratory Ailments: Treating coughs (especially dry, harsh coughs), colds, catarrh, and sore, swollen throats. Skin Issues: Symptomatic treatment of eczema, bee stings, bruises, minor wounds, and other skin irritations. Lymphatic Congestion: Used to reduce stagnation and relieve congested or swollen glands and cystic conditions. Pain and Swelling: Topical application as a poultice for bruises, sprains, strains, and minor joint injuries to reduce pain and swelling. Culinary: Like many violets, the flowers and young leaves are edible and can be added to salads or candied for decoration.
Using way
Infusion (Tea): The dried or fresh leaves and flowers are commonly steeped in hot water to create a tea, often used for respiratory, lymphatic, and internal soothing purposes. Syrup: A syrup made from the flowers, often with honey or sugar, is a traditional and pleasant way to administer the herb, particularly for children's coughs and sore throats. Poultice/Compress: Fresh leaves can be bruised (muddled) and applied directly to the skin as a poultice for bruises, swellings, and stings. Oil Infusion/Balm/Cream: The leaves and flowers can be infused in oil to create topical preparations for external use on skin conditions or for massage to support breast and lymphatic health. Tincture: An alcohol extract of the plant parts for a stronger, more concentrated medicine.
Conclusion
Viola rupestris, the Teesdale Violet, embodies the gentle yet effective medicinal qualities of the Viola genus, particularly concerning its demulcent, anti-inflammatory, and lymphatic actions. While its specific traditional medicinal use may be less widespread than its common relative, Viola odorata, its rich composition of mucilage and salicylic acid positions it as a valuable herb for soothing respiratory discomfort, supporting the lymphatic system, and healing minor topical irritations. Its endangered status in some areas, however, underscores the need for prioritizing conservation efforts and exploring sustainable cultivation practices if it is to be utilized for its healing benefits.
