THE HERBALIST'S NOTEBOOK

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Viola species

Medicinal uses: Violet leaves and blossoms act as an expectorant and can be used in respiratory congestion to help soften mucus and remove it from the body. A syrup of violets was often used in cough preparations where its color and mild taste, along with its action on the respiratory system, made it a good base. Violets can be used for mild bronchitis or for coughs of influenza and mild colds.

Violets also work gradually to move the metabolism towards a healthy balance. They have been used as a part of a therapy program for chronic skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis. Because of their antiseptic properties, violets have been used externally as a poultice for skin irritations or minor wounds. The leaves and blossoms can be added to a salve for the same problems.

Harvesting: Gather the whole plants or just the leaves and blossoms when the plant is just starting to bloom. Spread out to dry on an appropriate material. If the whole plants are harvested, turn every day or so to speed thorough drying. When crumbly, store in airtight containers.

Dosages: Make an infusion by pouring 1 cup of boiling water over 1 teaspoon of dried violet leaves and blossoms. Steep 10 minutes, then strain out plant parts. Drink three times a day. For skin conditions, crush the fresh plant, and apply directly to the area, or use dried plants in a salve.

Elderberry

Last year's supply of elderberry flowers went to friends for fevers, especially for their children. It made a nice, good-tasting tea, with no bitterness. I dried lots to have on hand, and used the tincture in formulas for flu and colds to help break fevers.

Description : The elderberries are tall, woody-stemmed shrubs that bear profuse white or ivory blossoms and are common to moist thickets and alongside roads. The elders are found in moist soils, and the redberried variety is often found in rocky areas. Two species of elder are used interchangeably for medicinal purposes. The common elder, Sambucus canadensis, bears tart, edible, purplish-black berries that are often used in making wild jams and jellies. The red-berried elder, Sambucus pubens, produces very acridtasting red berries that are known to be somewhat toxic, causing digestive upsets.

The leaves in both species are divided and sharply toothed. Each divided leaf is composed of five to 11 leaflets in the common elder, and five to seven in the redberried elder. All leaflets are lance- or egg-shaped and are sharply pointed.

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