Naturally, all garden plants are derived from wild species and many human hands have been instrumental in changing them into the cultivars that we are used to seeing in our pots and borders. Some of these vary considerably in form from their wild ancestors, so much so that it is hard to see their origins in their often blousy and ostentatious supposedly 'improved' forms .
I always think that the modern pansies and violas are exceptions in that although they display a vast diversity of colours, carefully selected and tweaked by the plant breeders, the simple appeal of the whiskered 'face' of the pansy cannot be bettered and it is a characteristic still seen in the enchanting wild pansy (Viola tricolor) and would you believe it(of course you would) this is also a very helpful little plant in herbal medicine. From some plants you get so much for your money.
La Pensee Sauvage (the savage mind) is the French name for this little flower. Indeed, its English name pansy is derived from the French pensee. Its flowers can vary in size and colour, but these are usually blue violet, yellow and white or cream and it grows abundantly throughout the grasslands of Britain.
A reminder that this is a herb with long usage can be found from its inclusion in the newly planted herb garden at the National Trust's Bodnant Gardens in North Wales (well worth a visit if you are a garden fan).
A plant with a long medicinal history it had an ancient reputation for healing broken bones. However, it is used in modern herbal medicine as a herb that is anti-inflammatory (it contains an aspirin-like salicylates) and that has blood cleansing properties. This makes it especially valuable for helping with chronic skin disorders such as eczema (especially in children) psoriasis and acne. Here it can be used both internally and as a topical application. It can also be helpful for cradle cap as a very dilute wash. It can be used to good effect for respiratory problems, including bronchitis, as it contains substances that act as expectorants and soothers. Additionally its anti-inflammatory effects make it a herb that can ease arthritic conditions. If this were not enough it is also used in herbal mixtures to help lower blood pressure and I can personally attest to its usefulness in easing bouts of painful cystitis.
On a more frivolous note, its characteristic heart shaped flowers also give rise to its other common English name 'hearstease'. Long associated with lovers and love charms it is used as such in a Midsummer Night's Dream, when the juice is squeezed into the eyes of the Queen Titania, so she falls in love with the first creature she sees - so it doubles as a great plot device!! Worn or carried, the pansy draws love and so, if your garden pansies thrive, then so will your love - so water them well in the hot weather......
Sources
Barker, J. (2001), The medicinal flora of Britain and Northwestern Europe. Kent, Winter Press
Mrs Grieve (1931) A Modern Herbal (available on line at www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/mgmh.htm).
This information is meant for educational purposes only and not intended as a guide to self-treatment. You should always seek professional advice. Remember that herbs can interact with other drugs and may be contra-indicated if you have certain medical conditions, are pregnant or lactating. Take care when using wild plants or herbs, that you have the correct species from a reliable and uncontaminated source.
Catherine Schofield BSc MNIMH Herbalist Cheshire Herbs and Herbal Medicine