Ayurvedic Properties
- Taste (Rasa)
- flowers astringent; bitter
- Potency (Virya)
- cold
- Post-digestive (Vipaka)
- bitter
- Dosha Effect
- Vata, Pitta & Kapha balanced
- Tissues
- Plasma, blood, reproductive
- Systems
- Respiratory, excretory, female reproduc-tive, circulatory
What is Wild Violet?
A syrup made from violet petals for a child's cough is one of the gentler pictures in Ayurvedic herbalism. Wild Violet is best known as a herb for the chest, used in forms from decoctions to syrups.
Wild Violet (Banafsha) is botanically Viola odorata Linn. Its flowers taste astringent and bitter, its potency is cooling, and it is described as balancing all three doshas: Vata, Pitta and Kapha, the three functional energies Ayurveda uses to describe the body.
Its recorded actions on the body centre on the respiratory, excretory, female reproductive and circulatory systems. It is also emetic in large doses, which is the one thing every user needs to know before trying it.
Benefits of Wild Violet
Wild Violet has a wide recorded range, with the respiratory system at its centre. Its cooling potency and its balancing effect on all three doshas shape how it is used.
Cough, Colds and the Lungs
A decoction is used for cough, sneezing, flu and other respiratory problems, and for lung disorders more broadly. It acts as a diaphoretic, meaning it promotes sweating, in pulmonary disorders.
Fever
An infusion of the flowers is used for fevers, in keeping with its cooling potency.
Gentle Bowel Support for Children
Mixed with almond oil and senna syrup, it is described as an excellent demulcent (soothing to irritated tissue) and aperient (a mild laxative) for children.
Kidney, Liver and Bile
It is listed for bile complaints and for kidney and liver diseases, and it has a diuretic action.
Tissues and Prolapse
Its astringent flowers are used to stop the oozing of pus and in rectal and uterine prolapse. It is said to act on the plasma, blood and reproductive tissues.
How to Use Wild Violet
Wild Violet is prepared as a decoction, infusion, powder, pill or syrup. Our sources do not give numeric doses, so the table shows which form suits which use.
| Form | Dose | Best For | When to Take |
|---|---|---|---|
| Decoction | Not recorded | Cough, sneezing, flu, respiratory problems | As directed by a practitioner |
| Flower infusion | Not recorded | Fevers | As directed by a practitioner |
| Petal syrup | Not recorded | Infant coughs and chest tightness | Only with professional guidance for infants |
| With almond oil and senna syrup | Not recorded | Demulcent and mild laxative for children | As directed by a practitioner |
| Powder or pill | Not recorded | General use | As directed by a practitioner |
Keep amounts small: both the herb and its root are emetic in larger doses.
Safety & Side Effects
Wild Violet's main safety issue is dose. The plant is described as a nauseating emetic, and in large doses it causes vomiting.
- The root: the root is specifically noted as emetic in larger doses, so root preparations need extra care.
- Nausea: if a preparation makes you feel sick, stop and reduce the amount or seek advice.
- Infants and children: it has recorded uses for both, but those uses should be guided by a qualified practitioner.
- Medication and pregnancy: our sources record no drug interactions or pregnancy data, so check with your doctor first.
Recommended: Start Here
If you want to try Wild Violet, the simplest recorded starting point is a mild infusion or decoction for a cough, sneezing or flu, made from a clearly labelled Viola odorata product and taken in small amounts.
Look for products sold under its Hindi name, Banafsha.
Find Banafsha (Wild Violet) on Amazon ↗ Dried Violet Flowers ↗
Safety note: Wild Violet is emetic in large doses. Start small, stop if you feel nauseous, and get professional advice before giving it to a child.
Wild Violet vs Other Herbs & Supplements
Our sources link Wild Violet to two herbs it is combined with, which makes for the clearest comparisons.
| Comparison | Wild Violet | Alternative | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wild Violet vs Senna | Demulcent and mild aperient; soothing | Used alongside it as a syrup in the children's mix | They are combined rather than swapped; the violet adds the soothing quality |
| Wild Violet vs Almond oil | The active herb in the mix | The oil it is mixed with | A partner ingredient, not an alternative |
| Flower vs root | Flowers: astringent, demulcent, used in fevers | Root: emetic in larger doses | For home use, the flower is the gentler part |
Wild Violet for Specific Populations
Wild Violet is one of the few herbs in our records with specific uses for children, but its emetic action means caution throughout.
Pregnancy & Nursing
No data is recorded. Given its emetic action and its use in uterine prolapse, consult a practitioner before using it.
Children
A petal syrup is used for infant coughs and chest tightness, and a mix with almond oil and senna syrup as a demulcent and mild laxative for children. Use these only with professional guidance.
Elderly
No specific guidance is recorded. Keep doses small.
Athletes
No specific use is recorded.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Banafsha?
Banafsha is the Hindi name for Wild Violet, Viola odorata Linn. It is used mainly for coughs, colds and other respiratory problems.
Which dosha does Wild Violet suit?
It is described as balancing all three doshas: Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Its potency is cooling.
Can Wild Violet make you vomit?
Yes, in large doses. It is described as a nauseating emetic, and the root in particular is emetic in larger doses.
Is Wild Violet used for fever?
An infusion of the flowers is used for fevers.
What forms does Wild Violet come in?
Decoction, infusion, powder, pill and syrup.
Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.