Heartease has many therapeutic uses for health

Over these 'hopefully summer is still to come' days, you may have come across the delicate herb and wild pansy, Heartease.
The botanical name of Heartease is Viola tricolor. It is a member of the Violaceae family.
Heartease is an annual plant, however it is known to continue to grow if the climate doesn't get too hot or dry. So you may actually come across it this summer! Typically, however, it disappears in hot weather and reappears when autumn rains and cooler temperatures return. Heartease is frost resistant.
Heartease grows readily in gardens, along roadsides and within stony waste land. It grows from seed and self sows easily, preferring a light soil and sunny situation and flowering between October and February.
This delightful little pansy has many folk names, including Wild Pansy, Wild Parry, Love in Idleness, Johnny Jump Up, Cuddle me, Herb Constancy, Herb Trinity, Step Mother and Bouncing Bet.
In folklore Heartease was worn or carried to attract love. When pansies planted in the shape of a heart grow and prosper, it is thought your love will also.
Heartease's properties are moist, pungent, cold and slightly bitter and is recognised for these therapeutic actions:
¦Anti-inflammatory.
¦Expectorant - promotes the removal of excess mucus from the lungs and air passages.
¦Diuretic - increases urine secretion and flow.
¦Anti-rheumatic.
¦Laxative.
¦Stabilises capillary membranes.
The constituents of Heartease include flavonoids (antioxidants), methyl salicylate (aspirin-like properties), alkaloids, volatile oils, mucilage gums (soothing), resin, saponins and vitamins A and C.
Heartease is traditionally used for:
¦Cardiovascular system - Capillary fragility, excellent for individuals who bruise easily (do not use internally if taking Warfarin or similar medication).
¦Urinary system - Cystitis, Frequent urination, Painful or Difficult urination.
¦ Respiratory system - Bronchitis, cough.
¦Musculoskeletal system - Rheumatism.
¦ Skin - Eczema, Cradle cap, skin eruptions and irritations.
It is the aerial parts of the plant that are used, such as leaves, stems and flowers. Avoid the seeds as they can have a purgative effect. Heartease can be used internally or topically.
As an infusion place 1 teaspoon of dried herb (or three teaspoons of fresh) in your teapot and cover with 1 cup of boiling water. Place lid on your teapot and leave to sit for at least five minutes. Drink ½ cup up to three times daily. When cool it may also be used as a wash or compress.
Scattering the Heartease flowers on meals, salads and sandwiches is an excellent way to decorate your meal, while also being therapeutic!
Here's a recipe for Pansy Cream, which may be used on minor skin irritations including nappy rash.
1. Chop dried Heartease flowers and leaves. Loosely fill a glass jar with a plastic lid.
2. Cover with olive oil. Screw lid on.
3. Leave in a warm place for two weeks, out of direct sunlight. Gently rotate daily to move herb in oil.
4. Strain oil into a saucepan.
5. Add one teaspoon of beeswax per one cup of oil.
6. Heat gently until wax melts. You may use a double burner.
7. Remove from heat and add ½ teaspoon each of almond and wheat germ oil.
8. Add a few drops of lavender oil to perfume (and provide anti-inflammatory, calming properties)
9. Pour into sterilised small glass jars. Cool and label.
Contact Kim www.herbcaravan.nz, or 027 307 3062.