Pansy can be located in numerous landscapes in Germany. They bloom all over Europe in gardens or on pastures and fields. Although they are known as an ornamental flower, their healing properties have largely been forgotten.
Occurrence and cultivation of the wild pansy
It relates to the structure of the flowers. While the top flowers are a symbol of chairs that the stepmother claims, those on the side belong to her own daughters. The stepdaughters, on the other hand, have to sit on the bottom chairs. The wild pansy can be found all over Europe. The only exceptions are the southernmost and northernmost places.
Viola tricolor prefers acidic soils and can be found particularly often in fields next to grain. The grain has certain substances that are excreted through the roots and have a positive effect on the growth of the wild pansy. In the course of its growth, the plant assumes a maximum height of about 30 centimeters. The flowering period is between May and October and produces petals that are either purple, yellow and purple, or tri-colored.
Effect & application
Different parts of the plant can be used for medicinal purposes. These include the flowers, roots and the herb. While the herb should be collected between March and August, the range from August to September is recommended for the roots. The wild pansy is particularly often used to stimulate the metabolism.
However, its properties give it the ability to have a soothing effect on some other complaints. The plant can be used internally or externally. A tea is often made with the plant for internal and external complaints. This can be a cold extract or an infusion. Cold water is poured over the ingredients for the cold pull-out.
To prevent the essential oils from escaping, the cup should be covered in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, the leaves can be removed and the liquid slowly warmed. This guarantees that the ingredients of the wild pansy are preserved. With the infusion, on the other hand, the dried plant parts are infused directly with boiling water and left to infuse for about 10 minutes.
Leaves, stems and flowers are grouped together as an herb. After harvesting, the ingredients should first be dried. There are demands on the quality of the medicinal plant based on the European Pharmacopoeia. The ingredients of the wild pansy are decisive for the medicinal properties of the wild pansy. These are mainly flavonoids, which claim a share of about 0.2 to 0.4 percent.
In addition, the plant has a high percentage of mucilage, phenol carboxylic acids, for example salicylic acid, tannins and hydroxycoumarins. The ingredients give the plant antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, expectorant, analgesic and antispasmodic properties. Accordingly, they are used, for example, for coughs, asthma, rheumatism, inflammation, eczema, kidney weakness or gout.
Use is particularly recommended for external inflammation. The ingredients act here on the one hand against the pathogens, on the other hand they inhibit the inflammatory process. Why exactly the wild pansy helps against itching, acne and dandruff has not yet been fully researched. The suspicion lies in the ingredient salicylic acid.
Importance for health, treatment & prevention
The effect of the wild pansy is officially proven. Doctors recommend its use especially in children who suffer from scaling. Thus, the medicinal plant is primarily a treatment. The components are suitable to a limited extent as prevention, but are used less often in this way.
The wild pansy can also be used for insomnia and nervousness, it has a calming effect on the nervous system. In this context, it is possible for him to prevent possible consequences, such as a lack of concentration. In addition, the medicinal plant is said to reduce heart problems. Treatment with the flower alone is not recommended.
The wild pansy should only be viewed as a supplement to a medication set by a doctor. In this way, however, it can help prevent further complaints. For the main purpose of stimulating the metabolism, regular use is necessary. The same is true for rheumatism and gout relief. So the tea can be drunk every day without any side effects. This is where the wild pansy benefits in comparison to chemical drugs.
As a rule, no negative side effects can be identified. Because of its good tolerance, the wild pansy is also considered a medicinal plant for children. However, if you are unsure about the use, it should first be discussed with a doctor or pharmacist. For temporary complaints, such as problems with the urinary system or a cold, limited treatment is sufficient until the symptoms subside.
On the one hand, the expectorant property, on the other hand, the diuretic property is effective. At the same time, existing inflammations can be reduced. The wild pansy is not only a graceful plant, it is also able to alleviate health problems.
