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Member of the Violet family. Also known as Heartsease, Johnny Jump-up, Kiss-her-in-the-buttery, Tickle My Fancy, Kiss-me-quick and Three faces Under One Hood. In Warwickshire it is known as Love-in-Idleness. In some Somerset villages the plant is known as Biddy's Eyes, after St Bride who spent time in Somerset and left there her bell, missal and sleeves when she set sail for Ireland. Its Anglo-Saxon name was Banewort. Hardy perennial, growing to about 12 in (30 cm) high. Purple/yellow open-faced flowers from April to September.
Legend has it that the name Viola comes from the Greek "ion" - Jupiter turned Io, his love, into a cow and the earth brought forth Violets for her to eat. It was a symbol of the city of ancient Athens, and a symbol of fertility to the ancient Greeks. The "tricolor" part of the plant's name derives from it usually being of three colours - mauve, yellow and blue. For this reason it is sometimes also known as the Trinity herb (herba trinitatis in many old herbals). In the Language of Flowers, purple = memories, yellow = souvenirs, and white = thoughts of love. Name may also come from the French "pensee", meaning thought - the French believed a Pansy could make your lover think of you.
Field and meadow plant. The Humble bee and Pluvia moths were found by Darwin to be the plant's most frequent insect visitors. Used to be used as a remedy for fevers and ulcers, and also a healing herb for wounds. The flower protects itself from rain by drooping its head. Its name, Heartsease, comes from its use for heart conditions. Also used in herbal teas to relieve catarrh, bladder, arthritis and prostate inflammations and cystitis. Was used to cure bed-wetting. It was the main ingredient years ago in treating dropsy. It can be applied externally to treat eczema, psoriasis, and used in herbal teas to relieve catarrh, bladder and prostate inflammations.
Wild Pansy flowers contain a high concentration of rutin which can be used to prevent bruising and broken capillaries, reducing blood pressure and the build up of fluid in tissues. The plant is also mildly laxative.
Don't pick Pansies on a fine day or while they have dew on the petals - it will result in the death of a loved one or it will rain. Plant Pansies in a heart shape and they will grow well. Has been used in love potions. Celts used to brew a tea from the dried leaves to make love potions.
Plant out from mid-autumn to spring, in well-drained soil and full sun or light shade. Self-seeds well.
Flowers can be dried and added to pot pourri. Cut back leggy plants to induce bushiness.
CAUTION - AVOID IF PREGNANT
*This sheet is provided for information only and is in no way a prescription for use. Please seek the advice of a qualified herbalist before using*