Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) vs Violet (Viola odorata)

Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus)

Violet (Viola odorata)

About

Eucalyptus, a traditional Aboriginal remedy, is a powerful antiseptic used all over the world for relieving coughs and colds, sore throats, and other infections. It is warming and stimulating, and for many people its scent conjures up days spent in bed during childhood with eucalyptus and other oils smothered on the chest. Eucalpytus is a common ingredient in many over-the-counter cold remedies.

Sweet violet is a creeping perennial growing to 6 inches tall with toothed oval leaves and attractive violet-blue or white flowers with a five-petaled corolla. Native to much of Europe and Asia, it is a common wayside plant also found along roadsides and in woodlands. In classical mythology, sweet violet was associated with death, but classical physicians recognized it as an effective emetic and cough remedy. The 17th-century herbalist Nicholas Culpeper noted that violets are cooling and moistening when fresh and green.

Safety & precautions

Do not take essential oil internally except under professional supervision. Do not give to small children or infants.

No known warnings noted in the source material. The root should be used cautiously due to its stronger expectorant and potential emetic effects at higher doses.

Safety text above is printed in full and is never abbreviated. For each plant’s complete precautions, drug and food interactions and preparation notes, open its own page - both are free.