Author: Jane

The Canadian White Violet (Viola canadensis), also known as Canada Violet or Tall White Violet, is a perennial herb native to much of Canada and the United States. It thrives in rich, moist deciduous forests and is recognized for its delicate white flowers with yellow centers and purple-tinged backs.(en.wikipedia.org)

Botanical Profile

• Scientific Name: Viola canadensis
• Family: Violaceae (Violet family)
• Common Names: Canadian White Violet, Canada Violet, Tall White Violet
• Habitat: Moist, rich soils in deciduous forests across North America
• Flowering Season: April to July
• Plant Description: Heart-shaped leaves with coarsely toothed edges; white flowers with yellow bases and sometimes purple streaks on the back of petals (keystonewildflowers.com, naturalmedicinalherbs.net,  pfaf.org)

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Parts Used

• Leaves and Flowers: Consumed raw or cooked; used in teas and topical applications
• Roots: Traditionally used in decoctions and poultices(keystonewildflowers.com)

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Herbal Actions

• Demulcent: Soothes irritated tissues
• Astringent: Tightens tissues and reduces secretions
• Expectorant: Helps expel mucus from the respiratory tract
• Lymphatic: Supports lymphatic system function
• Anti-inflammatory: Reduces inflammation
• Diuretic: Promotes urine production
• Mild Laxative: Aids in relieving constipation (everygreenherb.com, ecoparent.ca)

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Energetics

• Temperature: Cooling
• Moisture: Moistening
• Taste: Sweet, slightly bitter
• Affinity: Respiratory, lymphatic, skin, and urinary systems (mamarosemary.com, emeryherbals.com, bcherbalists.ca)

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Preparations

• Infusion (Tea): Steep dried leaves and flowers in hot water; used for respiratory issues and as a mild laxative
• Poultice: Crushed fresh leaves applied to skin irritations, wounds, or swellings
• Tincture: Alcohol extract of the plant; taken in small doses for lymphatic support and stress relief
• Salve: Infused oil or ointment applied to skin conditions like eczema or insect bites
• Inhalation: Steam from boiling leaves used to alleviate respiratory congestion (agric4profits.com)

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⚠️ Cautions

• Roots: In large doses, can act as an emetic (induces vomiting)
• Allergic Reactions: Some individuals may experience skin irritation; discontinue use if symptoms occur
• Medication Interactions: Contains salicylic acid; consult a healthcare provider if taking blood thinners or have salicylate sensitivity (ecoparent.ca, terrawhisper.com)

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Medicinal Uses

• Respiratory Health: Eases coughs, bronchitis, and throat irritation
• Skin Conditions: Treats wounds, eczema, and insect bites
• Digestive Aid: Relieves constipation and soothes digestive tract inflammation
• Lymphatic Support: Reduces swollen glands and supports detoxification
• Stress Relief: Calms the nervous system and alleviates anxiety (agric4profits.com, ecoparent.ca)

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Historical Uses

• Indigenous Medicine: The Ojibwa used root decoctions for bladder pain; other tribes utilized the plant for respiratory ailments and as a topical treatment for skin issues
• Traditional Practices: Violets were worn at funerals to comfort the grieving; used in spring tonics to cleanse the body after winter (gobotany.nativeplanttrust.org, bcherbalists.ca)

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If you’re interested in incorporating Canadian White Violet into your herbal practices, consider consulting with a local herbalist or healthcare provider to ensure safe and appropriate use.

Elaeagnus commutata – commonly known as Silverberry or Wolf-willow – is a hardy, native shrub of North America, particularly widespread in the Canadian Prairies and northern U.S. states. It’s valued for its ecological roles, traditional uses, and potential medicinal applications.

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Scientific Name

• Elaeagnus commutata

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Plant Family

• Elaeagnaceae

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Parts Used

• Bark
• Leaves
• Flowers
• Berries (though not commonly eaten in large quantities)
• Roots (rarely, and mostly in traditional practices)

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Herbal Actions

• Astringent
• Anti-inflammatory
• Analgesic (pain-relieving)
• Tonic
• Vulnerary (promotes wound healing)
• Antirheumatic (traditionally used for joint/muscle pain)

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Energetics

(Based on traditional and folk medicine energetics)

• Temperature: Cooling
• Taste: Astringent, slightly bitter
• Affinity: Skin, musculoskeletal system, mucous membranes

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Preparations

• Infusion (leaves, bark): Used internally or as a wash for skin issues
• Poultice (leaves or bark): Applied to bruises, sprains, or wounds
• Tincture (roots, bark): Occasionally made for chronic musculoskeletal pain
• Capsule: Rare in modern herbal markets, but powdered bark or leaf could be encapsulated
• Salve (infused oil of leaves/bark): For skin irritations and wounds

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⚠️ Cautions

• Not extensively studied in modern pharmacology – use with caution and respect for traditional knowledge
• Not recommended during pregnancy or lactation due to lack of safety data
• Berries can be mildly laxative if eaten in quantity
• Avoid use in high doses or long-term without guidance from a knowledgeable herbalist

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Medicinal Uses

Traditional and modern folk uses include:

• Topical wound care: Poultices for cuts, sores, and bruises
• Muscle and joint pain: Infusions or poultices used for arthritis, sprains, or bruising
• Respiratory issues: Some Indigenous groups used it for colds and coughs
• Astringent tonic: Helpful for loose stools or mucous membrane inflammation
• Oral health: Decoctions used as a mouthwash for sores or inflamed gums

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Historical Uses

• Indigenous medicine: Various First Nations and Métis peoples used silverberry as medicine and in ceremonial contexts.
  • Leaves and bark were used in poultices for sore muscles and inflammation.
  • The dried fruit was occasionally consumed or used in trade.
  • Branches were used to make baskets and decorations.
• Ecological role: Historically used for erosion control and windbreaks; it fixes nitrogen in poor soils.

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Summary

Elaeagnus commutata is a valuable and resilient native shrub with deep roots in traditional healing. While not common in modern Western herbalism, it holds potential as a topical and internal remedy for inflammation, pain, and skin health—especially within the context of Northern and Indigenous healing traditions.