Herb & supplement monograph

Sweet Violet Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More

Medically reviewed by ·Updated June 2026
What is this page for?

First and foremost: how Sweet Violet interacts with medications. The heart of this page is the interaction list — every drug Sweet Violet is known to interact with, and how serious each one is.

But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Sweet Violet is, what people use it for and how strong the evidence is, its safety and side effects, and answers to the questions we’re asked most — written and reviewed by the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases, not medical advice, and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

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Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Sweet Violet

0 medications have a known interaction with Sweet Violet, graded by severity. Select any drug for the full evidence-based detail.

We don’t currently list any known drug interactions for Sweet Violet. This doesn’t guarantee none exist — always confirm with your pharmacist before combining supplements with your medications.

Read The List Like a Pharmacist

What Severity, Likelihood & Evidence Mean

Severity — How Serious It Can Be

  • Major. Clinically significant; generally best avoided, or used only under direct professional supervision.
  • Moderate. May need monitoring, a dose adjustment, or separating the times you take each one.
  • Minor. Generally not clinically significant, but still worth noting and mentioning to your pharmacist.
  • No known interaction. Checked against our sources with nothing documented — not the same as proven safety.

Likelihood — How Well It’s Documented

  • Likely. Well-controlled human studies have demonstrated the likely existence of this interaction
  • Probable. Interaction has not been documented in well-controlled studies, however, the interaction has been demonstrated in some small human studies or in controlled animal studies in conjunction with multiple case reports.
  • Possible. Interaction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
  • Unlikely. Interaction has been demonstrated in animal or in lab research but has been shown not to occur in humans.

Where This Data Comes From

  • Interaction records are evidence-graded and sourced from the Natural Medicines database (TRC Healthcare), the same reference used by pharmacists and hospitals.
  • Each drug listed above links to the full report for that exact Sweet Violet combination — clinical detail, likelihood, evidence level, and citations.
  • Content is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists — see our data sources and editorial standards.
Monograph

Sweet Violet: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Medically reviewed by · Reviewed June 2026 ·
The bottom line

Sweet Violet is a traditional herb used mainly as a soothing remedy for coughs, sore throats, and minor respiratory complaints. Modern scientific evidence supporting these uses is very limited, so it should not replace proven treatments. It is generally considered gentle in food-like amounts, but talk with your pharmacist or doctor before using it, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or giving it to a child.

Scientific name
Viola odorata
Family
Violaceae
Part used
Flowers, leaves, and roots; sometimes the whole plant
Common forms
Tea (infusion), syrup, dried herb, tincture, and topical preparations
People commonly use it for
  • Cough and sore throat
  • Bronchitis and chest congestion
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Skin irritation
  • Mild constipation
  • Headache

Popular and traditional uses — not proof it works. See “Uses & effectiveness” below for the evidence.

Safety at a glance
OverallUse caution

Generally regarded as gentle in small culinary or tea amounts, but human safety data are limited.

PregnancyInsufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Read the full pregnancy detail
BreastfeedingInsufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Read the full breastfeeding detail

Pregnancy & breastfeeding ratings are from Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center). Safety guidance is general; always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor for your situation.

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Overview

Sweet Violet (Viola odorata) is a small, low-growing flowering plant known for its fragrant purple flowers and heart-shaped leaves. It is native to Europe and parts of Asia and now grows in many temperate regions, often in gardens, woodlands, and shady areas.

People have used Sweet Violet for centuries in traditional and folk medicine. The flowers and leaves are most often made into teas, syrups, or tinctures. The flowers are also used to flavor candies, desserts, and perfumes. In herbal traditions, it has been valued as a soothing remedy for the throat and chest.

How it works

Sweet Violet contains a mix of natural compounds, including mucilage (a gel-like fiber), flavonoids, saponins, and small amounts of plant-based salicylates. The mucilage is thought to form a soothing coating that may help calm an irritated throat, which is one reason it has long been used for coughs.

Laboratory studies suggest some of its compounds may have antioxidant or mild anti-inflammatory activity, and traditional use describes it as an expectorant (something that loosens mucus). However, these ideas are mostly based on test-tube and animal research, and it is not clear that they translate into meaningful effects in people.

Effectiveness

Does Sweet Violet work?

Here’s what the research actually shows for each use — graded by Natural Medicines and reviewed by .

Evidence overview · 8 uses evaluated
8 Insufficient evidence
How to read these evidence grades

Natural Medicines’ 7-point scale. We show each rating’s label word-for-word.

1EffectiveStrong, consistent evidence it works.
2Likely EffectiveGood evidence, though not yet conclusive.
3Possibly EffectiveSome evidence suggests a benefit.
4Possibly IneffectiveSome evidence it may not help.
5Likely IneffectiveFairly strong evidence it doesn’t help.
6IneffectiveStrong evidence it doesn’t work.
7Insufficient Reliable Evidence to RateToo little research to say either way.

For Sweet Violet, current evidence isn’t strong enough to rate any specific use. The conditions it has been studied for are listed below.

Also studied for 8 conditions — evidence insufficient to rate
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Allergic rhinitis (hay fever)
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

A clinical study in adults with mild to moderate allergic rhinitis shows that placing 1 drop of sweet violet flower oil in sweet almond oil in each nostril every 12 hours for 2 weeks improves the severity of allergic rhinitis symptoms when compared with baseline. Lack of statistical comparison to placebo, unclear reporting, and differences in symptom severity at baseline between groups limit the validity of this finding.

Sources Ref 106578
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Asthma
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Clinical research in children 2-12 years of age with intermittent asthma shows that taking a sweet violet syrup three times daily for 5 days reduces cough and wheezing when compared with placebo. However, it is not clear if taking this syrup reduces the use of short-acting beta agonist inhalers.

Sources Ref 99646
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Clinical research in men aged 40-75 years with untreated, symptomatic BPH shows that taking a mixture of alcoholic extracts of sweet violet flower, winter cherry fruit, and Echium amoenum flowers orally as 1 mL twice daily for 2 weeks reduces prostate volume and symptoms of BPH when compared with placebo. Taking this mixture reduced prostate volume by about 17% compared with an increase of about 3% in the placebo group. The overall International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) improved by an additional 26% when compared with placebo. It is not clear if these benefits are due to sweet violet, other ingredients, or the combination.

Sources Ref 95930
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Depression
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

A small study in patients aged 16 to 50 years with mild to moderate depression and insomnia who are taking sertraline shows that taking an extract of sweet violet aerial parts syrup every 12 hours for 4 weeks improves Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scores by 10 points, compared with 3 points in those receiving placebo. Depression symptom scores are also improved by 14 points in those receiving sweet violet syrup, compared with 7 points in those receiving placebo.

Sources Ref 106575
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Dry eye
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

A clinical study in adults with dry eye shows that placing 2 drops of sweet violet oil extract in almond oil intranasally three times daily for 1 month improves tear secretion by 7 mm and tear stability by 3 seconds when compared with baseline. Dry eye symptoms and their impact on vision, but not ocular surface integrity and health, are also improved. It is unclear if the improvement from baseline differs between sweet violet oil extract in almond oil, almond oil alone, and placebo.

Sources Ref 106579
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Insomnia
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Preliminary clinical research in patients with chronic insomnia shows that placing 3 drops of a sweet violet extract in almond oil in each nostril at bedtime for 30 days improves chronic insomnia when compared with almond oil alone or placebo. According to the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), 73% of patients taking sweet violet oil were classified as having no insomnia at the end of the trial, compared with 16% of those taking almond oil or placebo. Another small clinical study in patients with mild to moderate primary chronic insomnia shows that intranasal application of 2 drops of an herbal oil containing equal parts of oil extracts of sweet violet aerial parts, saffron stigma, and lettuce seed in sesame oil twice daily for 8 weeks improves both ISI and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scores by 4-5 points at 4 and 8 weeks, compared with 1-2 points in those receiving sesame oil alone. It is unclear if these effects are due to sweet violet, other ingredients, or the combination.

Sources Ref 99647 Ref 106576
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Neutropenic fever
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

A small clinical study in stable, hospitalized children with various forms of cancer and neutropenic fever shows that applying both sweet violet oil in sweet almond oil and sweet almond oil alone to the peripheral margin of the umbilicus decreases body temperature from baseline. It is unclear if the improvement from baseline differs between groups. Use of rescue medication for fever persisting beyond 30 minutes was required in 24% of patients receiving sweet violet oil in sweet almond oil, compared with 85% of patients receiving sweet almond oil alone. The validity of these findings is limited by unclear reporting.

Sources Ref 106577
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

A small study in patients aged 16 to 50 years with mild to moderate OCD and insomnia who are taking fluvoxamine shows that taking an extract of sweet violet aerial parts syrup every 12 hours for 4 weeks improves Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) by 8 points, compared with 2 points in those receiving placebo. OCD symptom scores are also improved by 7 points in those receiving sweet violet syrup, compared with 3 points in those receiving placebo.

Sources Ref 106575

Source & disclaimer. Effectiveness ratings and evidence summaries are provided by Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) and shown as licensed. Where Natural Medicines hasn’t rated a use, HelloPharmacist’s pharmacists may add their own reviewed rating and evidence (each such entry is labeled). This is educational information, not medical advice — talk with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing a supplement.

Safety & precautions

Sweet Violet is generally considered gentle when the flowers or leaves are used in small amounts, such as in food or a cup of tea. Still, human safety data are limited, so caution is wise.

Be careful to use the correct plant. Many garden "violets" and "African violets" are different species, and some plants sold as ornamental flowers are not meant to be eaten. Only use products from a reputable source that clearly identifies the plant as Viola odorata.

People with known allergies to plants in the violet family should avoid it. Because it contains natural salicylates (aspirin-like substances), people who are sensitive to aspirin may want to be cautious. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid Sweet Violet because there is not enough safety information. Do not give herbal products to infants or young children without first checking with a pediatrician or pharmacist.

Side effects

When used in small, food-like amounts, Sweet Violet is not commonly linked to serious side effects. Some people may experience mild stomach upset or nausea, especially with larger amounts.

Allergic reactions are possible, including skin rash or itching, particularly in people sensitive to related plants. Stop using it and seek medical care if you notice signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face or throat, or trouble breathing. Taking very large amounts is not recommended, as the effects of high doses in people are not well studied.

Dosing

There is no standardized or officially established dose for Sweet Violet. Traditional use most often involves a tea made from the dried flowers or leaves, or a syrup for cough, but exact amounts vary widely between products and recipes.

The safest approach is to follow the directions on the product label and not exceed the recommended amount. Because strength and quality differ between brands, and because reliable dosing data are lacking, it is a good idea to check with a pharmacist or doctor before starting, especially if you take other medicines or have a health condition.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Sweet Violet & Pregnancy

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Sweet Violet & Breastfeeding

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

DISCLAIMER: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

© 2026 Therapeutic Research Center

Pregnancy & lactation ratings: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

References & further reading

The 8 references that drive our Sweet Violet monograph and interaction data, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Citations with a link open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

  1. Beiraghdar F, Einollahi B, Ghadyani A, et al. A two-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of Viola odorata, Echium amoenum and Physalis alkekengi mixture in symptomatic benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) men. Pharm Biol 2017;55(1):1800-5.
  2. Qasemzadeh MJ, Sharifi H, Hamedanian M, et al. The effect of Viola odorata flower syrup on the cough of children with asthma: a double-blind, randomized controlled trial. J Evid Based Complementary Altern Med 2015;20(4):287-91. doi: 10.1177/21565872155848 PubMed
  3. Feyzabadi Z, Rezaeitalab F, Badiee S, et al. Efficacy of Violet oil, a traditional Iranian formula, in patients with chronic insomnia: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. J Ethnopharmacol 2018;214:22-8. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2017.11.036. PubMed
  4. Shayesteh M, Vaez-Mahdavi MR, Shams J, et al. Effects of Viola odorata as an Add-On Therapy on Insomnia in Patients with Obsession or Depression: A Pilot Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial. J Altern Complement Med 2020;26(5):398-408.
  5. Taherzadeh Z, Khaluyan H, Iranshahy M, Rezaeitalab F, Eshaghi Ghalibaf MH, Javadi B. Evaluation of sedative effects of an intranasal dosage form containing saffron, lettuce seeds and sweet violet in primary chronic insomnia: A randomized, double-dummy, do
  6. Tafazoli V, Shahriari M, Heydari M, Nikbakht HA, Zarshenaas MM, Nimrouzi M. The Effect of Viola Odorata L. Oil for Fever in Children: A Randomized Triple-blinded Placebo-controlled Clinical Trial. Curr Drug Discov Technol 2020;17(5):696-703. PubMed
  7. Yazdi N, Kardooni M, Namjuyan F, Vardanjani HM, Tafazoli V, Jaladat AM. Efficacy of Sweet Violet (Viola odorata) flower oil on the symptoms of adults with allergic rhinitis: A double-blind randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial. Complement Ther Med PubMed
  8. Saffar Shahroodi A, Nejabat M, Nimrouzi M, Aghaei H, Salehi A, Rezaei Mokarram A. Effects of intranasal administration of violet oil in dry eye disease. Clin Exp Optom 2019;102(6):576-582. PubMed
Keep reading

This information is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or combining supplements and medications.

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

Brand directory

Brands that make products with Sweet Violet

9 brands in our database make a supplement containing Sweet Violet.

Product directory

Supplement products with Sweet Violet

15 products in our database contain Sweet Violet. Open any to see its full ingredient list and every drug interaction we check.

Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Sweet Violet: Common Questions

What is Sweet Violet used for, and does it work?
People use Sweet Violet for a range of reasons, but according to the Natural Medicines database the current clinical evidence is insufficient to confirm it works for the specific conditions it has been studied for. See the graded list on this page, and talk to your pharmacist or doctor before relying on it for any condition.
Does Sweet Violet interact with prescription medications?
We do not currently list any known drug interactions for Sweet Violet. This does not guarantee that none exist, so always confirm with your pharmacist before combining it with your medications.
How are Sweet Violet interactions rated?
Each interaction is graded major, moderate, or minor based on how clinically significant it is and the strength of the evidence behind it. Major interactions are the most serious and are best avoided, or used only under close professional supervision.
Is it safe to take Sweet Violet with my medications?
It depends on the specific medication. Some combinations are fine, while others call for monitoring, timing changes, or should be avoided. Check your exact drug above and confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing anything.
Where does this Sweet Violet interaction information come from?
Our interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database — an evidence-graded reference for vitamins, herbs, and supplements — and is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists, who may add clinical context.
What is Sweet Violet used for?
It is most often used as a traditional remedy for coughs, sore throats, and chest congestion, and sometimes for sleep, headaches, or skin irritation. Scientific evidence for these uses is limited.
Is Sweet Violet safe to take?
In small amounts, such as in tea or food, it is generally considered gentle, but human safety studies are limited. Make sure you are using the correct plant (Viola odorata) from a reputable source and check with your pharmacist if you have allergies or take other medicines.
Can I use Sweet Violet during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
No reliable safety information is available, so it is best to avoid Sweet Violet during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Talk with your doctor before using any herbal product during these times.
Can Sweet Violet cure a cough or cold?
There is no good evidence that it cures coughs or colds. It may have a mild soothing effect on the throat, but it should not replace proven treatments, and you should see a doctor if symptoms are severe or last a long time.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Keep exploring

Products that contain Sweet Violet

A rotating sample of real supplements in our database that list Sweet Violet — open any to see its full ingredients and every drug interaction we check.

See all 15 products with Sweet Violet →
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