The Voynich Botanical Plants

Folio 9v. Heartsease / Wild Pansy (Viola tricolor). Heartsease has a long history of use as a herbal. It has been recommended for epilepsy, asthma, bronchial disorders and as a diuretic. As the name heartsease implies it was used as a love potion. Orphelia’s much quoted line from Hamlet: “There’s pansies for thoughts.” Shakespeare was referring to V, tricolor, and not a modern pansy. (1) (C)