Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons, public domain, and Museum Hof van Busleyden, Mechelen
_-_Cruydeboeck_(1554)_Museum_Hof_van_Busleyden_Mechelen_6-07-2018.jpg){kind=link}
Dodoen’s Cruydeboeck or Herbal lies on the table - opened to Viola - ready to be checked by its 17th-century owner who is searching for a herbal mix that will help diminish his headaches and lack of sleep. The most popular book at the time, apart from the Bible, this important reference work filled with (in this case colored) woodcut illustrations, contained extensive information on the practical uses of herbs in daily life and medicine. Written in 1554, it was used throughout the 17th-century in New Netherland for its practical herbal remedies. In New England one used the English version, an augmented translation by John Gerard titled The Herball, or Generall Historie of Plantes, first published in London in 1597.
In his Description of New Netherland, in the chapter on Healing Herbs, Adriaen van der Donck includes Viola as one among many important herbs found in New Netherland. The Viola Marina -Viola Galatians, is a type of sweet violet with a range of traditional medicinal applications. It was used for respiratory issues and skin conditions, had a gentle laxative effect, could ease headaches and also supported a restful sleep.