There is something so comforting and pleasant about being around the lovely woodland violet (also commonly referred to as hearts-ease or blue violet, although the flowers may vary in color). The heart shaped leaves and precious little flowers are quite delicious and sweet, complimenting salads, meals, baked goods and desserts. They also have wonderful healing and medicinal benefits and are very nourishing, high in various vitamins and minerals.
To clarify, woodland violet is very different than
the common houseplant, African Violet, which is not in the violet family
and is not edible or medicinal. All true species of violets are considered
medicinal and include the following botanical names: Viola odorata, Viola tricolor (commonly called pansy), Viola lobata, Viola yezoinsis, Viola spp.,
etc. [i]
They grow well under the shade of trees and other plants, in woodland forests
and damp meadows. They make a beautiful addition to a garden as a border in a bed or
as a ground cover along pathways and trails. Their flowers
vary in color, ranging from blue and purples to light pink, yellow or
white. This sweet plant brings a heart-felt and fairy-like presence to any
garden and forest.
Harvesting &
Drying Violet
With small or widespread plants, just graze and harvest a
few leaves off each plant so they can continue to grow. If the ground is covered with numerous violet
plants then you may wish to use shears or scissors to cut whole sections of the ground cover, which also helps to thin the plants and improves further growth.
You can easily dig out sections of the plant to transplant or re-pot. Violets grow well as a border in garden beds, in containers, hanging baskets and will grow in untended grass lawns and wild fields.
You can easily dig out sections of the plant to transplant or re-pot. Violets grow well as a border in garden beds, in containers, hanging baskets and will grow in untended grass lawns and wild fields.
Use the fresh leaves and flowers in culinary
preparations, tea infusions, tinctures, vinegar infusions, oxymels, syrups, or whatever your heart desires. Dry the leaves and flowers by spreading them in a light layer in a
basket in a cool, dry, and well ventilated area, gently rotating the plant material
1-2 times daily. Once fully dried, store the leaves in a jar. I like to keep
the leaves whole so I can appreciate their heart shape when I use them. Medicinal properties of plants can
dissipate when chopped or ground down, so keeping the leaves whole in the jar helps maintain their potency over time.
Medicinal Benefits
and Uses of Violet
 |
| Violet leaves and flower salad |
Violet leaves have been consumed for
centuries and recent studies now confirm the medicinal strength and nutritional
density of this gentle and delicate plant. It is very high in vitamins A &
C, calcium and magnesium. The whole plant is edible but the roots should only be
eaten sparingly, as eating it in excess can induce nausea or vomiting. Use the fresh
leaves as you would any green. I personally like to eat it in raw salads and
avoid cooking it, which may impact its vitamin C content. The cute flowers can be sprinkled over
salads, desserts, jello, pudding, or other confections for both their beauty and their medicine. The
flowers do tend to fade quickly after being picked, so consider candying them to preserve their shape and color.
“As far back as
1885, a study compared violet leaf vitamin C content to that of oranges and
vitamin A content to that of spinach. From the basal leaves, if collected in
spring, this early research reported that violets contain twice as much vitamin
C as the same weight of orange and more than twice the amount of vitamin A,
gram for gram, when compared with spinach!
(Erichsen-Brown,
1979).” [ii]
Lymphatic
Violets are probably most well-known for their powerful
lymphatic actions, which can stimulate and break up lymph congestion and reduce
lymphatic swelling. This is one of the reasons it is commonly used in spring
detox blends, cold and flu blends, respiratory and cough blends, and to help
dissolve and clear out cysts and tumors, especially in the breasts and arm pits.
“Herbalist Matthew
Wood recommends a fresh poultice of leaves and flowers for cancers of the
lymphatic system, breasts, lungs, and skin. I’ve heard many stories of oil
infused with fresh violets being used for dissolving lumps of the breast or
simply as a preventive.”[iii]
~Rosalee de la
Foret
Cooling
Anti-Inflammatory
Violet helps to relieve signs of dryness and heat and is
known to help reduce arthritic pain and inflammation. Topically, it soothes red,
hot, dry and inflamed skin.
Demulcent and
Emollient
Violet’s mucilaginous quality helps to moisturize, sooth,
coat, and protect internal tissues as well as the skin. This quality benefits sore
throats, colds, flu, dry coughs, respiratory infections, inflammatory digestive conditions, and constipation,
as well as inflamed skin and scalp conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, cradle
cap, dandruff.
Nervine
Violets are a very gentle nervine. Drinking a cup of tea
or eating some leaves and flowers can soothe nervous tension and anxiety
especially if affects the heart (i.e. elevated heartbeat, heart palpitations,
tight constricted feeling in the chest, etc.). This plant is not sedating and
can be used to take the edge off and unwind as needed throughout the day.
 |
| Heart Shaped Violet Leaves |
Emotional and
Physical Heart
The heart shaped leaves are a signature indicating the physical and emotional benefits of using violet for the heart. Violet
is high in a constituent called rutin
which is known to help strengthen capillaries and prevent platelet aggregation.
[iv]
As suggested by one of its common names, hearts-ease, violet has been
traditionally used to soothe any emotional heartache especially if it is accompanied by feelings of being alone. Violet can help you feel more heart-centered, which eases your connection to your Self, environment, and others
around you.
Energetic Benefits and Violet Flower Essence:
According to the Flower Essence Society, violet essence
helps one to “let its essence flow into
others [and] helps shift awareness from fear of losing the Self, to trust that
the Self will be warmed and reveled by others, so that their beautiful soul
nature may be shared with the world.”[v]
~Flower Essence
Repertory
When I was a child, I was very shy, quiet and soft
spoken. As I matured into adulthood, I became more outgoing in nature. I appreciate and love working with violets energetically as they tend to
bring me into a balance between these two ways of being. The violet plant reminds me of my
gentle and sweet nature and how I sometimes hide some of my qualities and strengths, much like
the way the flowers can hide under its leaves. When I am feeling too shy and
introverted or have a difficult time connecting to others from a heart-centered
place, I can rely on violets to help me flow out of my shell and radiate with
those around me.
You can use the flower essence in many ways. Try adding
1-2 drops to a large water bottle and sip on it throughout the day or in social situations. You may also consume a drop directly under the tongue. I really like to
add 3-5 drops per ounce of water to a small spray bottle and spray it around my
body as needed. Sometimes I rub 1 drop into my heart center or wrist points.
Herbal
and Culinary Preparations using Violets
Violet Tea & Infusion
If using dried leaves and flowers, add 1 heaping tbsp to each 8 ounces of water for a gentle strength tea. If you like to make strong infusions then use up to 1 ounce of leaves by weight per quart of water. If using fresh leaves and flowers, loosely fill a mason jar about 1/3-1/2 full of violet and then fill with water.
For a hot infusion, bring the water to a boil and remove it from the heat source. Pour over the violets, cover, and allow it to steep at least 20 minutes; I personally like to make strong nourishing infusions and allow the tea to steep up to 12 hours. Once infused, strain and remove the herbs and enjoy the pleasant and sweet violet tea.
I typically prepare the tea in the evening and allow it to infuse overnight. Violets make a lovely lunar infusion, which can be made by placing your tea vessel outside under the moonlight or in a moon lit window. In the morning I may drink it cold, add it to my morning smoothie or protein shake in place of other liquids, or I gently heat it back up on the stove until it starts to steam so I can enjoy a nice hot cup of tea.
For a hot infusion, bring the water to a boil and remove it from the heat source. Pour over the violets, cover, and allow it to steep at least 20 minutes; I personally like to make strong nourishing infusions and allow the tea to steep up to 12 hours. Once infused, strain and remove the herbs and enjoy the pleasant and sweet violet tea.
I typically prepare the tea in the evening and allow it to infuse overnight. Violets make a lovely lunar infusion, which can be made by placing your tea vessel outside under the moonlight or in a moon lit window. In the morning I may drink it cold, add it to my morning smoothie or protein shake in place of other liquids, or I gently heat it back up on the stove until it starts to steam so I can enjoy a nice hot cup of tea.
Violet Syrup
(Cane Sugar-Free)
There are different ways to prepare herbal syrups; I'll describe two methods. The first is a cane sugar- and alcohol-free recipe, which can be used to support coughs and sore throats.
Add one firmly packed cup of fresh violet leaves and
flowers to 12-16 ounces of recently boiled water; or, add one cup of
dried violet leaves to 16-20 oz of recently boiled water. Keep covered and
allow to infuse for about 12 hours or so. Gently
warm up the tea infusion again just until it starts to steam. Remove it from
its heat source, strain and add 1/4 to 1/3 cup of honey for every cup of tea to preserve it. The honey will
dissolve more easily if the infusion is hot. Consume 1 tablespoon as needed. Store this preparation in the fridge
for up to 2 months.
Violet Flower
Simple Syrup
If you are using just the flowers or perhaps are interested
in making a fun tasty sugar-based syrup then try the following recipe. It is delicious served
with crepes or pancakes or drizzled over ice cream. Use it as a cocktail mixer for
a martini or fizzy beverage, or add it to champagne or a white wine spritzer.
Fill a jar with violets flowers. Pour boiling water over
violets and allow it to steep, covered, for up to 12 hours. Strain off the liquid.
The color of the infusion may range from blue to green. Pour the infusion into a large pot, and for each cup of infusion, add one cup of sugar (a 1:1 ratio). Next you will add lemon juice to help preserve the color and add to the flavor, though it will slightly change the hue as well. Add a just enough lemon juice to the mixture to achieve your desired color. Be careful not to add too much lemon, otherwise, it will turn a
pink hue. Bring syrup mixture to a
gentle boil and simmer for 1 to 2 minutes. If the color fades a little during
cooking, you can add a few more drops of lemon juice to maintain the violet
color. Bottle and store in the refrigerator for up 6 months.
Tincture &
Vinegar Infusions
Violet leaf extracts are very helpful for those who wish to support their lymphatic system. You can choose from various mediums to prepare your extract, including vinegar,
alcohol, and glycerin. Gently pack a mason jar ¾ of the way full with
fresh violet leaves and flowers. Pour in your alcohol, vinegar, or diluted glycerin
until the violets are completely covered and moving freely in the liquid with at least 1 inch of extra liquid. (If
using glycerin, you will need to dilute it with a 1/3 part distilled or filtered water first). Stir well
and release any air bubbles. Cover with a tightly sealing lid and shake daily for
2-6 weeks. Strain extract through a stainless steel mesh strainer, muslin or cheese cloth. Bottle, label and use as needed.
It is generally recommended to consume anywhere between 1-3 mL tincture, which is roughly equivalent to 1-3 droppersful (when using a one or two ounce bottle) or 30-90 drops. Take it 1-2 times a day for maintenance or 3-4 times a day for acute situations and when addressing lymphatic swelling, congestion, cysts, or tumors.
It is generally recommended to consume anywhere between 1-3 mL tincture, which is roughly equivalent to 1-3 droppersful (when using a one or two ounce bottle) or 30-90 drops. Take it 1-2 times a day for maintenance or 3-4 times a day for acute situations and when addressing lymphatic swelling, congestion, cysts, or tumors.
Violet vinegar is a delicious and versatile way of receiving the nourishing and healing benefits of violets. Apple cider vinegar is especially beneficial for extracting the rich minerals from the plant. It can be consumed by the spoonful, which is especially great before meals as the vinegar stimulates digestive functions and appetite, and can reduce some digestive symptoms such as acid reflux. Try violet infused vinegar in salad dressing and marinade recipes. You can also dilute it with equal parts water and use it
topically on the skin for general healing or to support dry, irritated skin conditions, or as a hair rinse to ease an itchy
scalp, cradle cap, dandruff and assist in removing soap residue. (Note: If using for cradle cap, you'll want to further dilute the vinegar with water because of how sensitive the skin of infants is. Try a solution containing 1/4 or 1/3 infused vinegar, or make a strong violet tea infusion and use it instead).
Viola Vinaigrette
1 cup freshly picked violet leaves and flowers
1/4 cup lemon juice or violet
infused vinegar
1/3 cup nourishing oil
(such as olive, avocado, flax, hemp, or pumpkin seed.)
1-2 cloves of garlic
1 tsp honey
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1/8 tsp salt and pepper
Blend all ingredients
except the oil in a blender until well blended. While the blender is running on
medium-high speed, very slowly drizzle your oil into it so it emulsifies well
with the other ingredients. Once the
dressing is creamy, pour into a container and use as desired. Store in the fridge for up to a year and shake before use.
Violet Poultice
Harvest and wash a handful of fresh violet leaves and
flowers. Puree or finely chop the plant material until the juices are released. Placed the poultice on the skin
to help soothe irritated and dry skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, or dermatitis. Or apply the poultice over stagnant and swollen lymph nodes,
cysts or tumors to help reduce their size and clear away stagnant and congested
lymph fluid. Be sure to cover the plant material by wrapping it with a towel or
plastic wrap. Keep in mind the fresh plant is most effective for a poultice. If
you want to have access to fresh violet poultices all year, you can puree large
batches of the violets and freeze the mixture in small jars or ice cube trays
to use later.
 |
“Violets
are virtuous, vivacious,
and valuable!
Violets are unassuming but oh,
so
powerful!” [vi]
~Unknown
***I would love to hear your thoughts. Please share your favorite recipes and uses for Violet in the comments below.
Violet Gallery
 | |||
| Yellow Woodland Violet Flower |
 |
| Viola yezoinsis |
 |
| Viola yezoinsis |
 |
| Viola odorata, Snow White |
 |
| Viola striata |
Viola tricolor (Pansey)
By:
Candice Brunlinger, Herbalist
Copyright
2016
This
article was featured in Humboldt Herbals' monthly newsletter for June 2016. Click here to subscribe.
About the Author:
Candice Brunlinger has
been studying and practicing herbal healing since 2004. Her interests include
incorporating plant medicine as a way of living, making herbal remedies,
cooking, growing herbs, gardening, teaching, writing and being a mom. She
teaches for the Northwest School of Botanical Studies & Humboldt Herbals,
Volunteers as a farm Herbalist, has a small clinical practice and an herbal
product line, Herbal Infusions.
You can visit her Nourishing Herbs blog or become a member of her facebook group Herbal Living.
 |
| Candice Brunlinger, Herbalist |
References:
[i] Herbal
Remedies Advice – Violet Flower Benefits by Rosalee de la Foret
http://www.herbalremediesadvice.org/violet-flower-benefits.html
[iii] Herbal
Remedies Advice – Violet Flower Benefits by Rosalee de la Foret
http://www.herbalremediesadvice.org/violet-flower-benefits.html
[iv] Herbal
Remedies Advice – Violet Flower Benefits by Rosalee de la Foret
http://www.herbalremediesadvice.org/violet-flower-benefits.html
[vi] The Herbal Academy, “The Virtues
of Violets – Health Benefits of Violets”; April 29, 2014
https://theherbalacademy.com/health-benefits-of-violets/
***I would love to hear your thoughts. Please share your favorite recipes and uses for Violet in the comments below.
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