Other common names: viola, wild pansy, heartsease
Family: Violaceae (violet)
Parts used: flowers, leaves
Energetics: cooling, moistening
Taste: sweet, salty

Plant gifts: Violet can be worked with to address congested lymph (breast congestion, cysts, swollen lymph glands), hot and/or dry inflamed tissues, sore throat, insomnia.
Plant preparations: food, infused oil, poultice, salve, syrup, tea, tincture, vinegar

Violets are found throughout the world, though they mostly occur in northern temperate climates. There are up to 600 different species of violets. There also are many modern cultivars used in gardens (often called pansies). While many species are indeed purple, as the name violet implies, the flowers of the Viola genus range from white to yellow to blue and purple. They can also be multicolored. Violets are native to Asia and Europé. Viola odorata are low-growing, evergreen perennials and are commonly known as sweet violet, english violet or wood violet.

Violet for joy!

I don’t need to tell you that violets bring joy. Simply spend some time in their presence and you will experience it for yourself. The closer you can get to the violets the better.

Their delicately perfumed flowers appear in the spring, and they are a hidden delight to have in your garden. Violets are thought to bring good fortune and are a symbolof good luck. It has been used for the physical and emotional heart for thousands of years. Hildegard von Bingen, the German Benedictine abbess and herbalist born in 1098, used violets extensively. They were Napoleon´s favourite flower and were worn by his wife, Josephine, on her wedding day. During Victorian times, the violet triumphed in popularity, being used for tea and many other culinary dishes.

Throughout history they have been used to make perfume, dating back to classical Greece. They were also used to create early household deodorants in medieval Britain.

In Christian symbolism, the violet stood for the virtue of humility, or humble modesty, and several legends tell of violets springing up on the graves of virgins and saints.

Violet have many medicinal benefits, they are anti-inflamatory, antiseptic, antifungal. They may also help relieve headaches and reduce anxiety. The flowers and leaves contain high amounts of vitamin C and the leaves are also high in beta-carotenes, antioxidant anthocyanins and rutin, which is known to support heart health by strengthening and increasing flexibility in blood vessels, reducing cholesterol, and preventing and dissolving blood clots.

Violet flowers have a sweet, powdery, refreshing scent that comes from the aroma compounds called ionones. Violet flowers, as well as the greener scented violet leaf, are often used in perfumery.

Violets are a culinary delight. Sweet violets are edible, and are often candied and used to decorate cakes. Their fresh leaves can be added to spring salads. Violet flowers are edible and pretty, making them a nice garnish for any meal. Violet syrup and candied violet flowers are common confections in Europe, where violets are also used to flavor liqueurs.

Violet flowers, especially the purple varieties, can be made into a variety of wonderful herbal confections including syrups, candies, and jams. Both leaves and flowers can be extracted into alcohol, oil, or vinegar.

Violet leaves can be harvested throughout the season. The tender spring leaves are best eaten, but the later leaves can be dried for tea or other preparations.

Sweet violet makes an excellent tea!

Enjoy the wonders of nature!