Benefits & Uses of Violets
The violets are joining with the dandelions in the most brilliant display of bright beautiful colors in these early spring months! Now is the perfect time to forage some for your own medicine cabinet, or to make natural dyes or perfumes. So let me tell you about this powerful and beautiful little flower and leaves that are popping up in your yard right now.
What’s In a Name? The name of the genus, viola, comes from the Latin. But in Greek, it comes from the word “lo”, who was the lover of Jupiter. Jupiter’s wife was jealous of her, so Jupiter protected Lo by turning her into a calf that was fed in the meadow. In order that she have enough to eat, Jupiter provided her with violets. Violets have become very synonymous with love and romance. This is a very interesting article about a section of upstate New York that became known as the Violet Capital of the World, and how the violets shipped in order to be used in bridal bouquets and corsages for Valentine’s day!
In the 1600’s, Marie De Fouquet wrote of using violet syrup added to a mixture of almond oil and herbal tea to drink before going to bed as a remedy for a cold.
Today, we know of many health benefits of this plant. Here are some health benefits of the violet leaves:
Reduces blood pressure as they contain alkaloids and flavonoids.
Treat cancer: violets have high antioxidant levels which are able to fight the free radicals (the main factor for cancer growth) in the early stages
Aids in digestion: the mucilage or soluble fiber in violet leaves is helpful to reduce bad cholesterol and improving the health of your intestinal flora.
Colds and the Flu: syrup of the flowers can soothe a sore throat and can relieve congestion and swollen lymph glands.
Reduces Inflammation: can ease inflammation such as sinus infections, bronchitis and sore throat.
Relieves coughs: decoctiion of violet leaves or hot violet tea can be a powerful expectorant as it contains mucilage and saponins.
Blood purifier: leaves are beneficial to boost the metabolism and aids in the fast waste elimination. Encourages lymphatic glands whic hhelp flush the bacteria and other unwanted material in the blood
Reduces Fever: the leaves can give a calming and soothing effect
Reduces Cysts: can dissolve cysts, lumps, and fibrotic tissue of the breast or use as a preventative.
Treat Hemorrhoids: violets are rich with rutin, which is found in any remedy for hemorrhoids, as well as used in medications for vericose veins.
Pain Killer: Salicylic acids in violet leaves make it an excellent painkiller for headaches, arthritis and other pain caused by inflammation.
Treats Skin Problems : leaves are beneficial for the skin for issues such as eczema, psoriasis and acne. You can use the leaves as a topical remedy or compress and can soothe itching and inflammation on the skin.
How to Prepare Violets
Poultice: crush fresh violets and apply topically ; dried violet can be blanched in hot water to reconstitute
Fresh Violet Tea : Mince a small amount of fresh leaves and/or flowers in hot water and steep
Cold infusion: steep 1oz. dried violet in 1 quart cool water for 3+ hours, strain and drink
Nourishing Violet Infusion: pour a quart of boiling water over 1oz dried violet. Steep 4-8 hours, strain and drink
Nasal/eyewash: Infuse violet in water, and strain through a coffee filter to ensure no large pieces. To each 8 fluid-ounce cup, add roughly 1/4 teaspoon salt. Stir until the salt is dissolved. Use as an eyewash in an eye cup, in a nasal spray bottle or neti pot.
Violet flower syrup: to 1lb. of freshly picked violet flowers, add 2 1/2 pints of boiling water. Infuse for 24 hours. Then pour off the liquid and strain it gently through muslin. Add double the weight in sugar to make into a syrup. You can also use honey.
Violet Oil: wilt fresh violet leaves/flowers, and infuse in your choice of oil for a few days to a day over low heat. It’s not recommended to infuse in mason jars as violets frequently spoil. Make sure to let out any residual water.
There are some wonderful recipes for violets, and I’ll be adding some here, but in the meantime just search pinterest and you’ll have many wonderful options of other ways to use this flower.
Have you ever used violet in your medicine cabinet or kitchen? Let me know what you love the most!
The Adev Farm website is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitude for professional medical advice. The information provided does not intent to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, it is the reader’s responsibility to ensure proper plant identification & usage.
Please be aware that some plants are poisonous or can have adverse health affects. We are not health professionals, medical doctors or nutritionists. It is essential to consult with qualified professionals for verification of nutritional information, health benefits, and any potential risks associated with edible and medicinal plants mentioned in this website.