I LOVE Violet Medicine!
Do you have a favourite spring/early summer bloom? Violets are definitely one of mine. There is something so 'cheerful' about these sweet little blossoms, peeking out from under their glossy oh so green foliage. This harsh winter was not kind to my violets (or the rest of my herb garden, for that matter!) but I do have some who have come back and are thriving. All flowers of the violet family are edible. In fact, both the flowers and the leaves are delicious mixed with other greens for a delicious salad. There are over 400 Viola species! ALL EDIBLE! Violet Medicine is a powerful ally!
The delicate scent of these sweet flowers makes me think of 'days gone by' when it was quite normal to have 'Violet tea' as a part of the (now say this with a British accent..please:) "High Tea" with all of it's traditions. Enjoy fresh leaves and flowers when in season. Extra leaves? Dry them for delicious tea year 'round.
VIOLET TEA
Add 2-3 teaspoons of fresh violet flowers to 1 cup of boiling water.
If using a teapot, add as many flowers as cups to be made.
Allow to steep for five minutes, strain and serve.
Violets make me think of 'hope' and optimism. Normally, when flowers are just beginning to pop up, I pick some every day and make both an infused oil (for making breast cream or salves) and a violet-infused vinegar (to enhance summer salads) See below for instructions.
I also make Violet tincture for my apothecary as violet (flower and leaf) has healing qualities.
VIOLET Medicine HIGHLIGHTS:
Viola odorata/sororia (Common/Sweet/Wood/ Blue Violet)
We harvest both leaves and flowers from the top 25% of the plant. For every 2-3 flowers, we use 1 leaf to create the mixture for tincturing. For optimum flavour and therapeutic value, harvest mid-morning (after the dew has evaporated and before the hot sun wilts) (Thanks Michael! Living Earth School notes)
Here's a list of the most important violet medicine attributes:*
anti-catarrhal
anti-inflammatory
anti-rheumatic
aperient
demulcent
depurative
diaphoretic (mild)
expectorant (relaxing, secretolytic)
lymphatic
nervine
relaxant
vasodilator (general, peripheral),
vulnerary
* Check the glossary for reference to clarify any terms.
Violet medicine can be used for all types of coughs as it is soothing and relaxing and loosens mucus. It is excellent for lower respiratory tract conditions ~ a good lung herb. Violet medicine is an excellent choice for toxicity related conditions. As a lymphatic herb, it can ease congestion and calm inflamed lymph nodes. It is a deep-acting medicine and combines well in formulae. I like to add it to a formula that helps folks who need a 'lift' ~ with lemon balm and lavender.
DIY VIOLET OIL
Use a glass canning jar.
Pick the violets mid-morning if possible for best results
Top with a small amount of good quality olive oil.
If you are like me, and have a limited amount of 'harvest', just put a lid on the jar, and store until the following day and add more flowers.
Always cover with oil and then keep the lid on the jar when not harvesting.
Place the jar in a sunny place and let it steep for 2 weeks.
Strain the oil using cheesecloth (or muslin)
I normally strain the oil into another glass jar with a good lid. After the oil is poured into this 2nd jar, place the herbs in the cheesecloth and wring until all the oil is extracted.
As I mentioned above, I use infused oil of violet, in combination with 'dandelion oil' for making a lovely nourishing breast cream.
Violet Medicine infused oil makes a delightful salve, as well. Herbal syrups are a favourite in my house! Stay tuned for more ideas for herbs and syrups!!
My friend Leda Meredith has published a wonderful book about foraging!
Click here: --> Northeast Foraging: 120 wild and flavorful edibles from beach plums to wineberries
to access it on Amazon. (this is an affiliate link. Same price for you, small commission to me)
VIOLET VINEGAR ~ add some vitamins A + C to your meals!
Use a clean glass jar.
Pick the violets, preferably after the dew has dried but before the 'heat of the day sets in'.
Cover the violets with vinegar.
In this case I use white wine vinegar so that we can enjoy the pinky/mauve hues from the infusion.
I understand, from friends who also make this vinegar, that champagne vinegar works very well too.
Update: latest batch is with white balsamic vinegar!
Use whatever you like but choose a light vinegar to enjoy the colourful result. It's delightful!
NOTE: I would have a picture for you of my gorgeous VIOLET vinegar ~ The local raccoon population ravaged through my violet patch… and just like that..munched or 'mowed down' all my violets!
No wonder they (the raccoons!) have been looking so happy lately! Gotta love city life.. sigh… I guess the word's out.. Violets at this house…over here… are yummy!!
How to Use Violet Medicine in the Kitchen:
Eat both the flowers and the leaves in your spring salads. Delicious.
Use a violet-infused vinegar as a part of your vinaigrette!
Add to a mix of other steamed greens . This can be a delightful addition to stronger greens like dandelion and garlic mustard, as they have a delicate flavour.
Why not make a violet jelly? Here's an easy recipe from my friend Jan Berry over at the Nerdy Farm Wife blog.
Enjoy Violet Medicine~ every way you can~ Wild violets, ethically wild-harvested are a wonderful part of Spring!
Happy Spring! Here's to abundant good health !
Green wishes, xo Carol
Wendy
One of my favorite things to do with violet blossoms is make lemonade. Once a tea is made, strained, and cooled, stir in sugar and lemon juice. My granddaughters love squeezing a fresh lemon into their sweetened violet tea and watching the magic. The bluish tea turns to a magenta color when acid is stirred in!
Carol Little R.H.
YES !!!
THis is delicious !! Thanks for the reminder!
Green wishes, Carol
Owlhelper
Can fall violet leaves be used for tinctures?
Carol Little
HI there -- Personally, I use violet leaves for food/salad all year 'round but I tend to tincture plants at "best time" and that would be Spring..
Angela
Hi, I was wondering how much oil and how many violets you use when making the infused oil? Would it be the same for the dandelion flower infused oil? Do you use just the flowers or also parts of the stem? What kind of olive oil do you use? Costco sells it in big containers but is that too low quality? I really appreciate any help you can give as I'd like to make my own breast oil (breast cancer runs in my family).
Carol Little
Hello Angela! Glad that you are going to make some infusions. It's a matter of picking some violets and adding to a clean jar. Yes, same idea for dandelions or any other flowers you would like to experiment with. Flowers and a little of the stem is fine. Buy the best oil you can afford, as this makes the best final product. I am not familiar with Costco's brand but try if it's a nice olive oil, use it.
Please write with any other questions Angela, and have fun!
Everley
I also have many fond memories of picking violets as a child for my grandmother.
Decades later I'm taking an herbalist class and have made violet sun infused oil and also violet tincture, but love that you have expanded on many more things I can do with my beloved violets, thank you!
Carol Little
You are so welcome. Thanks for sharing your sweet memory.
Dawn Lorenzoni
I have so many violets in my yard each year, I can't wait to try this tea!
Carol Little
Hope you enjoy!!
anna@greentalk
Love violets. I can't wait until they come up in my lawn. Thanks for the wonderful article.
Carol Little
Thanks Anna!
linda spiker
I love that something so delicate and pretty has medicinal properties too!
Carol Little
I know Linda! Sweet and oh so delicate but powerful too!
Marjorie
I love violets! So pretty and so delicate! I had no idea they could be used like this.
Carol Little
Violets!! Powerful medicine!
Megan Stevens
I really hope to do this. The olive oil and tea both sound amazing. And they're such pretty flowers. Pinning and thank you for the inspiration.
Carol Little
You are most welcome Megan. Hope you do get the chance to work with sweet viola!!
Renee Kohley
We have lots of spring violets when it finally warms up! Love all these great ideas to use them up! Thank you!
Carol Little
Wonderful Renee. Enjoy. You are welcome!
Emily @ Recipes to Nourish
I love violets! They remind me of my mom {as a kid she always got me sugared violets as a special treat}. Wonderful for so much!
Carol Little
Me too. What a sweet memory. Hugs to you Em.
s.g
hi ,
this kind violet is edible?
we have same kind of violet in our garden
leaf are toxic or not? now there is no any flower, we can use leaf as a medicine?
many thanks
Carol Little
Violets are edible. Leaves and flowers. I use the leaves in salads or add at the very end of a gentle greens stir fry