Sweet Violet
Sweet Violet-Viola Odorata-is a fragrantly scented, hardy herbaceous flowering perennial, which is edible and has also been used for medicinal purposes. Found in moist, shaded locations in deep, slightly sandy soil the violet symbolic of ancient Athens was believed to moderate anger, strengthen and comfort the heart, and promote refreshing sleep. The leaves, which have antiseptic properties have been used throughout the ages in medicinal preparations, culinary concoctions, perfumes, dyes and cosmetics.
The benefits of Sweet Violet are believed to include:
Anti-cancer properties that are effective against lung, skin, stomach and breast cancers.
Soothing for respiratory ailments such as coughs, bronchitis, congestion, asthma and sinus infections.
High amounts of rutin and salicylic acid which act similarly to aspirin making the herb helpful for treating aches and pains, inflammation, flu symptoms, headaches and arthritis pain. Those same compounds help to prevent blood clots as well.
Relief from nervousness, anxiety, stomachaches, indigestion, ulcers, insomnia, swollen glands, canker sores and gum disease.
The lowering of blood pressure.
Treatment for psoriasis, eczema, rashes, sores and skin cancer.
Detoxification of the body.
Relief from stress, fatigue, menopausal symptoms. gallbladder disease, COPD, urinary incontinence and the common cold.
This herb is available in many forms including dried tea, capsules, syrup, tinctures, extracts, creams and salves. Fresh flowers and leaves are suitable additions for salads, smoothies and fruit bowls. However, in early spring it’s fun to gather sweet violet flowers and leaves and create freshly brewed tea. Gather a handful of delicate flowers and several small leaves from plants clustered in shady areas the yard. When foraging, choose a patch of violets that are in a familiar area, where no chemicals or fertilizers have been used.
Sweet Violet Tea
To brew sweet violet tea, cover 2 to 4 teaspoons of fresh or dried flowers and leaves with 1 cup of boiling water. Cover and allow tea to steep for 15 minutes. Strain and sweeten with organic honey if desired. Or for fun, leave the flowers and leaves in the tea. Medicinally, sweet violets have been used for centuries, valued for their healing properties. The entire plant is edible and rich in vitamins A and C and full of bioflavonoids, alkaloids and anti-inflammatories.