Herbs of Spring Series: Violets
Violets & Violas
Like tiny jewels scattered across the earth, violets (Viola odorata) and violas (Viola tricolor) bloom with an air of quiet enchantment. Their delicate petals hold a softness that belies their strength, offering gentle yet profound medicine for both body and spirit.
Internal Benefits: A Gentle Yet Powerful Remedy
Violets and violas have long been treasured for their soothing, cooling, and nourishing properties. Rich in vitamins A and C, they gently support the immune system while acting as a remedy for dry, irritated throats and persistent coughs. Their mucilaginous nature coats and calms inflamed tissues, making them an ally for respiratory wellness. Traditionally, they have also been used to support the lymphatic system, helping to clear stagnation and encourage the body’s natural detoxification processes. A tea of fresh or dried violet leaves and flowers is a light, floral, and gently restorative spring tonic. Their sweet, floral flavor makes them a lovely addition to springtime treats. Try adding to cakes or cupcakes as a beautiful floral topper, infusing them in honey or vinegar for a touch of floral magic, or steeping them into simple syrups to add a whimsical note to teas and sparkling drinks. Violet leaf pesto or fresh blossoms in a salad adds both beauty and nourishment.
Skincare Benefits: Dew-Kissed Glow
For skin in need of softening and hydration, violets and violas offer a delicate embrace. Their soothing, anti-inflammatory properties make them ideal for sensitive or irritated skin, calming redness and restoring moisture. Violet-infused oil can be used to ease dry patches, soothe eczema, and bring a dewy softness to the complexion. A simple floral steam or face mask with fresh violet blossoms makes for a beautiful spring ritual to restore hydration after the harsh dry conditions of winter. Violets have mild lymphatic and circulatory properties, which help reduce stagnation in the tissues. An infusion of violets in witch hazel can be applied topically to varicose veins for gentle support (I recommend adding horse chestnut and gotu kola which are more potent but violets are a great addition due to their anti-inflammatory and cooling properties).
A Glimpse into the Past
Violets have long been associated with love, protection, and intuition. In Ancient Greece, they were woven into crowns and used in love potions, while medieval herbalists valued them for their cooling and healing properties. Shakespeare himself invoked violets in poetry, a symbol of fleeting beauty and deep affection. Viola tricolor, often called “Heartsease,” was used in folk medicine to soothe the heart—both emotionally and physically—a tradition still honored by herbalists today.
Contraindications: When to Use With Care
Violets and violas are gentle healers, but their potent medicinal properties mean they should be used in moderation, especially for those with sensitive digestion. As always, it is wise to listen to the body’s response when introducing any new herbal ally and be sure to do a skin patch test first before applying topically.