are violets good for you

What are the health benefits of eating violet flowers?

Violet's Edible and Medicinal Uses. Violet leaves contain a good bit of mucilage, or soluble fiber, and thus are helpful in lowering cholesterol levels (similar to oatmeal). Soluble fiber is also helpful in restoring healthy populations of intestinal flora, as beneficial bacteria feed off of this type of fiber.

Can you eat violets?

A good course of action is to identify the common species of violet in your area and then research their edibility and/or traditional uses for medicine. But there’s a good chance that you have common blue violets or the sweet violet growing in your area—both of which are good wild edibles and choice medicinals.

What are wild violets and why should you collect them?

Wild violets offer several notable advantages that make them worth collecting. Spring is often thought of as a time to purify the body after a long winter and gain renewed energy for spring. Violets are perfect for this because they help your body to eliminate waste by stimulating the lymphatic glands to get rid of toxins in the body.

What are the benefits of spring violets?

Spring is often thought of as a time to purify the body after a long winter and gain renewed energy for spring. Violets are perfect for this because they help your body to eliminate waste by stimulating the lymphatic glands to get rid of toxins in the body.

Why are violet leaves good for you?

What are the benefits of eating violet leaves?

Why do violet leaves help with cancer?

How to use violet leaves?

What does violet symbolize?

What are the benefits of a leaf?

Does violet plant lower blood pressure?

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Are violets healthy to eat?

Indeed, you can! Violets, both the leaves and flowers, contain high amounts of vitamin C and vitamin A. The edible violet plant can be used to make syrups, brew teas, and in baked desserts. Flowers can be added to salads and soups as garnish.

What part of violets are medicinal?

Sweet violet is an herb. The root and parts that grow above the ground are used to make medicine. Sweet violet is used for nervous strain, hysteria, physical and mental exhaustion, symptoms of menopause (hot flashes), depression, and irritability.

Can humans eat violets?

Harvesting wild violet Leaves are edible but because the leaves are easily confused with other non-edible plants it is important to stick with the sure bet if you are unfamiliar with violets and their look-alikes. Violet flowers can be used to garnish salads or flavor vinegar and syrup.

Can violets be eaten raw?

Violets leaves can be used raw in salads or cooked like spinach. Their flowers can be eaten raw, or candied, the dried leaves can be used to make tea. Violets can also be added to soups as a thickener.

What benefits do violets have?

Violet is moist and cooling and the leaves ease inflammation, and when used externally, soothe skin irritations and swelling. It has an affinity for the lymphatic system and can promote healthy lymphatic function. Modern research is investigating its antimicrobial properties (Zarrabi et al., 2013).

What are violets good for?

They are antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and a blood cleanser. They are good for coughs and colds, and can be made into a violet leaf and honey cough syrup. Violets can also be used topically for skin conditions like eczema, dry skin, bug bites, and varicose veins.

Are violets toxic?

With their fuzzy green leaves and stunning year-round flowers, African violets bloom in a range of lavenders, blues, pinks, reds, and white—depending on the variety. Both the plant and flowers are non-toxic to cats and dogs, making them perfect for those looking for a low-maintenance, blooming plant.

Are any violets poisonous?

The only potentially dangerous look-a-like for wild violets would be lesser celandine, Ficaria verna, (formerly known as Ranuculus ficaria). Lesser celandine is toxic, when eaten raw or after the plant flowers. It is only edible before flowering, and when cooked.

Can you eat purple violets?

Violets are going to be at their best when they're young, like just about everything else. You can definitely eat them as the season moves on, but they start to get tough fast. Cooking or blanching older leaves is a good treatment, or making pureed or finely chopped leaves into soups.

What kinds of violets are edible?

Violets with yellow flowers, such as the round-leaf yellow violet, which grows in swamps (V. rotundifolia), are edible as well. Another tasty species is the swamp blue violet (Viola cucullata), easy to distinguish because its flower rises high above the basal leaves.

Can you drink violet tea?

You can enjoy hot wild violet tea or pop in a few ice cubes for a cool & refreshing springtime drink. Notes: This violet tea recipe will make a dark blue tea. If you want a purple color, add a couple drops of lemon juice.

What does violet taste like?

Violet: Violets are sweet and extremely floral. Like roses, they're a wonderful addition to beverages, salads, desserts, and especially chocolates and candies.

What types of violets are edible?

Violets with yellow flowers, such as the round-leaf yellow violet, which grows in swamps (V. rotundifolia), are edible as well. Another tasty species is the swamp blue violet (Viola cucullata), easy to distinguish because its flower rises high above the basal leaves.

How do you make wild violet salve?

For the slow way, place several handfuls of dried violet leaves in a mason jar, cover with a light oil (I like olive or sunflower oil), cap, and let sit in a dark place for four or six weeks, shaking occasionally. Strain into a fresh glass jar and store tightly sealed and in a dark, cool place.

Can you eat violet roots?

9:0515:55How to Eat Violets - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd if you know of a violet patch and you've been watching it for years and you're really familiarMoreAnd if you know of a violet patch and you've been watching it for years and you're really familiar with it you can definitely harvest those leaves before the flower comes up but you want to be really

Can you make tea with violets?

To Make Violet Tea: Pour boiling water into your jar of violets until it is full, making sure to gently press on the violets to release any air bubbles. Cover your jar and keep it out of bright sunlight for about 24 hours. The color of the violet tea will look sapphire blue, not purple.

What is the best violet for medicinal purposes?

The best known violets for medicinal purposes are the European varieties. The most popular is the sweet violet or Viola odorata. It is one of the violets native to Europe and it has been widely cultivated into many forms over the years (Gleason, and Cronquist, 1963). The petals are deep violet and vary to white.

What are the blue violets?

These are the little blue violets that we may find in our lawns, (if we allow the grass to grow), and also in meadows and damp woodlands. Both species mentioned above; Viola papilionacea and V. sororia, have the same characteristics as their more popular relatives, as a remedy for coughs, colds and sore throats.

What are violets called?

Just for the record, who are our native violets? One is Viola papilionacea, and, the other is V.sororia. Both are called the common blue violet. There is also the lesser known V. pedata, the birds foot violet, that should be mentioned. Why? This species was the native plant species widely collected, and provided through the Shaker herbal medicine catalogues published between 1830-1895 (Miller, 1998). Now, this violet is on the threatened species list for New Hampshire and endangered list for New York from its over-harvesting. (USDA Plants Database). It differs by having a bird’s claw shape to its leaves, instead of heart-shaped. If you find this species, don’t pick it! (Instead, please, tell me!)

Do Native Americans use violets for cancer?

In America, there are accounts of Native Americans utilizing violet for cancer treatment (Erichsen-Brown, 1979). To my surprise, the American National Cancer Institute has been made aware of the folk uses of violets for cancer since at least the 1950s. (Erichson-Brown, 1979).

Is violet endangered in New Hampshire?

Now, this violet is on the threatened species list for New Hampshire and endangered list for New York from its over-harvesting. (USDA Plants Database).

Do violets have vitamin C?

From the basal leaves, if collected in spring, this early research reported that violets contain twice as much vitamin C as the same weight of orange and more than twice the amount of vitamin A, gram for gram, when compared with spinach! (Erichsen-Brown, 1979).

Is Viola tricolor a diuretic?

Like her relatives, V. tricolor has been used as an expectorant, diuretic, and anti-inflammatory. Used both internally and topically, this violet is helpful for cystitis, rheumatic complaints, eczema, psoriasis, acne, and topically for babies with cradle cap (Hoffman, 2003). Viola tricolor.

What are the characteristics of a violet?

Most violet species are herbaceous perennials with a basal rosette of heart-shaped or irregularly lobed leaves. The leaves typically bear rounded teeth and are smooth.

What is Violet's secret?

Violet's secret subterranean flowers. -. Violet leaves contain a good bit of mucilage, or soluble fiber, and thus are helpful in lowering cholesterol levels (similar to oatmeal). Soluble fiber is also helpful in restoring healthy populations of intestinal flora, as beneficial bacteria feed off of this type of fiber.

Why do violet leaves have a funny smell?

I notice that the leaves of some of the wild violets have an unpleasant soapy flavor, which leaves a funny feeling at the back of my throat; this is most likely from high levels of saponins. I avoid these plants, and instead go for the milder tasting species. Some woodland species of violet are rare and should not be disturbed. A good course of action is to identify the common species of violet in your area and then research their edibility and/or traditional uses for medicine. But there’s a good chance that you have common blue violets or the sweet violet growing in your area—both of which are good wild edibles and choice medicinals.

What is the name of the violet that is used in Europe?

Confederate violet (Viola sororia) -. The sweet violet (Viola odorata, Violaceae) is the principal medicinal and culinary species used in Europe. It has escaped cultivation in many locales, because it is popularly planted for its fragrance. Much of the American use of violets stems from the European herbal tradition.

What is a Confederate Violet?

The “confederate violet” is an escaped cultivar (cultivated variety) of Viola sororia —it has white flowers with blue streaks and is an inhabitant of lawns in the southeastern United States. -.

How many species of violet are there?

The Viola genus contains around 550 species, mostly found in the temperate climates of the world. Many species of violet are used similarly to the common blue violet. Most wild foods authors report that the blue and white flowered species of violet are all edible, but not the yellow flowered species. Other authors write that all species are ...

Where are violets native to?

The common blue violet (Viola sororia, Violaceae) is native to most of central and eastern North America. It is a common sight in lawns, gardens, ...

What do violet leaves do?

The leaves of the wild violets contain a high level of mucilage, which helps soothe irritated tissues. Fresh or dry, the leaves and the flowers can be used to make a strong infusion to reduce the puffiness of the eyes.

What is the name of the violet that is used for food?

There are more than 500 species in the viola family, and most of them have exciting medicinal benefits and culinary uses. When looking for wild violets, you will frequently find Viola sororia, known as the common blue violet, the sweet violet, Viola odorata, and the Labrador violet, Viola labradorica. Viola tricolor or Johnny jump up, which are also in the viola family, also make excellent food and medicine.

How to store wild violets?

Store in a dark, cool place for a week while the violets and vinegar infuse. The longer you let it soak, the darker it will be. Strain out the blossoms, discard, and store your vinegar in a glass bottle. Wild violet vinegar can be used in vinaigrettes or marinades.

Why do violets taste wintergreen?

The wintergreen taste in some wild violets is due to the salicylic acid content, which helps clear skin abrasions with its disinfecting and active fungicidal properties. Salicylic acid also reduces pain and swelling, and therefore, violet leaves and flowers used in the form of a poultice will soothe inflamed skin, sores, varicose veins, ...

How to make violets purple?

Making Violet Vinegar. Infusing wild violets in vinegar is the best way to extract the medicinal properties. Using white vinegar will give the extraction a lovely pur ple color. For an added boost, use apple cider vinegar. Pinch off the violet stems and clean the leaves and flowers thoroughly.

What does violet tea do to the immune system?

Taken in a strong tea, they help with lung health by working as an expectorant. Wild violets help treat infections in the upper respiratory tract, as well as colds, congestion, flu viruses, and bronchitis. Overall, they are a gentle immune system stimulant.

What is the phytochemical in wild violets?

Wild violets also contain a phytochemical called rutin, an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant that helps neutralize damaging free radicals and prevent chronic diseases like cancer.

What is the Cultural Significance of a Violet?

Therefore, it is often considered to be a symbol of harmony, balance, and opportunity.

What Does a Violet Symbolize?

Violets are most commonly associated with love – and if you’ve ever seen a violet, that probably makes a ton of sense. These flowers give off a heady, sensual fragrance that will make you want to fall in love all over again.

What Does Violet Mean?

The word “violet” is a derivative of the Old French word, “violet” or “violet.” Its scientific name, Viola, refers to a large genus of flowering plants in the violet family, Violaceae .

What is the Symbolism of a Violet Tattoo?

Violet tattoos tend to be full of symbolic meanings. Most of the time, violets are used to represent modesty and virtue, but they can also have broader meanings when used as tattoos, too. Some of these include innocence, affection, care, and love (any kind, and not just romantic love).

What does the color violet represent?

The color violet is reminiscent of the Sahasrara, a crown chakra whose energy focuses on matters of enlightenment and awareness, too. Therefore, violets can also be associated with growth, expansion, and peace. They are often viewed as symbols of mental clarity.

What is the violet flower?

The flower is often viewed as symbolic of Jesus and compared with Christ’s ability to be an intermediary, or someone who strove to live the balance between heaven and earth.

What does it mean to wear violets on your head?

According to Victorian traditions, violets were viewed as symbols of good fortune, humility, and restfulness. There were several superstitions related to violets. One was that carrying violets could keep evil spirits at bay, while another more humorous tradition said that wearing violets on your head could keep you from getting too inebriated!

What is sweet violet?

Sweet violet is an herb. The root and parts that grow above the ground are used to make medicine.

How long is sweet violet good for?

When used as nose drops: Sweet violet is POSSIBLY SAFE for most people when given as nose drops at bedtime for 30 days. When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if it is safe to put sweet violet on the skin or what the side effects might be. Special Precautions and Warnings. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't ...

Is sweet violet safe?

Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

Is sweet violet safe for pregnant women?

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if sweet violet is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Does violet help with insomnia?

Insomnia. Early research shows that using nose drops containing a sweet violet extract at bedtime might help to improve sleep.

What is the purpose of violets?

The edible violet plant can be used to make syrups, brew teas, and in baked desserts. Flowers can be added to salads and soups as garnish.

How to pick edible violets?

When picking edible violet plants, it is first important to properly identify the plants. As always , it is crucial to properly research before picking any flowers and/or leaves so you know that you’re harvesting the correct plant. When foraging for edible flowers, safety should be the number one priority. Often, forage classes may be offered by local agriculture extension offices. A local plant field guide will also be helpful in this process. Never eat anything without complete certainty that it is safe for consumption.

When do violets bloom?

This means that violets are often one of the first flowers to bloom in spring and early summer.

Can eating violets cause digestive issues?

Moderation is important, as this plant does contain a compound called saponin, so eating violet flowers and leaves in excess may cause digestive issues . Despite this, multitudes of herbalists praise violets for their relevance and importance as an edible plant.

Are Violets Edible?

Throughout the United States, common blue violets can be seen growing along roadsides, in shady woodland areas, and in fields. Other species of the Viola family can also be found, though usually grown as ornamental flowers in mixed plantings with vegetables or in flower borders. One thing which remains constant, however, is that violet flower uses are abundant. So, can you eat violets? Indeed, you can!

What are violet flowers used for?

The flowers add unexpected color and a sweet flavor to your favorite greens and sandwiches. You can use them to decorate desserts as well. Wild violets are also rich in vitamins A and C (more vitamin C by weight than oranges!) as well as other vitamins and minerals. Violet flowers can be used to make violet vinegar, violet jelly, violet tea, ...

Why do Native Americans use violets?

A poultice from violets has also been used to treat headaches by Native Americans. This may be due to the salicylic acid contained in the flower, which is also found in aspirin. Because violets also have antiseptic properties, they can also be used in salves or ointments to treat minor scrapes and bruises.

Why do violets help with sore throats?

Violets are also known to strengthen the immune system and reduce inflammation. Spring is a typical time for sore throats, colds, sinus infections, and other respiratory conditions. Violets, eaten or taken as a tea can help soothe these issues.

How tall do wild violets get?

However, they may appear in various shades of purple as well as white. They grow in clumps, only getting about 4 to 6 inches high, though sometimes they get a bit taller. They are found in zones 3 through 9 and grow in areas of partial shade.

Why do we need violets in spring?

Violets are perfect for this because they help your body to eliminate waste by stimulating the lymphatic glands to get rid of toxins in the body. Violets are also known to strengthen the immune system and reduce inflammation.

What genus are violets?

The wild violets, or sweet violets, described in this article belong to the Viola genus.

When do violets come out?

In most areas, wild violets are most commonly found in May and June.

3. African Violet Pot

Another easy solution to the problem of watering African violets is to use a self-watering pot, often called an African violet pot. These ingenious pots are made for these finicky plants. They come in two styles; both are two separate pieces.

4. Refresh the Soil Once a Year

Each year you should repot your plant with new soil. However, it’s important to note that you likely do not need to go up a pot size when you do this. African violets won’t bloom unless they’re a little root-bound. You’re just changing out the soil to give the plant a refresh.

5. A Dozen Leaves

If you want to encourage new growth and more blooms, keep the number of leaves growing on your violet to around a dozen or so. New leaves and blooms only come from the very top crown of the plant.

6. Enlist a Little Lighting Help

Violets love light. And if your violet isn’t blooming, nine times out of ten, it’s because they aren’t receiving enough light. This is especially true in the winter.

7. Get a Nano Bristle Toothbrush

A while ago, these toothbrushes started popping up all over social media. They have very soft, densely packed bristles, and they’re said to be much easier on your gums when brushing. I don’t know if that’s the case, but what I do know is they are marvelous for dusting African violet leaves.

Why are violet leaves good for you?

It means that the leaves are beneficial to enhance the metabolism. This way, the leaves also aid the fast waste elimination. The consumption of violet leaves stimulates the lymphatic glands which helps flush the bacteria and the other unwanted material in the blood.

What are the benefits of eating violet leaves?

Thus, some health benefits of violet leaves appear from regular usage and consumption are: Reduce blood pressure.

Why do violet leaves help with cancer?

It’d due to the high antioxidant level which is able to fight the free radicals as the main factor of cancer growth. The regular consumption of violet leaves is evidently able to reduce or shrink the early stage or tumor and cancer. Treat hemorrhoid. Violet leaves are rich with rutin.

How to use violet leaves?

Make sure that the leaves perfectly dried, so that it won’t be easily contaminated by unwanted microbe. To serve a cup of violet leaves tea, you can put some leaves in the cup, and pour boiling water into the cup. Put a lid upon the cup and let it steep for about five minutes. Drink it while it is warm.

What does violet symbolize?

Long ago, people love violet as a flower symbolizes faithfulness, modesty, and simplicity. And now, people love to plant the flower as the scene-stealer at their garden, or pick some flowers to decorate their table.

What are the benefits of a leaf?

The leaves are also beneficial for skin. It presents the best treatment for some stubborn skin problems such eczema, psoriasis, and acne. In this case, you can use the leaves as topical remedy or compress. The leaves effectively soothe itching and inflammation on skin.

Does violet plant lower blood pressure?

The leaves of violet plant are able to reduce blood pressure as it contains alkaloids and flavonoids. Alkaloids have relaxing effect on blood vessel. As the result, we will have such an easier blood flow. As we know, the normal blood circulation prevents us from getting elevated blood pressure.

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• Violets are virtuous, vivacious, and valuable! Violets are unassuming but oh, so powerful! They herald our early spring blooms in the wild and garden. Their long history of medicinal use begs that we give them more crucial attention and recognition.

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