(An Ode to the Heart of Spring)
Gentle, nourishing, and quietly powerful — Violets (Viola spp.) have long been a symbol of tenderness and resilience. Their heart-shaped leaves and delicate purple blossoms remind us that strength often comes through softness. In this space, we honor her sweet spirit and explore the many ways Violet supports our bodies, hearts, and spirits.
🌿 Getting to Know Violet
Violets are among the first to greet us in early spring, carpeting the ground with their vibrant greens and tiny purple blooms. Native to many parts of the world, they thrive quietly at the edges — along woodland paths, under trees, and in the rich soil of forgotten gardens.
Energetically, Violet is cooling and moistening. She speaks most deeply to dry, overheated, or tender tissues — physical and emotional alike. Violet teaches the art of soothing, of holding space for grief, and of nourishing our tender places with gentle consistency.
In traditional herbalism, Violets are seen as a plant of the heart — both physically and emotionally. She reminds us to slow down, soften, and trust the unfolding process of healing.
🌸 Properties & Benefits
Violet brings a wealth of gentle but profound medicine:
- Lymphatic Support: Violet is a beloved ally for supporting healthy lymphatic movement, especially when there is stagnation or tenderness.
- Respiratory Ease: Her cooling and moistening properties make her soothing to dry coughs and irritated throats.
- Skin Soothing: Infused oils and salves made from Violet leaves are cherished for calming dry, rough, or sensitive skin.
- Emotional Healing: Associated with comfort and emotional restoration, Violet gently nurtures the heart through grief, sadness, or emotional fatigue.
Her gifts are subtle but deeply felt, offering care where it is most needed, often before we even realize we are in need.
🌼 A Moment of Gratitude
Violet reminds us that healing doesn’t have to be loud or forceful. Sometimes, it is the quiet, persistent love we offer ourselves — a cup of tea, a tender touch, a deep breath — that makes all the difference.
Though we are retiring Violet as our Herb of the Week, her spirit remains deeply woven into our herbal practice. She continues to walk beside us, a soft whisper of hope, gentleness, and renewal.
Thank you, dear Violet, for teaching us the power of softness and the beauty of tending to the heart. 💜
🍵 Ways to Work with Violet
There are so many ways to invite Violet’s soft medicine into your daily life:
- Infused Tea:
Steep a small handful of fresh or dried Violet leaves in hot water for 10–15 minutes, keeping the vessel covered to preserve the delicate properties and aromatics. Sip slowly to nourish the lymphatic and respiratory systems, and to soften emotional edges. - Violet Leaf Infused Oil:
Gently infuse fresh (wilted) Violet leaves into a carrier oil like grapeseed or olive oil over several weeks. Use this oil for breast massage, tender joints, or as a soothing moisturizer for dry skin. - Violet Syrup:
A beautiful way to preserve the spring magic of Violet blooms. Make a syrup by steeping fresh blossoms in hot water, straining, and combining the infusion with honey. Perfect for calming coughs or adding a floral sweetness to teas and desserts. - Fresh Violet Salads:
Both Violet leaves and flowers are edible! Toss them into spring salads for a pop of color and a tender green flavor.
Note: Always be sure to properly identify your Violets — avoid African violets (a houseplant, not a true violet) and harvest from clean, pesticide-free areas.