Fragrant violet
Fragrant violet (Viola odorata) is a dainty herb and forms creeping runners that can root themselves.
In a rosette close to the ground are long-stalked leaves that are roundish to cordate, finely hairy, and notched at the edges.
Pleasantly fragrant flower consists of deep purple petals, white at the base.
Fragrant violet
Image source: M. Schenk
Family and collection time
The fragrant violet belongs to the violet family.
Parts of the plant used: Leaves and the pleasantly fragrant flowers
Collection time in detail:
- Flowers and leaves: March and April
Healing effect and application
Healing properties:
Calming, anti-inflammatory, diaphoretic, blood lipid lowering, diuretic, expectorant, concentration enhancing.
Application in naturopathy:
Soothing effect in bronchitis, sore throat, irritable cough, whooping cough. Skin diseases, headaches, nervousness, tension, fatigue. From the violet flowers and leaves is prepared tea
Has antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects.
In skin care by applying an oil of violets.
Ingredients: (selection)
- Saponins
- Bitters
- Essential oils
Recipe for violet oil:
It is best to collect the violet flowers and leaves on a sunny day and put the dry flowers and leaves in a screw jar. Pour enough almond or olive oil so that all parts of the plant are well covered. Leave the sealed jar in a warm and bright, non-sunny place for about 6 weeks. During this time tgl. shake or move. For further use, the oil is strained and bottled in a dark bottle.
In the kitchen:
Decorate desserts with the flowers.
Recipe for the kitchen: candied violet flowers:
- 1 egg white
- 2 handfuls of flowers
- Some fine sugar
Lightly beat egg whites and use a brush to gently brush over violet flowers. Sprinkle over them the sugar and dry at 50 degrees in an open oven. Use the flowers as an ornament for desserts and fruity salads. They keep in a sealed container for about 2 weeks.
Recipe according to: Finding wild herbs, Christine Schneider, page 117, Eugen Ulmer KG, Stuttgart
References:
Beiser, Rudi: Our edible wild plants. Kosmos Nature Guide 2018
Bühring, Ursel: Praxis-Lehrbuch der modernen Heilpflanzenkunde; Grundlagen – Anwendung – Therapie. Sonntag Publishing House Stuttgart 2005
Pahlow, M. Pharmacist: Medicinal Plants. Bechtermünz Publishing House Augsburg 2001
Schneider, Christine: Finding wild herbs. Ulmer Publishing House Stuttgart 2017
Recipe by Dr. Markus Strauß www.dr-strauss.net
