Using Violets for Food and Medicine

Violets often surround us in the spring. They’re gorgeous flowers, of course, often picked and enjoyed by children and adults alike. Those same beautiful flowers are edible and useful for a number of things. Make the most of them by using violets for food and medicine with these easy and delicious options.

Violets for Food

Violets are naturally high in Vitamins A & C, meaning it’s a tasty way to get some added nutrition in our diets. 

Violets are the perfect spring salad addition and this tasty version uses wildflowers & wild greens.

Preserve violets in the pantry with some homemade violet jelly.

Infuse those flowers in some water and make a colorful, floral dessert with this gelatin recipe. 

Violets are easily sugared and preserved for beautiful candy treats that make amazing decorations for cupcakes, cookies, and more.

Violet Lemonade is a refreshing way to cool off on a hot day.

Violets for the Body

Violets are known for helping dry skin and other issues. Take advantage of those natural qualities by making some violet lotion.

Make a violet vinegar (which can be used for salad dressing) and use it for bathing, soothing sunburns, and more.

Infuse violet flowers and leaves into witch hazel for a gentle facial cleanser.

Violets for Medicine

These beautiful, little flowers pack numerous healing punches:

Violets are great for soothing dry coughs. Make some cough syrup out of violets and honey.

Calm overwhelmed nerves with a cup of violet tea.

Violets have been linked to the shrinking of tumors and glands. Try making a violet tincture to help those swollen glands during cold and flu season. 

Infuse violets in honey as a way to soothe upset stomachs, especially in children.

Violet Precautions

As always seek trained medical advice for any health conditions and avoid violets where there are known allergies. Otherwise, violet flowers and leaves are considered safe. Violets can have a mild laxative effect so eat in small amounts in one sitting. Do not eat the seeds – only the leaves and flowers as the seeds can induce vomiting in some people. 

When those violets blooms this spring and summer, do harvest bunches and make the most of them in your kitchen, beauty routine, and medicine cabinet.

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