Sweet Violet Properties, Uses & Folklore
It’s the time of year where sweet violets are starting to flower, carpeting hedgerows, embankments, and if you’re very lucky - your lawn.
Sweet violet flowers, with their delicate purple petals and enchanting fragrance, have a rich folklore history and a myriad of traditional uses in herbalism. These charming flowers have been cherished for centuries for their beauty, medicinal properties, and symbolic meanings and for me they are the epitome of spring.
Sweet violets, as their name suggests have a sweet, innocent and childlike quality and energy to them, and always brighten my day whenever I spot them.
Easily recognisable by their shy, dipped flower heads of bright violet (with five oval petals) —although white or lilac flowers also occur— and their heart-shaped leaves which are hairy and deep green in colour these low growing perenials like shady spots & can be found growing in woods and hedgerows.
Sweet Violet History & Folklore
Sweet violets (Viola odorata) hold a special place in folklore and mythology, and can be seen across many different cultures. In ancient Greece, violets were associated with the goddess Artemis and symbolized modesty and faithfulness.
Romans used violets in love potions and believed that they could stir up passion.
In medieval Europe, violets were considered a symbol of love and used in romantic poems and art. Often violets were also seen as a symbol of protection, peace, and healing.
Folklore says that a person can only smell sweet violets once, as they steal your sense of smell. This is untrue, but, it stems from the fact that sweet violets contain beta-ionone, a chemical which temporarily shuts off smell receptors.
They have been used to make perfume throughout history, dating back to Classical Greece. They were also used to create early household deodorants in medieval Britain.
Sweet violets are edible, and were often candied and used to decorate cakes or as sweet treats. They can also be added to salads or used as a garnish.
Historically Sweet violets were used in herbal medicine to treat ailments such as headaches, depression and insomnia.
As you delve into the world of sweet violet flowers, remember to appreciate not only their herbal properties and traditional uses but also the folklore history that has elevated these blossoms to a symbol of love, healing, and beauty.
Sweet Violet Energetics
Sweet violets have a calming and soothing energy making them ideal for promoting peace and tranquility. They are thought to enhance spiritual awareness and intuition, helping individuals connect with their inner selves and the divine.
Some believe that violets can help in overcoming grief, soothing a broken heart, and bringing comfort in times of sorrow, and in herbal lore, sweet violet flowers are associated with easing emotional tension and promoting feelings of love and happiness.
Health Benefits & Medicinal Uses of Sweet Violets
Sweet violet flowers are not only known for their beauty but also for their herbal properties and therapeutic benefits. These delicate flowers, scientifically known as Viola odorata, have been used for centuries in traditional medicine and herbal remedies. Here are some of the benefits and uses of sweet violets:
Respiratory Health: Sweet violets are known for their soothing properties on the respiratory system. They are often used in herbal cough syrups, lozenges, and teas to help alleviate coughs and respiratory congestion.
Skin Care: Sweet violets are also beneficial for the skin. Their anti-inflammatory and skin-healing properties make them a common ingredient in creams, lotions, and balms for conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and dry skin.
Digestive Aid: Sweet violets have been traditionally used to improve digestion. They can help relieve bloating, gas, and indigestion when consumed as a tea.
Emotional Wellbeing: The gentle fragrance of sweet violets is known to have a calming effect on the mind and can help reduce stress and anxiety. They are often included in aromatherapy blends and relaxation products.
Anti-inflammatory Properties: Sweet violets contain compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties, making them helpful in reducing inflammation in the body and easing conditions like arthritis and joint pain.
Antioxidant Content: Sweet violets are rich in antioxidants, which help protect the body from oxidative stress and cell damage. Including them in your diet or skincare routine can help promote overall health and youthful-looking skin.
Culinary Uses: Sweet violets are not just beneficial for health but also add a lovely touch to culinary dishes. The flowers can be candied and used as decorations on cakes and pastries, or added to salads for a pop of colour and flavour.
The flowers are often used in teas, syrups, and tinctures to harness their healing properties and experience their gentle effects on the mind, body, and spirit. But they are edible too and a bright and whimsical addition to dressings and salads.
Whether used for physical ailments or emotional wellbeing, these delicate blooms continue to be valued for their holistic benefits & can make a big impact on your health & wellbeing.
xo Emily
When using sweet violets for herbal health and wellbeing, it's important to ensure they are sourced from organic and pesticide-free sources. As with any herbal remedy, it's recommended to consult with a healthcare professional or herbalist before incorporating sweet violets into your routine, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or are pregnant or breastfeeding.
