The Gentle Power of Wild Violets: Uses, Benefits & Simple Recipes
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As winter gives way to spring, one of the first signs of new life on our property is the tender bloom of wild violets (Viola odorata and Viola sororia). Scattered like little purple and white blessings across the lawn and garden beds, these humble flowers are more than just a pretty face. They’re an edible and medicinal powerhouse—quietly offering their gifts to anyone willing to slow down and notice.
Wild violets have long held a place in traditional folk medicine. Their leaves and blossoms are both edible and beneficial, rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and soothing mucilage that’s good for the skin and respiratory system. Today, I’m sharing the ways we use wild violets in our home—from teas and syrups to infused oils and healing salves.
Day 1 of violet harvest.
🌸 Foraging & Harvesting Tips
First, a gentle reminder: only forage where you know the land is clean—no pesticides, no roadside runoff, and ideally somewhere wild or well-tended. Wild violets are easy to identify by their heart-shaped leaves and five-petaled purple or white blossoms. The flowers tend to bloom in early to mid-spring and often last into early summer depending on your climate.
Pick in the morning after the dew has dried, and always harvest with gratitude, taking only what you’ll use. Our pollinators use these flowers too!
🌿 Benefits of Wild Violets
Anti-inflammatory & Cooling – Perfect for irritated skin or sore throats.
Lymphatic Support – Traditionally used to help move lymph and reduce swollen glands.
Respiratory Relief – The mucilage in the leaves soothes dry coughs and scratchy throats.
Mild Laxative – Gentle and safe, especially for children.
Vitamin-Rich – High in vitamins A and C.
Wild violets & Ground Ivy
🍵 Wild Violet Tea (Fresh or Dried)
A simple way to enjoy the soothing properties of wild violets.
Ingredients
1–2 tsp dried violet leaves and flowers (or 1–2 Tbsp fresh)
8 oz hot water
Optional: raw honey or lemon
Instructions
Pour hot water over violets.
Cover and steep for 10–15 minutes.
Strain and sweeten if desired.
💜 This tea is gentle and supportive for the lymphatic system and a lovely way to ease into spring. I especially like to sip it in the evenings when everything is quiet and still.
Wild Violet Syrup
Beautiful in color and mild in flavor, this syrup is lovely in sparkling water, drizzled over pancakes, or stirred into tea.
Ingredients
1 cup fresh wild violet blossoms
1 cup boiling water
1 cup sugar (or honey for a more herbal flavor)
Optional: a squeeze of lemon for color change (turns from blue to bright purple!)
Instructions
Pour boiling water over the flowers and let steep overnight.
Strain and combine the liquid with sugar or honey.
Warm gently on the stove until sugar is dissolved.
Bottle and refrigerate for up to 3 weeks.
A label for you! Copy paste and size to your jars.
Violet-Infused Oil
This gentle oil is wonderful for dry or irritated skin, minor cuts, and even breast massage to support lymphatic flow.
Ingredients
Fresh wild violet flowers (wilt for 12–24 hours to remove moisture or use dried)
Carrier oil (olive, sweet almond, or jojoba)
A clean jar and a sunny windowsill
Instructions
Fill a jar halfway with wilted or dry violet flowers.
Cover with oil until flowers are completely submerged.
Cap and let sit in a sunny spot for 2–3 weeks, shaking gently each day.
Strain and store in a cool, dark place.
Place the jar in a sunny window or warm location.
Wild Violet Salve
Once you’ve made your infused oil, this salve is quick to whip up and perfect for scrapes, bug bites, or dry hands.
Ingredients
Instructions
In a double boiler, gently melt beeswax into the oil.
Remove from heat and add essential oils if using.
Pour into tins or jars and let cool completely.
Label and use within 6 months.
Final Thoughts
There’s something deeply comforting about using what grows freely around us. Wild violets may be small, but their gifts are mighty. From the softening of winter skin to the quiet tending of the lymph and lungs, these little blooms are a gentle reminder that healing doesn’t always have to come from far away.
This spring, I hope you take a moment to gather a handful of these floral treasures, make yourself a cup of tea, and lean into the quiet abundance of the season. If you need more information on uses of violets, check out this source.
If you’ve got a favorite way of using wild violets, I’d love to hear about it—drop a note in the comments or send me a photo of your creations! I’ve recently seen Violet Sugar. Anyone tried that?
Warmly,
Roxanne
Rustic Roots & Simple Living
Such a pretty purple!
