Spring Violets
by Wild Thing
Title
Spring Violets
Artist
Wild Thing
Medium
Photograph - Photography
Description
One of the first signs of spring for me going back to my childhood is the wild violet or pansy. Especially for 'May Day' ... getting up early in the morning to gather violets, dandelions and other greenery for "May Day Baskets" to hang on our crushes doors was such fun and a part of our spring ritual. Even the non-pagans participated in this yearly spring tradition. It was another thing we could do where we didn't stand out and look odd to everyone else!
Violets: Modesty, Watchfulness, Faithfulness, I�ll Always be True (White = let�s take a chance on happiness)
Wild violet is a low-growing clumping (simple) perennial with a dense, fibrous root system and heart-shaped leaves that often cup toward the petiole to form a funnel shape. Wild violet is often considered difficult-to-control due to its aggressive growth, waxy leaves and resistance to most common herbicides.
Wild violet is most often found in shaded, fertile sites and prefers moist soils.
Flowers occurs in mid-May; usually violet colored, but can vary from deep-blue-violet to completely white. Plants spread by rhizomes and seed.
They are lovely when they bloom in spring, but then these perennials turn into persistent weeds. Common in the eastern half of North America, the weedy species has heart-shaped leaves. Wild violet colonies usually start in shady spots and spread into sunnier areas. Control by digging, and make sure you get the whole root, which includes seed-bearing capsules right at the soil's surface. In lawns, use a sharp knife to sever roots before pulling up the plants.
Violets as Food
Unlike African violets, wild violets can be on your list of cool things to throw into your salad. The flowers add unexpected color and a sweet flavor to your favorite greens and sandwiches. You can use them to decorate desserts as well. They are also rich in vitamins A and C (more vitamin C by weight than oranges!) as well as other vitamins and minerals.
Violet flowers can be used to make violet vinegar, violet jelly, violet tea, violet syrup and even candied violets (because you know the kids will love that!). Try freezing a few into ice cubes for a festive touch to drinks during a party. Your guests will be impressed for sure.
But it isn�t only the flowers that are edible. The leaves can also be used in your salad mix. You can cook them as well, though they are a bit bland. The leaves are just as full of nutrients as the flowers, so don�t neglect to include them on your list of foods to forage in the spring.
Violets as Medicine
It�s fun to find wild foods to add to the menu, especially if you have kids who can help harvest them, but it�s even better when those foods have health benefits. Wild violets have several notable benefits that make them worth collecting. Spring is often thought of as a time to purify the body after a long winter and gain renewed energy for spring. Violets are perfect for this because they help your body to eliminate waste by stimulating the lymphatic glands to get rid of toxins in the body.
Violets are also known to strengthen the immune system and reduce inflammation. Spring is a common time for sore throats, colds, sinus infections and other respiratory conditions. Violets, eaten or as a tea, can help soothe these issues. A poultice from violets has also been used to treat headaches by Native Americans. This may be due to the salicylic acid contained in the flower, which is also found in aspirin.
Because violets also have antiseptic properties, they can also be used in slaves or ointments to treat minor scrapes and bruises. A violet tea can also be useful in treating insomnia. But even with so many benefits, try not to get too carried away until your body gets used to violets, because they also act as a mild laxative!
Harvesting
Now is a good time to start looking for wild violets. They are most commonly found in May and June in most areas. Gather them up and use them fresh, but also try drying some for use throughout the year. Pay close attention to where you harvest your violets so you don�t gather any that may have been sprayed by pesticides. Mornings are a good time to harvest, when blossoms are fresh and perky.
Two teaspoons on dried leaves and one teaspoon of dried flowers can be steeped in a cup of boiling water for about five minutes to make a restorative tea. Or, you can use two or three teaspoons of fresh flowers. This will give you a more mild tasting tea. Be sure to strain out the flowers and leaves before drinking. For added health benefits, add a bit of honey if desired.
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May 3rd, 2016
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