A peak in the winter garden: Violets
https://youtu.be/WVnitVlqG2E
Violet ~Viola Odorata~
Violets always call to me in the garden, they remind me to watch what is hidden in myself, and to notice the small joys of life…These discreet yet abundantly aromatic flowers have so many secret virtues…. After the rain, you can find them growing wild in the forest canopy, mixed with wild strawberries and nettle bushes. Their leaves and petals exude a smell of sweetness, freshly cut grass with undertones of earth and underwood moss. Flowers start showing their noses in the winter months as they love the cool and damp air of the season. Beware of where you walk you might have never noticed them before!
Violets have been used in folk medicine for centuries and seem to be ready to take a place in our medicine cabinet during the challenging times of the pandemic. Their first property is to sooth saw through, cough and bronchitis; a small handful of the leaves and flowers can be steeped in hot water for 10 minutes and sipped slowly for a calming effect.
Violet is also a sudorific, meaning it helps lower temperature by helping the body to perspire and release toxins due to virus or bacteria.
They also can help tremendously with headaches, constipation and insomnia. Women have made poultices by grinding the herb and roots and applying compresses of the plant directly on the breast to help alleviate pain and crevice’s experienced during lactation.
For the skin, violet is purifying and clearing to skin conditions such as acne and eczema. It also is a great ally for aging or damaged skin types, healing dryness, soothing redness and the extract mixed in formulas has a mattifying effect.
How to Make Violet Oil
What you will need:
- A pint (16 oz) glass jar (preferable mason with a double separable lid)
- A pint of organic carrier oil (jojoba, sesame, olive or sunflower)
- A clean kitchen cloth
- A few paper towels
- A wooden stick or tool for mixing
Pick 2 handfuls of violets leaves and flowers, lay them flat on the kitchen towel for 24 to 48 hours, this process allows the flowers and leaves to slightly dry and help the oil not have water content, therefor extending its shelf life. Once the herbs has been “choked”, place them in the glass jar and cover with the carrier oil of your choice (jojoba being the lightest to olive oil being the richest). Makes sure the leaves and flowers are completely covered, not leaving any plant matter sticking out. Place a half paper towel over the mouth of the jar and use the ring of the Masson jar to screw the paper towel in place. Place in the sun or in a warm place of the house. After five days of maceration, remove the paper towel and close the mason jar completely with the lid. Shake everyday with gratitude and love, sending your intention to the plant.
After 15 days filter the oil through a fine mech, cheese cloth or strainer. Add 15 drops of vitamin E tocopherol for better preservation. Place in a dark container (if possible) away from direct sunlight. Label, and use!
The violet oil can be used as massage oil for arthritis, as well as for damaged skin on face body and hands. You can mix it with other oils and essential oils depending on your goal. This oil is also very potent to remove bumps and redness after hair removal. It is soothing, cooling and restorative. Enjoy!
