The sweet violet (Viola odorata) is a very popular spring plant that lives up to its name as it gives off a wonderful, intense scent when it is in bloom. The sweet violet belongs to the violet family (Violaceae) and belongs to the violet genus (Viola).
The sweet violet is a herbaceous, perennial plant that is native to almost all of Europe. The rosette growing on the ground, from which the short stalk of the sweet violet emerges, is striking. Overall, the sweet violet can reach 5 cm up to 20 cm. The leaves of this plant are slightly hairy, it has heart-shaped leaves as well as lanceolate-like stipules. The sweet violet prefers to grow on nutrient-rich, moist soil in partially shaded locations. The sweet violet blooms in a strong blue-violet hue. The plant blooms in March and April, hence the popular name March violet. And this flower exudes the unmistakable scent. This scent is partly due to the essential oil Parmon. The fragrance Jojon is used in the synthetic imitation of the scent of violets for perfume production.
Use of sweet violet
The sweet violet is used both in the kitchen and for medicinal purposes. In addition to these possible uses, it is also often used in bouquets or dried for decorative purposes.
Your start into spring
Start now with our bookWith wild herbs and medicinal plants all year round“ (available here) and with ours Seasonal calendar for wild herbs (available here) into the new collection and harvest year. You can also get our products in discounted sets like this spring set (available here). You can get insights into our self-designed guides and tools for collecting and processing in our own herbal witches online shop at www.die-moderne-Kräuterhexe.de
Application in naturopathy
The use of sweet violets in medicine is said to have already taken place in the times of Hippocrates. The violet is said to help with skin problems and eczema. In 2007, sweet violet was declared medicinal plant of the year. The ingredients of sweet violets include tannins, coumarins, flavonoids, saponins, alkaloids and salicylic acid. Studies indicate that sweet violets could be used in the treatment of high blood pressure and elevated blood lipid levels due to their ingredients and the associated blood lipid lowering and vasodilating properties.[1] And because of a certain cyclopeptide (cyclovioloycin), the sweet violet could also be used to support cancer therapy, because this cyclopeptide is said to have a potential anti-carcinogenic and antibacterial effect. [2] Traditionally, the sweet violet is used for colds with colds, coughs and headaches and also for bronchitis. Hildegart von Bingen is also said to have used tinctures with violet juice for headaches and eye problems. Tea, essences, ointments or even violet vinegar were used.
Wild plants in spring – our magazine
In our new edition of the new Herb cellar magazine (available here) a lot revolves around the wild herbs in spring. We show you the most important plants at the beginning of the year and show you how to use them with culinary recipes. But there are also recipes for ointments. You can get the Kräuterkeller Magazin in the spring issue in both a digital and a printed version in our herb witch shop www.die-moderne-Kräuterhexe.de
Application in the kitchen
The sweet violet is also a popular plant in the kitchen. The flowers and leaves can be used in desserts, in salads, as an addition to vegetable pans, soups or herbal quarks. The flowers are particularly popular as a finely scented and beautiful-looking decoration in desserts. Candied violets also seem to be a popular delicacy. The sweet violet is also used in ice cream, parfaits and sweet puddings. However, one should not eat too much of the beautiful plant, as overconsumption can lead to nausea and vomiting. Caution should also be exercised during pregnancy.
Sustainable use of sweet violets
Since the sweet violet is so beautiful and fragrant, it is not surprising that it is often harvested. However, it is also very important here to protect species and only pick very few plants and leave the roots intact. Since the sweet violet is so popular, unsustainable management could otherwise lead to the extinction of this beautiful plant. That’s why we appeal to you: Enjoy this beautiful plant in the wild or harvest only a little and leave most of it for nature and insects, since violets are also an important food source for insects.
You can get more free contributions on the subject of collecting and discovering in our new podcast “The Modern Herb Witch” and on our YouTube channel. Check out our podcast post here and learn how to subscribe to our podcast. You can access our YouTube channel here.
Recognize and collect wild garlic
Wild garlic is one of the best-known wild plants in spring. You can find out how we collect wild garlic and what to look out for in our pocket book for the backpack “Wild garlic – wild enjoyment“ (available here) which is available in our herb shop at www.die-moderne-Kräuterhexe.de. In the paperback you will also find our best wild garlic recipes.
