Sweet Violet, Viola odorata- cysts, sore throats and coughs

Violet is one of the most wonderfully gentle remedies for coughs, sore throats and respiratory problems.  Flowering in the springtime, it heralds the advent of allergies and high pollen count, yet offers it subtle solution.  Violets are now seen throughout North America, on forest floors, in gardens and by the wayside, although they originally were native to Asia and Europe.

Violets are also beneficial to the lymphatic system, helping those who suffer from fibrocystic breasts, cysts or swollen glands.  Violet is gentle enough to drink as an infusion on a regular basis.  It also can be  made into a poultice or salve for external use on cysts.

Some of the health benefits and medicinal uses of violets are as follows:

-Alterative (blood purifier)

-Lymphatic, supports cleansing of the lymph system

-Mild laxative,  the flowers

- Emetic, the roots

-Supports the immune system

- Helps eliminate cysts and tumors (taken internally as an infusion and externally as a poultice)

-Beneficial for respiratory system

The most common form of using violets is by making an infusion from the flowers and/or leaves which I happen to think is the best way to imbibe its benefits.

A strong infusion of the flowers soaked overnight, makes for a very agreeable tea either hot or iced. Tales of yore speak of violet syrup to be taken for respiratory complaints.   But this spring, I thought I would make some violet jam so as to savor the flowers a bit longer.  This recipe made two half pint mason jars of jam with a wee bit left over.

Violet Flower Jam Recipe

1.5 cups of freshly picked, wide open violet flowers
1.5 cups of boiling water (Distilled water if you want a violet color jam.  I didn't use it here)
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice, preferably Meyer lemons
1.5 cups of sugar
1.5 oz liquid pectin (half a packet)

Start by pouring the boiling water over the flowers in a lidded teapot.  Steep overnight or 10 hours.  The tea should be a greenish, purplish tinge.

In a pot, cook the violet infusion and sugar until it is boiling.  Stir frequently for 12-15 minutes on a low boil.  Add the pectin and stir for another 3 minutes.   Lastly, add the lemon juice, which will turn it all a lovely lavender/pink color. Stir another minute or two.

Pour into sterilized jars and process in your steam bath to can or if using right away, it's done!  Here is the final product and the taste is a delicate floral/green, lemony delight.  To  make the violet syrup, you use the same recipe, omit the pectin and cook for a little less time, around 15 minutes total.

Hist's Herbarius

From A Modern Herbal we find some interesting history on violets:

In Macer's Herbal (tenth century) the Violet is among the many herbs which were considered powerful against 'wykked sperytis.' Askham's Herbal has this recipe for insomnia under Violet: 'For the that may not slepe for sickness seeth this herb in water and at even let him soke well hys feete in the water to the ancles, wha he goeth to bed, bind of this herbe to his temples.

Well, we won't be binding any violets to the temple anytime soon. However, other ways to savor the blossoms a bit longer is painting the flowers with equal parts confectionary sugar and egg whites and decorating various pastries with the lovely purple flowers.  Salads can be adorned with the fresh blossoms for a boost in nutrition and color as well.   Enjoy along with other beautiful purple flowers of the season!

Mullein or (Verbascum thapsus) for Respiratory Problems

As a child,  I would call this plant sheeps' ears due to the velvety, fuzzy texture of the leaves.  It was many years after I used Mullein as a tea that I finally realized that this was the plant.  Often found in disturbed soils or growing up through the cracks of cement, this weedy rosette is a hardy plant that grows a long "wand" spiked with yellow flowers which can also be used.  The yellow flowers are commonly used to infuse olive oil to make a Mullein oil that is a bactericide useful in the event of swimmer's ear or earaches.  Just use one drop in the ear to alleviate pain.

Feeling a little under the weather and are couch bound?

 Mullein is exceptionally useful for dry, hacking coughs.  In the not-so-far past, I remember working in Midtown and contracting, along with everyone else in the office, a nasty case of bronchitis. It hung in for a long time despite antibiotics and various over the counter cough syrups.  It wasn't until I started drinking Mullein daily that it finally went away.  Ever since,  I have had a supply of dried Mullein on hand to make a strong infusion.  It is my first choice for respiratory complaints of any sort.  (See a National Library of Medicine and Institute of Health study here).  Here are the properties of Verbascum thapsus aka Mullein:

-Expectorant
-Demulcent
-Mild diuretic
-Mild sedative, especially the seeds
-Vulnerary, expedites healing
-Anti inflammatory

It even looks like a lung!

An easy way to dry herbs is by hanging them from a line, in this case, the north side windows of the house.  This single, big leaf was enough to make a small pot for myself.  However, to make an infusion, you will need to pack a jar or tea pot filled with leaves and cover with hot water, seeping overnight for a stronger brew.  Today, I decided on a strong, hot tea for such a cold day.  It turns out that my Meyer lemon tree is growing some lemons, so I added a squeeze to my pot of tea.

I am delighted about seeing such sunshine yellow lemons against a snowy, wintery February backdrop (It's been a long winter).  Although my lemon tree is only about 18 inches tall, it has three lemons growing…Yay!

But I digress..

From Mrs. Maude Grieve's A Modern Herbal, we learn an interesting antidote:

"Both in Europe and Asia the power of driving away evil spirits was ascribed to the Mullein. In India it has the reputation among the natives that the St. John's Wort once had here, being considered a sure safeguard against evil spirits and magic, and from the ancient classics we learn that it was this plant which Ulysses took to protect himself against the wiles of Circe."

So I leave you with this wonderful image from LivingFoodLove website on using your Mullein wand for courage and protection…from those pesky bacteria and viruses that cause so many respiratory problems.  Shoo!