Plants have many uses. Some like to use flowers as just a decoration. However, not only are they a decoration, but they are also healthy for you. Violets or viola speciosa, are edible. Some species, especially in South America have roots with vomitive properties which can be used to replace ipecacuanha. Apparently all species including the garden varieties, are edible. Young leaves and flower buds are used raw for salads in the spring and young leaves in the late summer. Leaves and flowers are used as a potherb also. Often used to thicken soups, especially in the south where violets may be called wild okra. Flowers can be candied like rose petals and have been used to flavor vinegar, as many flowers as can be put in, then white vinegar is added. Leaves make a good tea substitute. Long boiling does not make the tea bitter. Seeds are purgative, flowers are pectoral. A gentle laxative syrup is made by an infusion of the fresh petals which can also be used as a reactive. It is said that cancer can be cured by an infusion of violet leaves. Useful in hot swellings to drink a concoction of the leaves and flowers made with water or wine, or to apply as poultices to the affected part. Any species of viola is worth trying with some being better than others. 1 teaspoon of violet flowers boiled for 3 minutes in 1 cup of water and then strain. Take this twice daily on an empty stomach for treating colds. Violet leaves, flowers and oils are featured in many Islamic healing formulas.
Syrup of violets consists of a quart of freshly picked flowers steeped in a quart of cold water until the color and flavor are absorbed into the water. The liquid is then strained and 4 pounds of sugar added for each quart of fluid. Gradually the liquid is brought to a boil and simmered until it forms a thick syrup. A violet conserve was made from flower petals beaten to a smooth paste with twice their weight in sugar, and then potted and sealed. Violet vinegar, which is said to lend a special flavor to salad dressing, can be made by filling a jar half full with flower heads then topping it up with boiled white wine vinegar and allowing it to stand for one week. The liquid is then carefully strained, bottled and well corked. Violet honey was also very popular. A handful of petals was mixed with 1 pound of ordinary honey and heated in a double boiler until the mixture acquired the flavor of violets.
A toilet water, which gives a fragrant scent to the body when applied after bathing, can be made from 2 ounces of violet petals to one pint of wine vinegar. The ingredients should be placed in a container and stood in a warm place, ideally in sunlight, for two weeks, then strained and bottled. Violet scented toilet waters, soaps and powders are still very popular today.
Pliny referred to the violet's excellent properties, believing that the odor of some species cured headaches, and that healing virtues existed in the leaves and flowers. In the Middle Ages, the flower was quite extensively used in medicine. A powder produced from the dried petals and taken in water was used to counteract epilepsy, quinsy, pleurisy, jaundice and sleeplessness. A poultice of flowers and leaves was applied to the forehead to relieve headaches. The expressed juice, which forms a slightly laxative syrup, was prescribed for children.
types:
Blue Violet: Birthday flower for 11 March, symbolizing faithfulness and love.
Purple Violet: Signifies: "you occupy my thoughts".
White Violet: Birthday flower for 14 March, symbolizing candor, innocence and modesty.
Wild Violet: It means love in idleness.
Yellow Violet: Birthday flower for 28 April, signifying rare worth and rural happiness.