Sweet Violet - Herb Uses |
WARNING - Excess use of root causes vomiting.
Culinary (eaten)
Fresh leaves and flowers are used in salads. Flowers are used as garnish for desserts, candied, or added to vinegar, ices, and syrups.
Infusion (like a tea)
Pour near-boiling water over the herb and let steep 5-10 minutes. Standard quantities are 75g fresh or 30g dried herb to 500ml water. The Infusion must be taken same day. It may be sweetened, but do not add milk. This is the best method for leaves and flowers.
Used for treating Asthma, Bronchitis, Catarrh, Coughs, Cancer of the Breast, Lungs, Stomach, or Digestive Tract
Decoction
Simmer the leaves, flowers and roots for 15-30 minutes and strain. Standard quantities are 75g fresh or 30g dried herb to 500ml water. The Decoction must be used on the same day.
Used for treating Asthma, Bronchitis, Catarrh, Coughs, Cancer of the Breast, Lungs, Stomach, or Digestive Tract
Tincture
Using a strong clear alcohol (gin or vodka is ideal), steep the leaves and flowers for 2 weeks or more, strain and use. Standard quantities are 75g fresh or 30g dried herb to 400ml alcohol. Tinctures store very well.
Used for treating Asthma, Bronchitis, Catarrh, Coughs, Cancer of the Breast, Lungs, Stomach, or Digestive Tract
Compress
A Compress is made by soaking a clean cloth in a hot unsweetened Infusion, Decoction, or diluted Tincture made from the leaves and applying externally to the affected area.
Used for treating Cancer of the Breast, Lungs, Stomach, or Digestive Tract
Oil
Medicated Oils are oils infused with the leaves and seeds. Four methods are available to make Medicated Oils. 1) heat 250g dried or 750g fresh herb in 500ml of oil in a bowl over boiling water for 2-3 hours. 2) fill a jar with fresh herbs, top it up with oil, cover and leave for 2-3 weeks. Renew the herb for another 2-3 weeks to increase the concentration (best for flowers). 3) add 25-50 drops of the "essential oils of the herb" into 100ml of Oil for immediate use. 4) essential oils are obtained by evaporation of the herb in a stoppered glass container left in the sun for several days.
Used in Food Flavouring and Perfumes
Wash
The herb can be used as a Wash by diluting an unsweetened Infusion or Decoction, or adding a Tincture to a large quantity of water. Use Wash by gargling.
Used for treating Mouth and Throat Infections
Sweet Violet - Plant Information |
