Viola odorata, or Violet: a beautiful name for a beautiful lady. This is one of the first herbs to peek up when the weather starts to warm, the snow melts, and the plants begin to regain some of their vibrant nature after the cold winter. The beautiful leaves are hidden in lawns and ride low in the planes and on forest floors, hardly seen unless a person is looking to find them. Once you locate violet, you might find that it is spread far and wide. It is a common " weed" that spreads plentifully in lawns, gardens, and fields. The beautiful purple flowers are shy and hard to see, hence the expression, " shrinking violet." Indeed, myths abound, lending to this common herb an air of intrigue. Violet is considered the flower of modesty and virginity, often associated with the Virgin Mary. In Victorian floriography (" the language of flowers" ), violet was a symbol of retiring modesty, which has led to its status of being the flower to give for a 50th wedding anniversary. Not surprisingly, this popular flower also has historical use as a medicinal plant, but is often overlooked in modern pharmacopeias. Although not many studies have been done on the medicinal benefits of violet, thousands of years of use by traditional healers is not to be discounted. I personally use violet to add some moisture and demulcent action to highly astringent and drying preparations like red raspberry leaf, nettle leaf, and sage. The flavor is more green and neutral. It certainly adds support for the whole body. This issue includes these articles: Violet Herbal Monograph The History of Violet Cleansing Spring Violet Cream Violet Leaf for Breast Health Wise Women's Violet Recipes Water Violet Flower Essence A Taste of Magic: Using Violet in the Kitchen
