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Viola odorata
Discover the gentle yet powerful medicine of Sweet Violet (Viola odorata)—a favourite in traditional herbalism for soothing inflammation, supporting the lymphatic system, and calming irritated respiratory tissues. In this blog, explore where violets grow, how to identify them ethically, and the unique cooling, moistening energetics that make them such a beloved remedy for women’s health, spring detoxification, and dry, irritated coughs. Learn how to harvest and prepare Sweet Violet safely, what the research and folklore say about its healing qualities, and simple ways to bring this tender, heart-softening plant into your teas, syrups, and seasonal remedies.
Habitat & Growth Pattern
Sweet Violets grow on the forest floor, protected from the harsh winter conditions by leaf mulch; they typically are found at the forest edge where there is plenty of indirect sunlight. Also commonly found close to water sources or standing water these small plants can be easy to miss but prolific once you adjust your eyes - you’ll see them everywhere!
Sweet Violets have heart-shaped leaves, and live quite low to the ground; the flower can come in many colours but will always have 5 petals. Sweet Violets are the most fragrant of the violets, but Heartsease is another delicious violet - boasting a mild wintergreen flavour.
Harvesting
Positively identify your patch of Sweet Violets. If the patch is small try to either collect a plant and then grow in your own garden (it’s very easy), or come back to the patch in the coming years and wait until you can get a reasonable harvest. If the patch is quite large then harvest some of the larger leaves, only collecting a couple from a single plant leaving enough for it to continue to thrive. You can also collect the flower of the plant to use for medicine, try to only take one flower from each plant so that it is able to create a seed pod for the following year. Come back to your patch as the season moves on, it will put out new leaves and flowers for you to enjoy.
Find Sweet Violets COMING SOON...
Sensitive Soul - Energetic Glycerite
Crafted from the tender blossoms of Sweet Violet and Lilac—two ephemeral spring flowers that grace the season with their soft fragrance before retreating beneath the heat of summer. Though delicate in appearance, both plants are remarkably resilient, thriving in temperate climates where conditions can shift from cold damp springs to intense summer sun. Their medicine mirrors this quiet strength: Violet offers cooling, comforting softness for the tender-hearted, while Lilac brings a gentle uplifting quality, helping to clear emotional heaviness with its bright floral presence. Together, they create a soothing energetic remedy for those who feel deeply, offering calm, resilience, and a sense of inner refuge. Available Summer 2026
Medicinal Uses
Sweet Violets thrive in dark, damp environments as such they tend to have a moistening and cooling effect on the body. This makes Violet an excellent herb for quelling inflammation, soothing mucosal tissues, and calming an agitated mindset. Violets also have a stimulating effect on the lymphatic system of the body, encouraging lymphatic flow to support conditions such as cysts, swelling of lymph nodes, breast mastitis, and edema.
Across most cultures Violet has consistently been associated with lung health and function - Muskogee herbalist Tis Mal Crow notes how the branching pattern of the stems and the cool, moist environment they grow in all indicate that they will have an effect on the lungs. The softening and releasing aspects of Violet lend it to being an excellent herb of choice when the mind becomes rigid and easily agitated - such as with damaging thought patterns, chronic stress, recurring headaches, and bad habits.
Dosage
Violet is considered a very gentle medicine, mild enough for children and with no known drug interactions this mighty medicinal can be safely used by the whole family. Simply add a few flowers and leaves to a cup of tea and enjoy the soothing sensation of spring.
