The Herbalist Enthusiast

By: Diana Ross, Breast Cancer Yoga’s Herbal Enthusiast.
Viola odorata – Sweet Violet – Flowers

Meatless Monday is going to have a new twist this week. As I walk everywhere watching and smelling all the beauty awakening around me I see first and foremost the “sweet violet”. These heart shaped leaves come with beautiful purple scented flowers which are edible: they are so much more than pretty ornamentals for your garden. Today we are sharing the flowers as eatables in salads. Many flowers and flowering vegetables produce petals that can be added to many sweet and savory dishes for an extra kick of color and flavor, and sweet violet is no exception.

First I want to share what sweet violet is, and how valuable it’s healing properties are for breast cancer, hay fever, congestion and sinus pain. We will be sharing my Master Herbalist, Patricia Krysti Howell’s exciting plant this week too but I wanted to share this amazing plant/herb. Patricia brought it to my keen attention and all that it has to offer. It has been used for neoplasms (abnormal tissue growth in the breast) and for the alimentary canal (whole passage along which food passes through the body.) It has anti-HIV actions – that are validated. Easing inflammation and roughness of the throat in a syrup concoction. The infused violets act as a mild expectorant. Actions of violets are known mostly for it’s use in “syrup of violets” as a mild laxative or as a herbal tea.

If you choose to plant violets in your herb garden just be mindful that they spread quickly. Love to make an arugula salad, blueberries or black berries and violet flowers. Totally yummy and incredibly beautiful.

 

About Diana Ross: E-RYT 500 restorative yoga teacher, survivor that cares and founder of Breast Cancer Yoga. Diana is making a difference with Breast Cancer Yoga therapeutic products designed to support you emotionally and physically during breast cancer . We want to give you the attention and personal service you need so please email us at info@breastcanceryoga.com if you have questions.