viola species

violet

violet

Another famous edible flower (including leaves) with a sweet perfumes flavor. Violets are floral, sweet and beautiful as garnishes in salads, desserts and drinks. Heart-shaped leaves with slightly serrated edges are edible, and tasty when cooked like spinach. Flowers may be deep purple, blue, pink, or white. All have 5 petals, which may have a yellow (fur) or beard on the inside of two of the petals. Whole plant is edible, including roots. Tea from whole plant used for digestive disorders and headache. (contains saliclic acid- “aspirin”). Flowers and leaves commonly used for respiratory ailments associated with congestion, coughing, and sore throat. Root powder is laxative. Taking too much of the root may cause vomiting. Plant contains eugenol, ferulic-acid, kaempferol, quercetin, scopoletin, which are used in the treatment of cancer, AIDS, arthritis, gum disease, expelling parasites and treating malignant growths. Anti-inflammatory, can be used internally and externally for pimples, abscesses, tumors, and swollen glands. Put flowers in bath. Relaxing aroma.