14/04/2026
Violets are considered welcome “weeds” in the springtime garden, and we’ve just spotted this little beauty nestled in our lawn.
The sweet violet (Viola odorata) is a medicinal herb that has a variety of uses. Topically, the flowers and leaves can be used in a poultice, compress, infused oil, or salve for dry or chafed skin, abrasions, insect bites, eczema, varicose veins, and haemorrhoids. This is thanks to the plants cooling, soothing, and anti-inflammatory properties.
The flowers and leaves are also edible and can be used in salads, pesto, cakes, infused oils, vinegars, syrups, and herbal teas. When taken therapeutically in teas or syrups the plant is known as a blood cleanser, respiratory remedy, and lymphatic stimulant. As with many other herbs with an action on the lymphatic system, it has a long tradition of use with cancer patients.
Safety note: Violets have many look-alikes, many of which are inedible or poisonous, so only harvest them when the flowers are present and if you are 100% sure that you have a violet.
In aromatherapy, Violet Leaf Absolute is obtained via solvent extraction. It is a very thick, green substance that will need warming in order to make it mobile. The absolute has the same therapeutic properties as mentioned above but should not be taken internally. It is helpful for skincare, swellings and bruises, bronchitis, sore throats, stress headaches, rheumatism, and poor circulation. Emotionally it is believed to comfort grief and loss and encourage independence and acceptance of change. It can also be beneficial for stress and insomnia.
For a lovely uplifting spring diffuser blend combine 2 drops of Violet Leaf Absolute with 3 drops of Bergamot, and 1 drop of Geranium.
Violet Leaf Absolute is our essential oil of the month for April – so buy it now and SAVE 25%. https://tinyurl.com/4hdbkr98