It finally feels like Spring, and one of my favorite things to do is forage for Spring flowers to make homemade teas. And this time of year, one of my favorite teas is Violet tea which tastes great hot as well as iced. Since violets aren’t around for long, I forage for as many as I can and then dehydrate them for use later on. Make sure only to harvest the flowers. The leaves are bitter and the stems can be slightly toxic.
But the flowers are filled with antioxidants and Vitamins A&C. Violets also have anti-inflammatory properties and can be use to soothe upset stomachs and urinary tract infections. I’ve also made this into a very strong tea (using 4 Tablespoons instead of 2) and then used it as a gargle to soothe sore throats and it also works well as a mouthwash to help ease sore and inflamed gums. Because of these homeopathic properties, Violets have been used for centuries as a simple remedy. So Sarah Munro, (my PhD historian and heroine in book 2 of the Deadly Force series, ONE DARK WISH), has added her recipe for Violet Tea to her collection of DIY herbal recipes.
Sarah Munro’s Violet Tea
Ingredients:
Directions:
This recipe makes one cup, but you can multiply the amounts to make a full teapot.
Place the violet flowers into a measuring cup and cover with 1 cup of boiling water. Steep for ten minutes and strain into a teacup.
Add a dash of honey and enjoy! Or, if you prefer, allow the tea to cool and drink it over ice.
If you would like to enjoy this tea during off seasons, you can dry or dehydrate the flowers. Once the flowers are completely dry, store in a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid, or a reused tea tin. Just make sure that no moisture can get into the container. Store in a dark, dry cabinet and the flowers should last for up to one year. Then, when ready to drink, add the dried flowers to a tea ball and steep for ten minutes.
Important Disclaimer: Herbal Remedies, Wild Plants, and Foraging
The information shared in my Romance Herbalist posts is intended for educational, historical, and entertainment purposes only. I am not a physician, licensed herbalist, or other medical professional. Nothing on this website should be considered medical advice or a substitute for consultation with a qualified healthcare provider.
Herbs, flowers, spices, and other plants have been used for centuries in cooking, traditional remedies, and folk medicine. However, natural does not always mean safe. Some plants can be toxic, cause allergic reactions, interact with medications, or be unsuitable for certain medical conditions.
Before preparing, consuming, or using any herbal product, please keep the following precautions in mind:
- Medications and medical conditions: Consult a qualified healthcare professional before using herbs medicinally, particularly if you take prescription or over-the-counter medications, have an existing medical condition, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are preparing something for children.
- Allergies: Research potential allergic reactions and cross-reactivity, especially if you have known allergies to plants, herbs, or spices.
- Plant identification: Never harvest or consume a wild plant unless you can positively identify it and confirm that it is safe for its intended use. Some poisonous plants closely resemble edible or medicinal varieties.
- Harvesting and foraging: Avoid collecting plants from roadsides, chemically treated areas, contaminated soil, or locations where pesticides, herbicides, or other pollutants may be present. Always follow local foraging laws and respect private property.
- Preparation and consumption: Research appropriate preparation methods, potential side effects, and safe quantities before using any plant. Certain plants may be safe in food but dangerous when concentrated or prepared incorrectly.
- Food safety: Use clean equipment, properly stored ingredients, and appropriate food-handling practices when preparing herbal teas, infusions, syrups, or other homemade products.
A note about traditional remedies: References to historical or folkloric uses of plants do not establish that those uses are medically effective or safe. Any discussion of potential health benefits is provided for general information and should not be interpreted as a recommendation to treat, cure, or prevent disease.
By choosing to forage, prepare, or consume any plant or herbal product discussed on this website, you accept responsibility for your own research, decisions, and safety. The author makes no guarantees regarding the safety, effectiveness, or suitability of any plant, recipe, or preparation described.
When in doubt, consult a qualified professional before using any herb or wild plant.
