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 ABOUT WILD PLANTS, FORAGING, AND MAKING HERBAL REMEDIES:
I am not a medical professional and nothing written on this blog is medical advice. None of my statements have been evaluated by the FDA (I am legally required to give you this disclaimer).
It is important to do your due diligence before foraging, harvesting, and/or consuming any type of medicinal plant.
- If you are taking any medications, talk to your doctor about any potential drug interactions.
- If you are allergic to anything, make sure whatever you are foraging is not in the same family. Example: While dandelions are typically considered safe, those who are allergic to ragweed, latex, daisies, or any other plants in the same or similar families, may not be able to consume dandelion.
Always research potential side effects, dosage recommendations, and how to properly prepare and consume each medicinal plant.
Always make sure you are foraging what you believe to be. Fully prepare and study the anatomy before harvesting wild plants.
Always make sure your kitchen/work area is clean and that all materials are sterilized.
Do not forage plants from areas that have been sprayed within the past 2 years at the very least.
I am not legally or morally responsible for the health of any of my readers. Please do your own research!
