Medicinal plant
Violet
Viola spp.
A soothing spring green, fresh and topical.
A demulcent, moistening and soothing to dry or irritated tissues, and a vulnerary/anti-inflammatory used topically in traditional herbal practice for irritated skin. Also a nutritive edible spring green and flower.
Properties
Demulcent — Coats, moistens, and soothes irritated internal tissues
Lymphatic — Traditionally supports lymph flow and lymphatic function
Expectorant — Helps loosen and move mucus from the lungs and chest
Energetics
Cooling Moistening Relaxing
Growing and using it
Life cycle
Herbaceous perennial.
What to buy
Common blue violet (Viola sororia) plugs or potted plants; straight-species seed is a backup option.
Best way to start
Plug, division, or potted plant.
Seed starting
Seed usually needs a period of cold-moist stratification and can be slow; fall sowing is practical.