Preparing the herb Viola for practical use

Here are some typical preparations for using Viola.

For Viola Tea:
You can steep 1-2 teaspoons of dried viola herb (leaves and flowers), in one cup of boiling water for about 10-15 minutes. Strain out the leaves and/or flowers, and add honey, sugar or lemon to your liking. Reheat to the desired temperature, and enjoy.

Viola as a Poultice:
Some have combined the powdered herb with water to make a paste that can be applied externally to skin sores.

For Varicose Veins:
Add 2-3 tablespoons of fresh viola flowers to a salad once a day.

Possible Medicinal uses for Viola

Viola as an herb, has some great qualities besides its cheerful countenance. Did you know that some have used viola's flowers and leaves to make a tea for eczema and other skin problems? It is helpful especially with skin conditions that have a "weeping" or a discharge accompanied with them.

The tea can also be used for coughs and bronchitis. This is great to know when you get a chest cold, and wanting something more natural, or something to accompany your other medicines you may be taking. Viola tea has been known to also help urinary problems, such as painful urination and cystitis.

Fresh Viola flower have been eaten to help treat and prevent varicose veins.
The flowers contain high amounts of rutin, a compound with helps maintain the strength of capillary walls. I think that is just incredible there are such healing herbs for us to enjoy.

Disclaimer:
(As with all things, please consult your doctor first to treat anything with your health. This is not meant to replace any doctors suggestions or care. )

The parts of the plant used, are the flowers and the leaves.

Growing your own Violass in gardens or containers

These are the things to keep in mind, when thinking about planting violas, whether for beauty or to use practically.
1. You can sow the seeds of violas with moist soil in early spring, as soon as the soil can be worked.
2. Plant in a sunny to partially shady location.
3. You can even plant the seeds in the fall, for early spring blooms.
4. For earliest blooms, start planting seeds indoors 8-12 weeks before the last frost date in your area. Check your zone to find out when that is.
5. If sowing seeds indoors, put them in a cool, dark location until germination occurs.
6. You can transplant the seedlings outdoors after danger of heavy frosts have passed.
7. Seeds germinate usually in 10-20 days.
8. Plant seeds only 1/8 inch deep, and space out your plants 6-9 inches apart.
9. They can grow from 6-12 inches tall.
10. Violas are a perennial.

Uses for Viola

You can plant viola in your herb garden, or any garden. Does great in a pot, or directly in the ground. It is an old fashioned perennial plant, that has been a favorite for some time. Its other name is Johnny Jump Up, and produces what looks like miniature pansy type flowers. They come in many shades of purples, yellows, and white. A very cheerful flower to have around. It blooms from spring until the fall. They look great in borders or flowerbeds, rock gardens, etc. Violas are hardy in zones 4-9.

In the kitchen, violas are edible so bring a fun addition to certain dishes, like salads. They bring added texture and color as garnishes. Just pretty to put on a plate of tea cookies or sandwiches.

Making little bouquets in tiny vases is fun too with these very sweet little flowers.

Viola, also known as Johnny Jump-Up

Violas are beautiful little flowers for the garden. They are dainty and very intricate in their detailing. A truly beautiful work of art.

Learning about the herb viola, has been interesting and my purpose here is to share with you what I have learned. Having planted these before, they are a joy to have around. I plan on using them again in the garden this spring. This is a great herb to enjoy if you are really "itching" to get going on your gardening in early spring. I know for me, when it has been a long winter, I want to start my indoor seeds, and look at the calender, etc. These are great ones to get going first, as they can handle cold weather a bit more, and the span is longer, up to 12 weeks.

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