How to Make Violet Infused Oil | How to Make Wild Violet Salve | Foraging

On the forest floor in May there is a carpet of beautiful little purple flowers. I was first introduced to these little plants a few years back during one of our nature study outings with the children. At that time we scribbled a quick sketch of the flower into our nature journals and popped a few of the flowers into our mouths once we learned that they were edible. Other than that we would pick them to press into our large book volumes to dry and press for winter day card making.

This year my plan is to learn more about the many medicinal herbs and plants God has created. A wild violet is on my list.

During our first trip into the woods we collected the blooms and made a wild violet tea which we then turned into a wild violet jelly. The family says it’s edible, but they prefer berry jams. So although I won’t be sharing recipes for the tea and jelly; you can find them online should you wish to try them.

Back into the woods we went to collect the leaves this time.

Benefits of Wild Violet Salve

encourages movement in the lymphatic system
known as a blood cleanser
high in vitamin A
high in vitamin C
anti- inflammatory
soothes minor skin irritations like eczema, insect bites and sunburn

How to Make Violet Leaf Infused Oil

Harvest fresh, violet leaves.
Give the leaves a quick rinse in a colander
Pat dry with a tea towel
Dehydrate the leaves. I use this dehydrator
* No dehydrator? No problem. Lay the leaves on a tea towel in a cool, out of the direct light area so that they are not overlapping. Turn the leaves every day for 2-3 days until they are crunchy and brittle
Once dried, pack the leaves into a sterilized mason jar.
Pour a carrier oil over the leaves. I use olive oil
Place the jar in a dark place and give it a shake every day for 4-6 weeks
*When the oil has turned a beautiful, golden green it’s ready
Strain through a cheesecloth or filter
Use the oil as is or make into a balm

How to Make a Wild Violet Leaf Balm for Breast Health or Skin Problems

Ingredients:
– 9 oz wild violet infused oil
– 1.5 oz beeswax
– 7 drops Clary Sage Essential Oil

Strain the infused oil through a cheesecloth and colander into a bowl

2. Measure out 9 oz of the violet leaf infused oil and add it to a mason jar

3. Heat of some water in a double boiler or a make shift one by filling a pan with water, resting some mason jar rims on the bottom and setting the mason jar with the oil and beeswax on top of them

4. Melt the beeswax into the oil in the mason jar in a pan filled with boiling water. Dip a toothpick in and let it cool. If the consistency of the balm isn’t thick enough add in a little more beeswax to thicken.