Violets

Another wild plant that has been thriving in the extended spring we have been experiencing here in Ontario is wild violets.

Violets (Viola papilionacea) medicinal properties include acting as a lymphatic stimulant.

The lymphatic system is what carries white blood cells, our immune cells. The unfortunate part of our lymphatic system is that its circulation is quite passive.

Unlike our cardiovascular system which vessels contain muscles that allow it to pump blood to, our lymphatic vessels do not have muscles. For the most part, it circulates by running in tandem to our cardiovascular system and by the movement of our body.

In spring when many people are coming out of "hibernation", being indoors and sedentary through the winter, susceptibility to cold and flu is high due to stagnation of the lymphatic system.

By helping our lymphatics circulate, through increasing physical activity and using herbs like violets, our immunity is stronger and more able to fight infection.

Complimentary to this, violets leaves are also rich in vitamin C, another supporter of the immune system.

Violets are so delicate and because of this, I wanted to preserve them in a way that highlighted this.

I tuned into the part of me that absolutely loves detail oriented repetitive tasks that I find so grounding and meditative, and candied a few handfuls of violets that I'll use in the future to decorate some spring desserts.

Dr. Cristina Allen ND