Discover the Benefits and Uses of Violet Flower Tea

Violets are not only beautiful flowers but also a wonderful ingredient in the world of herbal teas. In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about violet flower tea, its unique flavor, health benefits, and how to brew the perfect cup. If you are curious about the history of violets, or looking for creative recipes using violet flower tea, you’re in the right place!

Violet Wonders: A Comprehensive Guide to Making Violet Flower Tea, Uses of Viola, History, and Benefits

Explore the rich history, uses, and benefits of violets with our comprehensive guide on making violet flower tea, culinary applications of viola blossoms, and more!

Mark Twain once said ‘Forgiveness is the fragrance that the violet sheds on the heel that has crushed it.’ This famous tea quote expresses how hard it to move on from hurt and that we should always act to show kindness and mercy. The violet flower is also commonly known as ‘hearts-ease’ as it is believed to comfort and strengthen the heart and was the herb of choice for many emotional issues.

History and Origins of Violets and Violet Flower Tea

Violets (Viola), known for their stunning five-petaled flowers, belong to the Violaceae family. With colors ranging from deep purple and blue to white and yellow, violets are cherished for both their beauty and versatility. Common species include:

• 🪻 Viola odorata (sweet violet or common violet)

• 🪻 Viola tricolor (wild pansy or heartsease)

• 🪻 Viola sororia (eastern blue violet)

Violets aren’t just ornamental—they’ve played a significant role in history, culinary arts, herbal medicine, and tea-making traditions. One popular use today is violet flower tea, a soothing herbal infusion enjoyed for its delicate flavor and potential health benefits.

🌿 Ancient Uses of Violets: From Herbal Remedies to Violet Flower Tea

The history of violets stretches back to ancient civilizations:

• Ancient Greece: Violets symbolized love and fertility, often used in love potions.

• Medieval Europe: Valued for healing properties and used in herbal remedies.

• Roman Era: The Romans crafted Violatium, a violet-infused wine. Fresh violet petals were steeped in wine for two weeks, sweetened with honey, a process similar to brewing violet flower tea today.

👉 You may also like to read more about tea infused wine.

🍵 Violet Flower Tea: An Herbal Infusion with a Rich Past

Did you know violets have long been used to make soothing teas? Violet flower tea is prepared by infusing fresh or dried violet petals in hot water. This herbal tea, or tisane, has been enjoyed for centuries for its:

• Distinct flavor from petals, leaves, and stems

• Traditional medicinal uses in treating mild ailments

• Aromatic experience, reminiscent of floral gardens

If you’re curious about brewing your own, read on for the step-by-step guide.

🌎 Global Origins of Violets

Violets are native to Europe, Asia, and North America, thriving in woodlands, meadows, and gardens. Their resilience has made them popular ornamental plants worldwide. Today, violets continue to captivate with their:

• Cultural significance across continents

• Culinary uses, including violet flower tea

• Ornamental beauty in gardens

🔮 Spiritual Symbolism of Violets: Beyond Violet Flower Tea

Violets are steeped in spiritual meaning across cultures:

• 🌌 Spirituality & Intuition: Thought to enhance mindfulness and inner reflection.

• 🌿 Modesty & Humility: Symbolizing simplicity and grace.

• 🌱 Transformation & Rebirth: Representing growth and new beginnings.

• ❤️ Love & Protection: Believed to carry energies of compassion and emotional healing.

Whether enjoyed in a calming cup of violet flower tea or appreciated for their spiritual symbolism, violets truly are flowers of wonder.

Pansies vs. Violets: Key Differences, Similarities, and Uses

Pansies and violets are closely related members of the Violaceae family. While they share similarities in appearance and uses, there are distinct differences in their botanical classification, appearance, growing habits, and applications. This guide explores how pansies and violets differ and why violet flower tea lovers might prefer one over the other.

🌿 Botanical Classification: Pansies vs. Violets

• Pansies (Viola × wittrockiana): A hybrid species derived from crossing multiple violet species, including:

  • Viola tricolor (wild pansy or heartsease)

  • Viola altaica

  • Viola lutea

• Violets (Viola genus): Encompasses various species such as:

  • Viola odorata (common or sweet violet)

  • Viola sororia (eastern blue violet)

  • Viola tricolor (wild pansy or heartsease)

💡 Top Tip: For tea lovers, violets like Viola odorata are commonly used to brew violet flower tea due to their mild flavor and health benefits.

🌼 Appearance: How to Tell Pansies and Violets Apart

• Pansies:

  • Larger flowers with distinctive “faces” (dark center or eye)

  • Wide range of colors: purple, yellow, orange, blue, and pink

  • Petals have bold, contrasting patterns

• Violets:

  • Smaller, simpler flowers

  • Common colors: purple, blue, yellow, and white

  • Delicate petal structure, perfect for culinary and tea uses

✨ Because of their delicate petals, violets are often preferred for making violet flower tea and as edible decorations.

🌱 Growing Habits: Lifespan and Ideal Conditions

• Pansies:

  • Typically annual or biennial, completing their life cycle in 1–2 years

  • Grown as cool-season annuals in temperate climates

  • Popular in bedding plants and container gardens

• Violets:

  • Generally perennial, thriving for several years with proper care

  • Naturally found in woodlands, meadows, and ornamental gardens

  • Adaptable and resilient, making them ideal for herbal tea cultivation

🌿 Perennial violets offer a sustainable source for brewing violet flower tea year after year.

🍵 Culinary and Medicinal Uses: Which One is Best for Tea?

Both pansies and violets have culinary, medicinal, and decorative uses:

• Pansies:

  • Used as edible flowers in salads, desserts, and cake garnishes

  • Popular in floral arrangements for their vibrant colors

• Violets:

  • Ideal for violet flower tea, with both petals and leaves offering unique flavors

  • Used in candies, liqueurs, and herbal remedies

  • Valued in traditional medicine for respiratory and skin health

💡 For tea enthusiasts, violets are the clear choice. Their petals infuse into a fragrant and soothing violet flower tea with potential health benefits.

Final Thoughts on Pansies vs. Violets

While pansies are vibrant and perfect for garden displays, violets stand out for their culinary versatility, especially in crafting violet flower tea. Their historical use in herbal remedies and teas makes them a must have for tea lovers seeking both flavor and wellness benefits.

What Parts of the Violet Plant are Edible?

The violet plant (Viola spp.) offers multiple edible parts, including flowers, leaves, petals, and sometimes roots (rhizomes), depending on the species. Each part brings unique flavors and uses, especially in culinary dishes and violet flower tea.

🌸 1. Edible Flowers

• Usage: Garnish for salads, desserts, or infused in violet flower tea.

• Flavor: Delicate, floral taste with vibrant colors.

• Harvest Tip: Pick fresh flowers for the best flavor and appearance.

🍃 2. Edible Leaves

• Usage: Adds mild, slightly sweet flavor to salads, soups, or cooked dishes.

• Appearance: Heart-shaped or oval leaves with distinct veining.

• Pro Tip: Leaves can complement herbal teas when dried.

🌼 3. Violet Petals

• Usage: Decorative addition to culinary creations like beverages, desserts, and salads.

• Flavor: Subtle floral notes, enhancing aesthetic appeal and taste.

🌱 4. Roots (Rhizomes)

• Usage: Edible in select violet species after proper cleaning and preparation.

• Caution: Not all violet species have edible roots; some may be toxic.

⚠️ Important: Safe Consumption of Violets ⚠️

Before consuming violets:

• Identify the species:

  • Safe for culinary use:

    • Viola odorata (sweet violet)

    • Viola tricolor (wild pansy or heartsease)

    • Viola sororia (eastern blue violet)

  • ⚠️ Avoid toxic species:

    • Viola hirta (hairy violet) – contains harmful compounds.

• Source from clean environments: Ensure violets are harvested from pollution-free areas.

• Consult experts: If in doubt, seek professional advice before consumption.

🌼 Foraging, Identifying & Dehydrating Violets for Tea

Foraging for wild violets can be a rewarding experience, especially when crafting violet flower tea. However, proper identification and harvesting techniques are essential.

🔍 1. How to Identify Edible Violets

• Common Edible Species:

  • Viola odorata (sweet violet)

  • Viola tricolor (wild pansy)

  • Viola sororia (eastern blue violet)

• Identification Tips:

  • Look for heart-shaped leaves and five-petaled flowers.

  • Reference field guides or trusted online resources.

🏞️ 2. Choosing the Right Foraging Location

• Ideal Spots: Wooded areas, meadows, near clean streams.

• Safety First:

  • Forage away from polluted areas (roadsides, industrial zones).

  • Always follow local foraging regulations.

🌿 3. Sustainable Foraging Practices

• Harvest responsibly:

  • Take only what you need.

  • Leave enough plants for regeneration and ecosystem health.

• Avoid rare or protected species.

• Clean your harvest: Wash gently to remove debris.

🌿 4. Dehydrating Violets for Tea
To craft the perfect cup of violet flower tea:

• Step 1: Gently wash fresh violet flowers.

• Step 2: Spread flowers in a single layer on a mesh screen or tray.

• Step 3: Air dry for several days or use a dehydrator at a low temperature.

• Step 4: Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

💡 Properly dried violets retain their delicate floral flavor, ideal for making soothing cups of violet flower tea.

🚨 Final Safety Tips for Foraging and Consuming Violets

• Double-check plant identification—edible violets vs. toxic lookalikes.

• Ensure foraging follows local regulations.

• Consume in moderation, as even edible plants can cause reactions if overconsumed.

• Consult experts or reliable sources if unsure about plant species.

From violet flower tea to vibrant culinary decorations, violets offer diverse edible parts worth exploring. By practicing safe identification, responsible foraging, and proper preparation methods, you can enjoy the delicate flavors and benefits violets bring to the table.

What are the Health Benefits and Effects of Violets

Violets have been used for thousands of years for medicinal purposes and well known for having calming and anti stress effects on the mind and body. It can help you feel more relaxed and happy. Some of the other health benefits include:

• Coughs and colds: Violet flowers and leaves are commonly used in tinctures, tea and in syrups to help treat coughs including more severe bronchitis and even pertussis (whooping cough). Records show that early European medicinal recipes included the use of viola blossoms and leaves for cough medicine. The plant contains expectorant properties that can help with a chesty cough. The high levels of vitamin c help with inflammation for easier breathing. This study suggests that violet syrup may act as a cough suppressant in children with asthma. An infusion made from both the leaves and the flowers can be used as a mouthwash and gargle for scratchy sore throats. It also contains diaphoretic properties which can help the body to sweat more which in turn can help with breaking a fever.

• Pain relief: Violets contain compounds known as rutin and salicylic acid which have therapeutic qualities that can aid in relieving pain and inflammation. It’s these compounds that can help with pain and inflammation of the joints caused by conditions such as fibromyalgia and arthritis.

• Heart health: Violets are believed to help with blood circulation and vascular health due to the compound anthocyanin. This is the antioxidant responsible for the beautiful blue to purple colour of the flower. This study shows that the anthocyanins found in plants significantly improve vascular health. The leaves of the viola plant are also high in soluble fiber which can help to reduce cholesterol. Soluble fiber is also great for gut health.

• Skin health: Violets have been used since the ancient Greek era to help treat skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis by using topically in salves and by taking the tea made from an infusion. Violets are naturally cooling, soothing and contain anti-fungal qualities therefore work great to use in healing creams and ointments and also as a burn salve and wound healer. Studies are lacking in showing the effectiveness of viola flowers for eczema and dermatitis, however many people swear by this homeopathic remedy for the prevention and treatment of skin irritations.

• Laxative effects: Violets are known to help with digestion and have mild laxative effects which could be a benefits for some and a risk for others. This study shows that violet capsules maybe beneficial to chronically constipated menopausal women. Syrup of violets is commonly used for the elderly and for children to aid in the relief of constipation and can also be effective for healing hemorrhoids.

What are the Side Effects?

Like all herbs and herbal remedies, violets and violet tea can have some side effects. Violets are used as a delicate herbal remedy but some individuals can have allergies to these flowers, to the pollen, or to saponins present in the plant. Violets aren’t generally high in pollen and so are less likely to trigger a response in allergy suffers but it can still happen. Saponins are bitter compounds naturally found in many different foods such as quinoa, legumes, certain herbs and in the violet plant. The roots contain higher doses than the blossoms and leaves. Some people are sensitive to saponins which can cause inflammation of the intestinal lining, itchy skin and rashes.

Violet flowers are known to be a mild laxative, especially the yellow varieties. The laxative effects could be a benefit for some but a risk for others with sensitive digestion. Toxicity can occur from the roots of the plant in particular.

Individuals on certain medications should avoid this plant. Whilst it is considered safe and many people take tea made from violets or other remedies on a daily basis, it is always best to discuss concerns and seek advice from your healthcare provider.

Uses for Violets

Violet flowers and leaves have been used in many different ways for thousands of years. Here are some of my favourite ways to use these pretty purple flowers:

1. ☕ Make tea: My number one way to use these flowers is to make a soothing calming cup of tea!* Infuse the fresh or dried herb in freshly boiled water and allow to steep for 5-10 minutes, add a drizzle of honey and enjoy. *Herbal teas will only last up to 2 days stored in the fridge and therefore it is always best to freshly make the tea when needed.

2. 🍹 Iced tea: Make a large glass of iced tea with the fresh or dried flowers. Strongly brew your tisane, add your sweetener of choice and pour over a large glass of ice. Add mint sprigs, slices of lemons, limes and/or berries.

3. 🧊 Ice cubes: Strongly brew your floral tisane and pour into ice cube moulds for use in iced tea at later time. You can also add the beautiful whole flowers into your ice cubes with or without the steeped tea. You can also use frozen violet tea to cool itchy skin or irritating insect bites.

4. 🍬 Candied flowers: Make candied violet flowers for use on cakes and to decorate other desserts using egg whites and icing sugar. Here is an easy candied flower recipe.

5. 🥤 Violet lemonade: Make traditional homemade lemonade with added steeped violets, or alternatively cold brew your flowers in sparkling water with added honey and freshly squeezed lemons for an easy sparkling iced tea recipe.

6. 🍵 Hot toddy: Make a soothing violet hot toddy buy brewing your flowers in freshly boiled water, add honey, slices of lemon and your favourite tipple. If you love hot tea recipes try this chamomile hot toddy or steep violets with marshmallow root, licorice, honey and lemon. All of these ingredients are believed to aid in the relief of sore throats, coughs and colds. This recipe for throat coat hot toddy is also great for dry throats.

7. 🛁 Bath soak: Add freshly brewed violet tea to your bath to make a healing therapeutic bath soak.

8. 😷 Cough syrup: Making cough syrup with fresh flowers is fairly straight forward by infusing your flowers in water for 24 hours before heating with white sugar to make a simple syrup. Cool it and strain it before using it. Here is a great soothing recipe for violet cough candy/cough drops.

9. 👄 Mouthrinse: Use as a natural mouth rinse or use as a gargle for sore throats.

10. 🥗 Salads: Top salads with the pretty edible flowers.

11. 🧁 Top cakes: Top cakes and desserts with the pretty purple flowers.

12. 😎 Sunburn treatment: Mix violet flowers with aloe vera gel in a blender or food processor to cool sunburns. If you love aloe vera recipes, you may love this matcha and aloe face mask.

13. 🫙 Jams and jellies: Make wild violet jam or jelly using violets, sugar and pectin to make sweet jam perfect for afternoon tea time.

14. 🍶 Vinegar: Infuse violet blossoms in white wine vinegar. Use as you would vinegar in recipes or use to soothe insect bites and skin irritations including helping to rid of dandruff.

15. 💅 Salves, oils and ointments: Make infused creams, salves, oil or ointment for hydration and to soothe dry skin.

16. 🍯 Honey: Infuse the flavours of violets into wildflower honey just like this lavender infused honey recipe.

Delightfully Floral: How to Make Violet Flower Tea and Discover Its Unique Flavor Profile

Learn how to brew tea using violets and experience its gentle, floral flavor with hints of sweetness, creating a unique and delightful tea experience.

How to Make Violet Tea

So how can you drink it? There are a few different methods that you can use to get a delicious glass of tea from this wonderful plant. Here are the most common methods.

How to brew your own violet flower tea:

This is a fairly simple method, especially if you have a teapot and some loose tea leaves or even fresh flowers. All you have to do is put a few teaspoons of dried blossoms into your teapot and pour hot water over the leaves. Use 1-2 teaspoons of dried herb OR 5-10 fresh flowers to one cup of water per person. Let the water sit for a 5-10 minutes and then remove the leaves with a fine mesh strainer. This method is ideal for preparing a single serving of tea, but you can make several servings this way and store them in the refrigerator for later consumption. However, herbal tea will spoil quickly so use within 2 days.

How to make a homemade violet flower tea bag:

Making your own homemade tea bags is a great way to enjoy this wonderful beverage without having to fiddle with loose leaves, infusers and strainers. You can get a recipe online or find a website that offers instructions for making your own tea bags out of organic dried flowers from the violet genus and organic cotton or muslin cloth. You can also buy reusable and fillable tea filters online or in specialist tea shops. To make your tea bags, all you have to do is add the loose leaves to the bags and tie them off with string. Place the bags into a mug and pour boiling water over them; let the mixture steep for several minutes before drinking. This is a quick and easy way to brew a cup of tea, but you can use the same technique to make a large batch of tea and store it in the refrigerator to enjoy at a later time. Again, I would recommend using within 2 days.

How to make an iced violet flower tea:

If you like cold drinks in the summer, making iced tea is the perfect way to enjoy this beverage on a hot summer’s day. You can make strongly brewed hot tea as usual and then add ice to it to cool it down. Add a sweetener of choice such as honey or agave. You can also make a larger batch and store in the fridge for later consumption. This way you can enjoy a refreshing drink at any time of the day!

Where you can find fresh or dried violet flowers for brewing tea:

Finding fresh violet flowers at your local market can be tricky sometimes. They tend to be available in the spring and early summer, which makes them the perfect accompaniment to a hot cup of tea on a warm spring day. If you live in an area where violets are in season, you may want to keep some dried violet flowers on hand to use in brewing your tea all year long. Many florists sell small packages of dried violet flowers that you can use in brewing your own tea at home.

Violet Tea vs Butterfly Pea Flower Tea vs Purple Tea

Violet tea, butterfly pea flower tea, and purple tea are three different types of teas, each with distinct characteristics.

1. Violet Tea: Violet tea is typically made from the flowers of violet plants (Viola spp.). It has a delicate and floral flavor, with a subtle sweetness. Violet tea is known for its unique flavor and vibrant color, which can range from pale purple to deep blue, depending on the species of violet used and the preparation method.

2. Butterfly Pea Flower Tea: Butterfly pea flower tea is made from the flowers of the butterfly pea plant (Clitoria ternatea). It is known for its striking blue color, which can change to purple or pink when lemon or other acidic ingredients are added. Butterfly pea flower tea has a mild, earthy taste with a slightly sweet undertone.

3. Purple Tea: Purple tea refers to a type of tea made from tea leaves (from the Camellia sinensis plant) that have a naturally purple color. This unique color of purple tea comes from the presence of anthocyanins, which are natural pigments that give the tea leaves a purple hue. Purple tea is often associated with a milder and smoother flavor profile, with notes of floral, fruity, and sometimes even sweet undertones.

In summary, while all three teas may have a purple color, they are made from different plant species and have distinct flavors. Violet tea has a delicate and floral flavor, butterfly pea flower tea has a mild, earthy taste, and purple tea is known for its unique flavor profile with notes of floral and fruitiness.

FAQs About Violets and Violet Flower Tea

Is Violet Tea Safe to Enjoy Everyday?

Whilst violet tea is considered safe and many people take this herbal tea daily, it is always best to enjoy it in moderation. Always consult your healthcare provider with any queries or concerns.

What Does Violet Flower Tea Taste Like?

Violet flower tea is known for its delicate and floral flavor. The taste of violet flower tea can vary depending on the species of violet used, the preparation method, and any additional ingredients that may be added to the tea.

In general, violet flower tea has a subtle sweetness with hints of floral notes. Some describe the flavor as reminiscent of violet candies or perfumes, with a mild, pleasant taste that is not overpowering. The flavor can be enhanced with the addition of sweeteners, such as honey or agave syrup, and complemented with other ingredients like lemon, chamomile or mint to add a refreshing twist. Try adding a sprinkle of dried violets to Moroccan mint tea!

Are All Violet Species Safe to Use for Tea?

No, not all violets are safe for consumption. Edible species like Viola odorata (sweet violet) and Viola tricolor (wild pansy) are commonly used for violet flower tea. However, species such as Viola hirta (hairy violet) may contain toxic compounds. Always properly identify the species and source violets from clean, chemical-free environments.

Can Violet Flower Tea Be Made from Wild Violets?

Yes! Wild violets can be used for tea, but proper identification is crucial. When foraging:

• Choose safe species like Viola odorata or Viola sororia.

• Harvest from unpolluted areas, avoiding roadsides or chemically treated lands.

• Dry the flowers completely before storage to preserve flavor and quality.
  When prepared correctly, wild violets create a fragrant, soothing tea with potential health benefits.

How Do You Make Violet Flower Tea at Home?

To make violet flower tea, simply:

1. Harvest fresh or dried violet flowers (Viola odorata or Viola tricolor).

2. Rinse fresh petals gently and steep, or place 1–2 teaspoons of dried herb in hot water (not boiling) for 5–7 minutes.

3. Strain and enjoy, optionally sweetened with honey or lemon.
   This tea offers a delicate floral flavor and is caffeine-free, perfect for any time of day.

Which Parts of the Violet Plant Are Edible?

Several parts of the violet plant (Viola spp.) are edible:

• Flowers: Used in teas, salads, and desserts.

• Petals: Ideal for garnishing or flavoring.

• Leaves: Mild-flavored and suitable for soups or salads.

• Roots (in select species): Edible in some violets but must be properly identified as some roots can be toxic.
  Always ensure the species is safe before consuming.

What Are the Health Benefits of Violet Flower Tea?

Violet flower tea is known for its potential health benefits, including soothing sore throats, aiding digestion, and providing anti-inflammatory properties. Rich in vitamins A and C, this herbal tea may also support immune health and skin wellness. Additionally, its calming aroma makes it a popular choice for relaxation and stress relief.

Enjoy Your Violets

Violets are not only beautiful flowers but also versatile plants with various culinary and medicinal uses. From their rich history and origins to foraging and identifying wild violets, this comprehensive guide has provided insights into the world of violets and making violet flower tea. With its delicate and floral flavor, violet flower tea offers a unique taste experience that can be enjoyed on its own or combined with other ingredients to create delicious and refreshing tea blends. Whether you're a tea enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply curious about violets, exploring the world of violet flower tea can be a delightful and rewarding journey. So why not try brewing your own cup of violet flower tea and savor the gentle and floral flavors of this captivating flower in a warm and comforting beverage? Put the kettle on and enjoy the wonders of violets and their delicious tea!

It is important to note that any health advice provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet, exercise routine, or overall health. The information provided is not a substitute for professional medical advice.