Wild Violet and Dandelion Bath Tea Recipe

I have worked as a beauty therapist, a freelance makeup artist, and a retail store manager for a fashion, beauty, and crafts store.

Wildflowers, Not Weeds

One man’s weed is another man’s edible flower, beauty treatment, or bath tea ingredient.

Yes, those pests you may consider weeds, namely wild violets and dandelions, are the plants to which I refer. I have always loved violets and never actually considered them undesirables. Dandelions, on the other hand, are a different story. They have driven me mad for years by popping up throughout the garden and patio, and they're always a nightmare to remove properly.

Well, now I have been enlightened, and I hope to convey to others the amazing benefits of these two wildflowers that are growing on our doorsteps. Making a relaxing bath tea is one great way to utilize these wildflowers that grow in abundance and abandonment, much to the annoyance of many homeowners across the continents.

Instead of paying for a trip to the overpriced spa, why not bring the spa to you? Start making your very own therapeutic beauty treat by having a soak in a bath of tea made from wild violets and dandelions—the beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You may substitute the violets and dandelions for other flowers, leaves, or herbs.

My Garden of Wildflowers

A single wild poppy that was the inspiration for many of my mum's paintings.

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Wild Violet and Dandelion Bath Tea Recipe

You Will Need:

• 1–2 cups of chopped wild violet flowers and leaves
• 1–2 cups of chopped dandelion petals and leaves
• Glass bowl
• Square of cheesecloth
• String
• Sieve
• Teakettle

Method:

1. Boil a kettle of water.
2. Place the chopped flowers, petals, and leaves into the glass bowl.
3. Pour the boiling water into the bowl to cover them.
4. Allow to steep for 20 minutes.
5. While the bath tea is steeping, start to run your bath.
6. After 20 minutes, pour the bath tea through the sieve directly into the bath and give it a stir.
7. Empty the sieve into the middle of the cheesecloth and make a little sack.
8. Tie with the string and add the bag into the bath.
9. You are now ready to enjoy your wild violet and dandelion bath tea soak.

Tips:

ALWAYS make sure to gently wash all the flowers and leaves before chopping them, as they may have been exposed to animal excrement and chemicals. Gently drain on a paper towel or use a salad spinner.

Wild Violets (Viola Papilionacea)

Violets number up to 500 different species across the world, predominantly within the Northern Hemisphere, but they do have a presence in The Andes and Australasia. Often classed as old-fashioned, violets are a flower I associate with my grandmother, who used to love growing them and making violet toilette water as a soft feminine daily perfume. Violets are often associated with solid perfume, as both are classed as a fragrance of a bygone era.

Wild violets are one of the many different species of violets and the one that has plagued garden lovers, as it seems to be relentless in growing wherever it pleases. These low-growing perennial plants love shady spots in the garden or woody areas under trees at first, then they may move to sunnier areas.

When they first appear in spring, they are a lovely burst of blue to purple, or white-colored flowers with five petals and a white center. Their leaves are a distinctive heart shape and it is the leaves that hold many of the violet's health benefits.

Edible Plants

Wild violets are edible and as in any edible plants, be sure to use only those you are certain have not been sprayed with dangerous pesticides (organic). They have been used in a variety of ways through the centuries due to their health benefits and fragrance.

Tea, jelly, syrup, tarts, cookies, sauces, salads, soups, stews, sandwich fillings, vinegar, or even the flowers sprinkled on a slice of brown bread with Philadelphia cream cheese—these are tasty and pretty examples of ways to use wild violets in your cooking! Why not substitute the rose petals in a frosted rose petal recipe and use the wild violet petals for a gorgeous tasty decorative feature for desserts?

Health Benefits of the Wild Violet

• Blood purifier
• Aids lymphatic system
• Rich in Vitamin C
• Anti-fungal
• Antiseptic
• Anti-inflammatory
• Can be used to treat headaches, asthma, and bronchitis

Dandelions (Taraxacum Officinale)

In 1984, the USDA ranked dandelion greens as one of the most nutritious vegetables. The list of health benefits of the dandelion is staggering—they truly are one of the most incredibly nutritious and beneficial plants I have come across.

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There seems to be nothing negative about this so-called weed, other than the fact that it persistently grows without our permission everywhere. The one plant that is relentless in its growth costs us nothing and could provide us with all the health benefits we need and more. I, for one, have changed my opinion on dandelions, that’s for sure.

The common dandelion grows in Europe, North America, South America, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and regions of Canada. They seem to grow everywhere, including the sides of the road, on lawns, in woods, near water, and even in small cracks in patios.

They are easily spotted with their bright yellow flower heads on the top of a long stem. The heads eventually turn into white soft balls of tuft which then just get blown away in the wind. You may know them as clocks or blowballs. Dandelion leaves grow both horizontally along the ground and upright. They have jagged-looking edges and are up to 45 cm long and 10 cm wide.

Edible Plants

Dandelions have many nutritional purposes and values. They may be used as a medicinal herb, cooked like a leaf vegetable, used in salads raw, made into tea, wine, jam—the root has even been used as a coffee substitute.

Health Benefits of the Dandelion

• Eliminates toxins
• Purifies blood
• Aids digestion
• Helps lower high blood pressure
• Promotes weight loss
• Dissolves kidney stones
• Controls constipation and diarrhea
• Eliminates acne
• Cleanses skin
• Rich in trace elements
• Rich in Vitamins A, C, B’s, D
• Rich in protein
• Rich in fiber
• Reduces liver inflammation

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This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.

Wild Violet and Dandelion Bath Tea Recipe Comments

Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on March 11, 2013:

Hi Kathryn,

Dandelions are so good for you and it is something I learnt for sure! Knew certain things but not the full extent so they are definitely worth keeping (a few at least!). Glad you enjoyed this and hopefully will get to pick your own and make some brew! Cheers for your interest and comments!!

Kathryn from Windsor, Connecticut on March 11, 2013:

I love it! I will never look at those wildflowers the same again.

I remember my father telling me that at one time he cooked dandelions for himself when we didn't have a lot of money. I haven't done that, but I have had a detoxifying tea with dandelion in it.

Thanks for another great hub. I don't know how I missed this!

Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on March 01, 2013:

Hi Vespa,

Interesting how you too have memories of violets and your grandmother. it is seen by many as an "old fashioned" flower which I really love. The oldies are the goodies as the saying goes! We have so many dandelions here in the countryside that it is marvelous knowing how useful this plant is! Agree that violets would look gorgeous frosted like rose petal sand also in potpourri or even bath salts. Thanks Vespa for your comments as always, love receiving them from you!

Vespa Woolf from Peru, South America on March 01, 2013:

Violets also remind me of my grandmother--they grew wild in her yard and I used to pick them, marveling at their miniature size and detail. And I've heard about the benefits of dandelions but have never tasted them. This tea bath sounds like a good idea, both relaxing and medicinal. I wish we could get violets here, but I've never seen them n Peru. They would be beautiful frosted with your recipe and placed atop an elegant cupcake. Sounds perfect for a spa party! : )

Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on February 22, 2013:

Hi Vinaya,

Thanks for your interesting words. Herbs have so many uses and have been used for centuries for many medicinal benefits. Maybe you could find out those old recipes, what interesting heirlooms they would be. Appreciate your support here!

Vinaya Ghimire from Nepal on February 22, 2013:

Hello Suzie,

My ancestors were naturalist. They have passed their knowledge of herbs until my father's generation. I tried to become a modernist and did not take interest in herbs. Now I know how wrong I was.

Thanks for sharing your knowledge and expertise.

Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on February 18, 2013:

Hi randomcreative,

Appreciate your kind comments, glad you are enjoying these recipes!!

Rose Clearfield from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on February 17, 2013:

Your beauty product recipes are stellar! Keep up the great work.

Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on February 17, 2013:

Hi Carol,

Delighted you enjoyed this. My other half looked at the title and looked puzzled and amused by the title and subject!

Well I have to shake things up, don't I?? LOL This was an exclusive title that grabbed by attention as both these "flowers" are considered weeds by so many. Appreciate your continuing support Carol, your votes and shares and pinning!! :-)

carol stanley from Arizona on February 17, 2013:

As always I love your innovative healthy brews and potions. This is great and thanks for always explaining the values...Voting up and sharing around the globe..and pinning.

Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on February 17, 2013:

Hi Bill,

Many thanks for taking a peak here. Well if you rid your garden of the violets and the dandelions you will also avail of the benefits by using them in different ways if you fancy it!! You are doing the two things in one go so that sounds like a plan to me!! Appreciate your kind words, votes, share and pin as always, have a great Sunday!!

Bill De Giulio from Massachusetts on February 17, 2013:

Wow, this was fascinating Suzie. Never realized that those darn dandelions were so beneficial. I certainly have enough wild violet and dandelion in my yard to fill a swimming pool. Maybe I'll start harvesting them instead of trying to get rid of them :) Great job, love the photos and video. VU, sharing, pinning, etc...

Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on February 16, 2013:

Hi Bill,

Sorry to disappoint!! The Great Depression is not my cup of tea (lol, sorry could not resist!). i could not believe the benefits of dandelion in particular so this was an eyeopener for me for sure. Cheers Bill, have a great weekend with Bev, glad to hear you had a cool Valentine's Day, loved Bev dropping notes everywhere for you!

Bill Holland from Olympia, WA on February 16, 2013:

I thought this was a hub about the Great Depression. I remember my mom telling me about drinking dandelion tea back in the 30's. Very cool hub, Irish! Well done!