This salve may take a bit of planning to make as it really does require fresh dandelion, violet leaves, and milkweed leaves. You can infuse the ingredients separately and combine the oils when you make the salve. Or depending on where you live, timing might allow you the harvest and make an oil with all three at once. I use an oil infusion of these same herbs as a base for my daily homemade deodorant. Dandelion, violet and milkweed are know for their properties of drawing , clearing heat, clearing lymph congestion, reducing swelling, removing wastes/toxins, purifying “blood” and treating infection. Chickweed and red clover blossoms would also be possible additions to this recipe.
Cysts and Growths Salve
1 cup of infused oil. I use organic US grown olive oil. Pack a 16 0z. jar with clean, dry leaves if using fresh. Do not crush or macerate the leaves during processing to avoid releasing water into your infusion. Fill jar to the rim with oil, make sure no plant material has risen above the oil. Screw the lid on tightly and set jar on a saucer in case there is expansion. Let set 2 weeks before straining.
2-3 ounces of beeswax pellets
1 oz of shea butter
Add your strained oil infusion to a double boiler. Heat on medium for 5 minutes. Add in the 2 ounces of beeswax and all of the shea butter. As soon as it is all melted and you see no floating pellets-test consistency by dipping a metal spoon into the mixture and placing it in the freezer for 1 minute. If you are happy with the result remove from the heart. If not, add beeswax and test until you are satisfied. Let cool 2 minutes . Pour into small tubes, tins or jars. Let sit 2 hours before capping and storing.
Garden violets can be found in lawns, woods, meadows, and roadsides that have light shade. This small (3-6 inches) perennial sends out runners/a creeping rootstock which takes hold and allows it to slowly spread. Vivid green heart shaped leaves are basal, petioled, and cordate. Nodding sterile purple flowers with 5 irregular petals appear on long peduncles in the early spring. The true seed producing flower are tiny and very hard to see. This plant prefers rich soil and a wet environment.
Violets are a lot more that French perfume and pastilles. As medicine they have a history of being used as an expectorant for colds, bronchitis, asthma and childhood illnesses. Clears heat, pain, infection, swelling and inflammation. Has been used to treat arthritis, rheumatism, cancer, tumors headaches, fever, and ulcers. Considered by some to be a blood purifier. High in mucilage which soothes irritations of the bladder, urinary tract, stomach, intestines, throat, and gums. This plant may help with constipation, insomnia, anxiety, eczema, cracked nipples, mastitis, acne, cradle cap, psoriasis, sore feet, skin growths/cysts, swollen glands/lymph nodes, varicose veins, conjunctivitis, hemorrhoids and bad breath. Violet can be used to ease heartbreak and grief.
Violet has become my go to for relieving flu like symptoms fast.
Violets make a lovely floral addition to syrups, sugars, salads, desserts, jellies, and other dishes. Infused into wine, vinegar, oil, glycerin and honey.
Family:Viola/Violet
Parts used:leaver, flowers, and roots
Energetics/Taste:Cool, moist, pungent, bitter, sweet.
Element:Water
Emotional/Spiritual Uses: to support fragility, vulnerability, subtleness, solitary life choices OR to encourage connection, openness, calm realtionships and sharing with others.
Contraindications: The seeds and roots may cause vomiting. Health issues that are “cold” in nature
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