Violet Salve

Unguentum Violae odoratae

Historical tradition – not medical advice, and no health or healing claims. more

Historical botanical drawing: Violet — Violet

Tradition (Hildegard's writings)

Traditionally used in Hildegard's herbal lore for the care of scars and stressed skin; it is also mentioned for headaches connected with the frontal sinuses.

Ingredients

Violet juice from leaves and flowers, olive oil, goat fat and rose oil.

Preparation ⁵

Press about 30 g of juice from around 60 to 70 g of violet flowers and leaves. Heat the juice slowly with 10 ml of olive oil and about 30 g of goat fat — butter will serve instead — and boil it for around five minutes. Let it cool a little and spoon it into salve jars while still liquid, stirring in a few drops of rose oil if you wish.

Note

In Hildegard's herbal lore, the violet counts as a particularly valued plant for wounds and for the care of the skin. With lumps, cysts or changes you cannot account for, always seek medical advice.

Botanical background

The essential oil of violet flowers is credited with antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. The above-ground parts of the sweet violet (Viola odorata) are used — a plant 5 to 10 cm tall with heart-shaped leaves and fragrant violet flowers.

Sources & references

Strehlow, Wighard: Die Hildegard-Naturapotheke. Heilmittel und Rezepte von A bis Z. Knaur Verlag 2014. S. 259.
Strehlow, Wighard: Der Hildegard-Kompass. Die wichtigsten Heilmittel und Anwendungen. Knaur Verlag 2014. S. 119.
Hildegard von Bingen: Heilsame Schöpfung. Die natürliche Wirkkraft der Dinge (Physica). Hrsg. von der Abtei St. Hildegard, Eibingen. Beuroner Kunstverlag 2012 (4. Auflage 2024). Cap. 1-103 (Veilchen).
Strehlow, Wighard: Die Hildegard-Heilschätze. Schafgarbe, Veilchen, Galgant, Bertram. Knaur Verlag 2018. S. 100 ff.
Heepen, Günther H.: Das Heilwissen der Hildegard von Bingen. Gräfe und Unzer Verlag 2015. S. 110.

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More preparations using Violet

Sweet Violet Violet Balm Violet Elixir Violet Flower Water Violet Oil

Historical tradition. The above describes how this preparation was recorded and used in the tradition of Hildegard of Bingen. This is cultural-historical information, not medical advice and not a health or healing claim, and it is no substitute for advice from a doctor or pharmacist. If you have health complaints, please consult your doctor or pharmacy.

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