Wild Pansy Salve

Wild pansy, also known as Johnny jump up or heartsease, is a perennial wildflower in the violet family (Violaceae). Violas are an edible flower, that also have some medicinal use. Learn how to use the leaves of this lovely plant in a wild pansy salve.

Wild Pansy Salve

Viola is a genus composed of many different species of plants including pansies, wild violets, and Johnny jump ups or wild pansy. Violas are the perfect flowers for your garden, with their prolific blooms that come in an endless array of vibrant colours. They look amazing used as borders, or spilling over the edges of pots. 

Wild pansies have been used as candy flowers, in syrups, salads and as cake toppers. Rich in minerals and very nutritious, this nourishing plant can be harvested in early spring. The best violas to use for edible and medicinal use are Viola sororia, known as the common blue violet, Viola odorate, Viola labradorica, the Labrador violet and Viola tricolour or Johnny jump up.

Known for its small purple, yellow and white flowers, this herb has been used in traditional medicine for its health benefits which include skin and respiratory issues.

Carrier Oils

When making a salve, choosing the correct carrier oil can improve the impact of the salve as each carrier oil has its own set of distinct properties. Blending a couple of carrier oils can also help maximise their benefits. 

With this salve recipe, there are multiple carrier oils that could be used including:

• Avocado Oil
• Sweet Almond Oil
• Argan Oil
• Rosehip Oil
• Hemp Oil
• Safflower Oil

You can learn more about carrier oils here.

Before Using this Salve

Before using this rub, you will need to understand a few things.

• Don’t use on skin with open wounds or cuts.  
• Test on small area of skin before using.  If there’s any irritation, dilute with more carrier oils.
• Wash hands well after using.

Using Wild Pansy

This lovely plant has been used:

• To help relieve skin issues such as acne, psoriasis, and eczema
• In relieve respiratory issues such as coughs, whooping cough and bronchitis
• For digestive issues including bloating and constipation
• Topically is has been used for cradle cap, diaper rash, itchy skin, and even ringworm
• The leaves and flowers can be steeped in hot water for 10-15 minutes to make a lovely wild pansy tea
• Make a tincture by steeping the plant in alcohol for several weeks
• Make this salve for topical application to the skin

More Salve Recipes

• Make Healing Calendula Salve
• DIY Sore Muscle Rub
• DIY Rose Salve
• Herbal Muscle Salve
• Charcoal Drawing Salve
• Rosemary Salve
• Comfrey Salve
• Violet Leaf Salve
• Plantain Salve

Making Infused Oil

To make the infused oil, you will need: 

• 1 cup wild pansy leaves – dried
• 1 cup Avocado Oil

First you will need to infuse the wild pansy leaves in the avocado oil. To do this, let your fresh leaves dry for at least a day or two before infusing. 

Place the dry leaves in a glass jar and cover it completely with avocado oil. 

Put the lid on the jar and store in a dark cupboard for two to four weeks, shaking every couple of days to keep everything submerged.

Strain the leaves with a strainer, cheesecloth or an unbleached coffee filter. The infused oil is now ready to make into a salve.

If you want to speed up the infusion process, slowly heat the oil in a slow cooker on low heat for 24 – 48 hours.

For more information on making infused oils, check this out.

Making Wild Pansy Salve

To make 6 ounces of this salve, you will need:

• wild pansy infused oil from above
• 2 TBSP beeswax pellets

Combine the beeswax and the infused oil in a microwaveable container and heat for 30 seconds at a time in the microwave until the beeswax is completely melted. Stir in between each heat burst.

This process could also be done in a double boiler.

Pour the mixture into small glass jars or tins and let cool down.

The salve is now ready to label, date and store.

Storing This Salve

Place the salve in dark glass jars or metal tins to protect it from exposure to light and air. I have also used tubes for easier application.

Store in a cool, dark place.

When properly stored, this salve should last up to six months.

To Use this Salve

Using clean hands, rub a small amount of the salve onto your fingers, then rub it in the intended site.

• For dry or chaffed skin, massage a small amount onto the affected area
• For minor abrasions and bruises, apply a thin layer of the salve to soothe the area
• Try applying a small amount to your insect bites and varicose veins
• This salve could also be applied to rashes, hives, psorisis and eczema

Notes

• If you are picking fresh leaves to use in this salve, make sure to harvest them from a pesticide free area.
• Harvest only when you are 100% positive you have the correct plant as there are many lookalikes which are inedible or poisonous.
• Vitamin E is optional, and is often added to salves as an antioxidant to prevent rancidity, as well as for its amazing skin-healing properties. Add 1 teaspoon of  vitamin E oil to help preserve your salve even longer! 
• You can use any type of carrier oil for the infused oil. This recipe uses avocado oil. 
• If you want this to be a vegan recipe, swap out beeswax pellets for candelilla wax.
• I live in a hot climate, so this is made with 3 tablespoons of beeswax to stop it from melting during hot summers, thus making this a harder salve. Use less beeswax if you want a softer balm. To test the consistency of the salve, place a small amount on the back of your hand and see what it does. If it’s too soft, add more beeswax; if it is too hard, add more oil.

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on this website.