In France, the pansy was a love token between Napol on and Josephine and later became his political emblem. The ancient writer Pliny wrote about the medical areas of violets, prescribing it for gout and spleen disorders. In France, during troubadour times, violets were give as a poetry prize and in Germany in the Middle Ages, the first violet was celebrated with dancing. They have many medicinal uses. For example, an asprinlike substance can be obtained from them and they have antiseptic properties.
Violets can even help cure tumors, cancers, and respiratory disorders.
Violets are edible. That is the first priority. Both the blossoms and the leaves are very tasty and good in salads, teas, or just eaten plain. The leaves are used as garnishes for chilled soups and punches, and the flowers are candied and garnish cakes and pastries. I shall go out in my slippers in the rain and pick the flowers in other people's gardens and learn to spit.