Episode 231: Violet: A Backyard Herb for Swollen Lymph Nodes and a Frazzled Nervous System with Lindsey Feldpausch

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Episode Summary

Can one tiny flower soften dry skin, soothe swollen tissues, calm the heart, and even inspire a little everyday magic?

Violets may be small, but they have an astonishing amount to offer. In this episode, I sit down with herbalist Lindsey Feldpausch to celebrate one of our shared favorite plants: violet (Viola spp.). Together, we explore why this humble spring flower deserves far more attention—not only for its beauty, but for its remarkable ability to soothe dry tissues, support the lymphatic system, nourish the body, and gently soften both physical and emotional tension.

Along the way, Lindsey shares stories from her own herbal journey, explains the fascinating diversity within the Viola genus, and reveals why she considers violet a true kindred spirit. We also dive into the chemistry behind violet's elusive fragrance, explore surprising new research, and, of course, spend plenty of time delighting in the simple joy of getting down on the ground with a patch of blooming violets.

During our conversation, Lindsey also shares all about her gorgeous Violet Elixir—a beautiful (and magically color-changing!) spring preparation that's every bit as enchanting as the flowers themselves. Be sure to download your beautifully illustrated recipe card from the section below.

By the end of this episode, you’ll know:

► The fascinating reason violet's fragrance seems to disappear almost as quickly as you notice it

► Why violet can be especially helpful for new mothers

►The simple trick that can make all the difference in your violet salve

► Exciting new scientific research that has herbalists paying even closer attention to this familiar plant

► The hidden botanical secret that helps violets spread so beautifully in the garden

► and so much more…

For those of you who don’t know her, Lindsey Feldpausch, RH(AHG) is a clinical herbalist, educator, and Assistant Director at the Herbal Academy. With over 15 years of experience in the field of herbalism, Lindsey's work has been focused on herbal education and clinical herbal practice, teaching for online and in-person herb programs, as well as at a variety of conferences, while maintaining a private practice of her own.

As an herbalist, Lindsey's goal is to connect plants with the humans who need them. She believes in our innate ability to engage with the power of plants, and one of her life’s intentions is to kindle this belief in others. Lindsey's herbal works have coalesced into her business, Plant Matters, where she offers herbal education, consulting, and handcrafted herbal products.

After this episode, you may find yourself slowing down the next time you pass a patch of violets—and discovering just how extraordinary these tiny flowers really are.

Would you prefer reading this episode? If so, click here to download a transcript.

Would you prefer watching this episode? If so, scroll down below.

Connect with Lindsey:

• Website | PlantMatters.org
• Instagram | @plant.matters

What You'll Learn from This Episode

• [1:09] Introduction to Lindsey Feldpausch + Lindsey’s plant path
• [16:08] Why Lindsey chose to speak about violets
• [19:30] The fleeting fragrance of violet
• [22:13] Botany of violets
• [30:50] Working with violets medicinally
• [37:30] Tips for preparing violet salve
• [39:41] Nutritive benefits of violet
• [41:17] Violet flowers and their magical color change!
• [45:00] Violet as a lymphatic herb
• [54:40] Violet Elixir recipe
• [1:00:30] Lindsey’s herbal projects
• [1:07:18] What Lindsey things herbs are especially good at teaching humans
• [1:09:09] Student spotlight
• [1:10:04] Herbal tidbit

Get Your Free Recipe Download!

-- TIMESTAMPS -- 

• 00:42 - Introduction to Lindsey Feldpausch + Lindsey’s plant path
• 15:53 - Why Lindsey chose to speak about violets
• 19:18 - The fleeting fragrance of violet
• 22:05 - Botany of violets
• 31:08 - Working with violets medicinally
• 37:57 - Tips for preparing violet salve
• 40:12 - Nutritive benefits of violet
• 41:51 - Violet flowers and their magical color change!
• 45:37 - Violet as a lymphatic herb
• 55:27 - Violet Elixir recipe
• 1:01:26 - Lindsey’s herbal projects
• 1:08:19 - What Lindsey things herbs are especially good at teaching humans
• 1:10:10 - Student spotlight
• 1:11:05 - Herbal tidbit

Connect with Rosalee

• On Instagram | @rosaleedelaforet

• On Facebook | Herbs With Rosalee
• On YouTube | Herbs With Rosalee

• Website | herbswithrosalee.com


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