Viola Odorata, also known as Sweet Violet, English Violet, Wood Violet, and Garden Violet, has a sweet, calming, warm, powdery floral scent that is known to reduce stress and anxiety and symbolizes modesty, as well as truth and fidelity. Violet comes from the Old French word “Violette,” which in turn comes from the Latin word “Viola,” meaning “purple flower.” Viola Odorata flowers are edible and are used to garnish desserts and salads, candied fruits, or to flavor syrups and liqueurs. The leaves can be added to salads, and when added to soup, they provide a thickening effect. According to legend, Saint Valentine used ink made from the from the violets he grew in his garden. The scent of violets was especially popular in the late Victorian period, and violet oil is the “green” note in the perfumer’s palette, an indispensable note in the world of perfumery. Incidentally, violets are the flower of those born in February.
Origin and characteristics of violet
There are about 500 species of violets, all of which are said to have medicinal properties, but the sweetest scent is that of Viola Odorata or Sweet Violet. You will be surprised, but you only smell the divine aroma of violets on the first sniff, as it disappears on the second sniff. This is due to a chemical called ionin found in the flowers, which desensitizes the nasal and olfactory receptors after the first quick sniff. The plant is a small, low-growing, hardy perennial with heart-shaped, fuzzy leaves, usually bearing delicate blue-violet flowers with five oval petals, although the flowers can also be white, lilac or pink. It is native to Europe, North Africa and Western Asia, although most of the oil production is now done mainly in Egypt. Violet oil has been produced in Egypt since the early 20th century, and the violet is planted near corn to provide it with protection from the strong Egyptian sun. The oil is extracted from the flowers and leaves by steam distillation.
Violets are said to have been originally cultivated by the ancient Greeks in 500 BC. The Greeks used them in food recipes, wine, love potions and medicine, and made them a symbol of Athens. The violet was used by medieval herbalists for its medicinal properties, and by the ancient Britons as a cosmetic for its ability to help with a variety of skin conditions. It is well known in Ayurvedic and Unani medicine and has traditionally been used, as in Europe, to treat whooping cough and other respiratory ailments, fever, sore throat and tonsillitis. In ancient Greece, the flower was used as a remedy for headaches and dizziness, and since the 16th century, it has been widely used as a painkiller, which is not surprising since it contains salicylic acid, the main ingredient in some popular over-the-counter painkillers.
Violet Oil and Its Benefits
Violet has many uses, including emollient, analgesic, sedative, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, expectorant, decongestant, diaphoretic, antipyretic, and insect repellent. Violet oil should not be applied directly to the skin, but should be diluted in a carrier oil such as jojoba, coconut, almond, or olive.
Violet Oil Promotes Healthy Skin
Violet essential oil is very gentle and soft on the skin, and its soothing, cooling, and anti-inflammatory properties are useful in treating a variety of skin conditions. As a moisturizer and emollient, it helps soothe conditions such as eczema, dermatitis, rosacea and psoriasis, dryness, itching or general redness and inflammation. In the case of acne, its antibacterial and antimicrobial properties ensure that any infection is removed from the skin, as well as tightening enlarged pores. Violet oil can even effectively reduce spider veins. Because this oil helps stimulate blood circulation, it is useful in the treatment and prevention of cellulite and swelling, and is cooling and soothing for bruises. Due to its calming and relaxing effect, violet oil is very effective in combating stress-related skin conditions.
Violet oil for relief of respiratory problems
Violet oil is very useful for relieving symptoms associated with colds, flu, sinusitis, bronchitis and seasonal allergies such as asthma and hay fever, as well as pain relief. As a natural expectorant and decongestant, it helps to remove excess mucus and phlegm from the airways and nasal passages, and reduces inflammation in the lungs, thereby providing easier breathing and reducing coughing.
Violet Oil for Insomnia
A good night’s sleep is essential for maintaining vital organs and proper functioning of the body’s systems, as the body uses stored energy to repair and recharge during sleep. Restful sleep allows us to be physically and mentally able to carry out our daily tasks. The aroma of violet essential oil can dramatically help with sleep disorders, as it relieves tension and stress, promotes calm and relaxation, and is a natural remedy for insomnia or sleep disorders.
Violet Oil for Feet
The cooling, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, moisturizing and soothing properties of violet oil can do wonders for the feet. It instantly soothes tired and aching feet. It moisturizes dry, hard and damaged skin, treats fungal nail infections, athlete’s foot, as well as cuts and abrasions.
Violet Oil Boosts Mental Health
With its natural calming and healing properties, violet oil helps relieve stress, fatigue, anxiety, exhaustion and associated headaches, migraines and tension-related stiff neck. Promoting calm, peace and relaxation, it boosts your mental health.
Violet Oil as a Powerful Aphrodisiac
Sexual dysfunction and problems in the bedroom can often be the result of stress. By uplifting your mood and promoting relaxation, violet oil helps boost your libido and overcome any difficulties caused by stress or anxiety.
Violet Oil Repels Mosquitoes
According to a report by Amer and Mehlhorn, 2006, violet oil is known to be a strong repellent against several species of mosquitoes, including Aedes aegypti (carries yellow fever), Anopheles stephensi (carries malaria), and Culex quinquefasciatus (known as the Southern House Mosquito and notorious for its nocturnal biting habits). Violet oil has also been shown to provide protection for up to 8 hours.
How to Use Violet Essential Oil
Learn how to benefit from this amazing oil:
Breathing Relief:Add a few drops to a vaporizer or diffuser. Add a few drops to a warm bath, inhale the steam, and soak in the bath to calm your body and mind.
Add a few drops to a bowl of hot water, cover yourself with a towel, and inhale, being careful not to put your face too close to the hot steam.
Pain Relief:Add a few drops to a hot bath and let the numbing properties soothe the pain.
Add a few drops to a carrier oil (such as jojoba, coconut, almond, or olive) and gently massage into the affected area.
Add a few drops to a vaporizer or diffuser to help relieve headaches or migraines.
Skin Care:Dilute with a carrier oil (such as jojoba, coconut, or almond) and apply to the affected area. You can also add a few drops of violet oil to your regular skin care product.
Libido Boost:Add a few drops to your vaporizer or diffuser.
For Feet:Add a few drops to a carrier oil and massage onto the soles of your feet and affected areas (heels, toenails, etc.).
Add a few drops to a bowl of warm water and soak your feet in it.
Violet Oil and Aromatherapy
Violet oil is extremely calming, balancing and relaxing. It relieves stress, nervous and mental fatigue. It promotes inspiration and contemplation. It is known to bring peace and calm during meditation. It is believed to soothe grief, help with loss, change and independence.