VIOLET OIL PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
Violet has been used for thousands of years for both it’s flavouring and its therapeutic properties. It is believed that violet was first cultivated by the Ancient Greeks in 500 BC, who made it the symbol of Athens and used it extensively in food recipes, wine, love potions and medicine.
Medieval herbalists utilised the plant for its healing properties, and the Ancient Britons for its ability to alleviate various skin conditions. In Europe, and in Ayurvedic and Unani medicine, it was a traditional remedy for whooping cough and other respiratory problems, as well as tonsilitis, a sore throat and fever.
The Ancient Greeks focused on its ability to diminish headaches and dizziness, and it was widely used as a painkiller from the 16th century, which is not so surprising when you realise that it contains salicylic acid, which is a prime ingredient in many of today’s most popular over the counter painkillers. The edible flowers of the violet plant are used to flavour syrups and liqueurs, and can also be added to desserts and salads, as well as being candied.
Viola Odorata also known as Sweet Violet, English violet, Wood Violet and Garden Violet, symbolises modesty as well as truth and loyalty, and it is reputed that St Valentine used ink made from the violets he grew to pen his famous love notes. The name violet is derived from the old French word “Violette” which came from the Latin word “Viola”, meaning ‘violet flower’. Violet grew in popularity as perfume in the late Victorian period and is an important “green’ note in the perfume world.
The oil is extracted from the flowers and roots by way of steam distillation, and offers a wide range of therapeutic benefits. So what exactly is violet oil good for, and how do you use it?
HOW TO USE VIOLET OIL
The therapeutic properties of natural violet oil can be administered by way of a diffuser, vaporiser, topical application, or as a massage.
VIOLET OIL USES AND BENEFITS
Violet Oil Diffuser Benefits:
Violet oil enhances mental health. It is extremely calming, soothing and balancing. It eliminates stress, nerves and mental fatigue, and promotes calmness, tranquillity and relaxation. Violet oil is reputed to be comforting when dealing with grief or loss, encouraging acceptance of change and independence, and promoting inspiration and reflection.- A potent aphrodisiac, violet oil can help with sexual dysfunction and problems in the bedroom caused by stress. Emotionally uplifting, and promoting relaxation, it can help to intensify libido to overcome any difficulties caused by stress or anxiety.
- A natural remedy for insomnia or sleep disorders related to stress or anxiety.
- Due to its ability to calm and soothe, violet oil can relieve headaches, migraines and stiff necks associated with tension.
- Acts as an expectorant and decongestant to alleviate respiratory symptoms related to the common cold, flu, sinusitis, bronchitis and seasonal allergies such as asthma and hay fever, and provides pain relief. Helps to loosen and disperse excess mucus and phlegm in the respiratory and nasal tracts, and reduce lung inflammation, to aid easier breathing, and minimise symptoms such as coughing.
- An effective natural insect repellent, violet oil can repel mosquitoes, flies, and other bugs.
Violet Oil Topical Application Benefits:
Extremely mild and gentle on the skin, violet oil acts as a moisturiser and emollient and is able to soothe troubled skin, including conditions such as eczema, dermatitis, rosacea and psoriasis, dryness, itchiness, general redness and inflammation, and stress related skin disorders. Its antioxidant properties can help to neutralise damaging free radicals. Add a few drops to your normal moisturiser or dilute with a carrier oil. - With antibacterial and antimicrobial properties to cleanse the skin, and its ability to tighten enlarged pores, violet oil is a gentle natural remedy for acne.
- Violet oil is antifungal and can eliminate fungal infections. Application to the applicable area can relieve nail fungi, skin infections and Athlete’s foot.
- A significant repellent against mosquitoes, studies have demonstrated its ability to provide protection of up to 8 hours.
Violet Oil Massage Benefits:
When diluted with a carrier oil, a massage with violet oil can help to stimulate blood circulation, and its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties can relieve various ailments of the joints and muscles including rheumatism, arthritis and gout, or pain due to overexertion. - Increased blood circulation is also helpful in the treatment and prevention of cellulite and oedemas. Cools and soothes bruises.
- Relieve a tension headache by massaging violet oil into the neck and temples.
Additional Violet Oil Applications:
Add a few drops to a bowl of hot water to relieve tired and aching feet. Violet oil’s cooling, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, moisturising and calming properties can provide instant relief. Dry, hard and damaged skin is moisturised. Athlete’s Foot, fungal infections of the nails, cuts and abrasions are soothed and treated.- Mix a few drops of violet oil to a bath product and add to a warm bath to soothe away aches and pains, and administer complete relaxation.
- Dilute violet oil in some water or a lightweight oil and rub or spritz onto the skin as a natural chemical-free insect repellent to keep mosquitoes away.
PLANT DESCRIPTION
Although there are approximately 500 species of violets, each incorporating therapeutic properties, the sweetest smelling is Viola Odorata. The plant produces delicate blue-violet flowers with five oval petals, although the flowers can also be white, lilac or pink, and is a small low growing hardy perennial with heart shaped furry leaves. Although native to Europe, North Africa and West Asia, most of the oil production is now primarily produced in Egypt. Planted alongside corn to afford it protection from the strong Egyptian sun, violet oil has been in commercial production in Egypt since the early 20th century.
BASIC PROPERTIES
Analgesic, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antipyretic, decongestant, diaphoretic, emollient, expectorant, febrifuge, insect repellent, sedative.
SOURCING VIOLET OIL
When searching for a natural oil or essential oil, it is always best to look for an oil which has been manufactured from start to finish with one souce, thus ensuring its integrity. All natural oils should be collaborated with certification.
If you would like to add violet oil to your oil collection, look no further than Nefertiti for natural oils and herbs.
Nefertiti uses best practises, natural fertilisers only, and their unique experience, to produce the best plants for their exclusive use, from their own farm in Al Fayoum, one of the richest agricultural regions in Egypt. The oils are extracted in their own factory, using the environmentally friendly fashion of modern cold press technology or steam distillation, using no other solvents, and ensuring a constant supply of optimum high quality oils.
All natural oils produced using the cold press method are done under the control of the Egyptian State and the Egyptian Ministry of Health. In recognition of their never-ending strive for quality, all of the products are certified. Certifications obtained include: COA certificates and ISO awards in Quality Management System, Environmental management system, Occupational Health & Safety, Food Safety Management System, to name just a few.
OILS THAT BLEND WELL WITH VIOLET OIL
Violet blends well with bergamot, geranium, grapefruit, jasmine, lavender, lemon, lemongrass, lotus, orange, patchouli, rose, sandalwood, ylang ylang.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
Violet oil should never be applied directly to the skin due to its high concentration and must be diluted with a carrier oil. Recommended ratio: 1 drop to 5ml oil.
Avoid use during pregnancy and breast-feeding.
