Violet Leaf - Viola odorata

As Rose, the signature oil for Taurus, has already been profiled on the blog, which you can read here, the oil I'm profiling today is Violet Leaf.

This small tender, perennial plant has dark green, heart-shaped leaves, fragrant violet-blue flowers and an oblique underground rhizome. It is native to Europe and parts of Asia and is now cultivated in gardens worldwide. The Violet leaf used for perfumery is mostly grown in southern France (Grasse) and to a lesser extent in Italy and China. It is used in high-class perfumery work and occasionally in flavouring of confectionery.

A concrete and absolute is solvent extracted from the fresh leaves and flowers. The leaf absolute is an intense dark green while the flower absolute is a yellowish –green liquid. Violet flower absolute is expensive and sometimes difficult to find. In The Essential Oils, Vol 5, Ernest Guenther tells us that it takes about 1,000 – 1,100 kg of violet leaves to yield 1 kg of the concrete.

The leaf and the flowers have been used in traditional herbal medicine for congestive pulmonary conditions and sensitive skin conditions. The leaf has also been used to treat cystitis and as a mouthwash for infections of the mouth and throat. It is mostly used in perfumery and skin care. It acts as a sedative and a circulatory stimulant.

On an emotional level, violets have traditionally been associated with death, especially the death of young people. Poets have long pointed out the ‘modesty and humility’ of the violet. It was also considered to evoke sweet and loving feelings. Violet has association with sentimental feelings of loyalty tinged with wistfulness and longing.

On a subtle level, Violet Leaf protects those who are shy or hypersensitive. It also helps to increase spirituality.

Generally considered to be non-toxic, non-irritant with possible sensitization in some individuals.