Family: Violaceae.
Synonyms: English Violet, Garden Violet, Blue Violet, Sweet-scented Violet.
Herbal/Folk tradition :- both the leaf and flowers have a
long tradition of use in herbal medicine, mainly for congestive pulmonary
conditions and sensitive skin conditions, including capillary fragility. The
leaf has also been used to treat cystitis and as a mouthwash for infections of
the mouth and throat. Violet is reported to have mild analgesic properties,
probably due to the presence of salicylic acid (as in Asprin).The flowers are
still used to make "syrup of Violet", which is used as a laxative
and colouring agent. The dried leaves and flowers are current in the British
Herbal Pharmacopoeia as a specific for "eczema and skin eruptions with
serious exudate, particullarly when associated with rheumatic symptoms".
Extraction: a concrete and absolute from 1) fresh leaves, and 2) flowers.
Characteristics: The leaf absolute is an intense dark green viscous liquid
with a strong green-leaf odour and a delicate floral undertone. The flower
absolute is a yellowish-green viscous liquid with a sweet, rich floral
fragrance, characteristic of the fresh flowers. It blends well with Tuberose,
Boronia, Clary Sage, Tarragon, Cumin, Hop, Basil, Hyacinth and other floral
oils.
Actions: analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antirheumatic, antiseptic, liver
decongestant, diuretic, expectorant, laxative, soporific, circulation
stimulant.
Principal constituents: both leaves and petals contain nonadienal, parmone,
hexyl alcohol, ionone and viola quercitin, among others.
AROMATHERAPY/HOME USE:
Skin care - acne, eczema, refines the pores, thread veins and wounds.
Circulation, Muscles and Joints - fibrosis, poor circulation and rheumatism.
Respiratory system - bronchitis, catarrh, mouth and throat infections.
Nervous system - dizziness, headaches, insomnia, nervous exhaustion. Also, the
scent of Violet is said to comfort and strenthen the heart.
OTHER USES:
Violet essential oil is used in high-class perfumery work; occasinally used in
flavouring, mainly confectionery.
DISTRIBUTION:
A small, tender, perennial plant with dark green heart shaped leaves,
fragrant violet-blue flowers and an oblique underground rhizome. Native to
Europe and parts of Asia; cultivated in gardens worldwide. It is grown mainly
in southern France and to a lesser extent in China and Italy for perfumery
use.
OTHER SPECIES:
There are over 200 species of Violet; the main types cultivated for aromatic
extraction are the "Parma" and the "Victoria "
Violets.