Violet leaf absolute is an aromatic compound that comes from the leaves of the flower. It has a beautiful emerald color and is mainly used to make high-quality perfumes. Small quantities are sometimes available to aromatherapists, although at extremely high prices.
Check our essential oils list and their uses.
What is a violet?
Violet is a small perennial herbaceous plant. It has a creeping sprawling rhizome. The petiolate leaves are heart-shaped. The single flowers come in a variety of shades, from white to dark purple. The fruit of the violet is in the form of a box or a capsule with a large number of seeds. The plant’s roots are thin and sparsely branched.
Major constituents
Aliphatic acid aldehydes: nonadienal
Alcohols: nonadienol, octadienol, benzyl alcohol
Phenols: eugenol
Unsaturated linear hydrocarbons: α ionone, β ionone, dihydro α ionone, dihydro β ionone, salicylic acid, vanillin, trace amounts of vitamin C
Main components of the violet leaf absolute are the products of enzymatic catabolism of linoleic and linolenic acids. These substances have a proven antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity
Violet leaf aroma is due to the presence of significant amounts of 2,6 nonadienal aldehyde. Interestingly, 2,6-nonadienal but in a different isomeric form is a major component of the smell of fresh cucumbers.
Main characteristics
Violet leaf absolute is obtained in the process of alcoholic extraction with petroleum ether using the ground part of the plant. The result is a solid waxy mass, resinoid. Subsequent extraction results in a thick concentrate, or absolute.
- Color: deep green
- Aroma: strong, fresh scent of herbs and cucumbers, with a subtle floral trail.
- Consistency: viscous, thick, slightly fluid.
- Commercial value: very high.
Blending with other oils
Orange, benzoin, grapefruit, frankincense, lavender, rose, sandalwood, citronella, basil, boronia, cassia, geranium, hops, hyacinth, tuberose.
Benefits of violet leaf absolute
Many benefits of this modest plant have been known since ancient times. The ancient Romans widely used violets for medicinal purposes and added them to wine, calling it a spring drink. The ancient Roman proverb “in viola esse” literally means “to recline on violets” or to be blissfully happy.
The fragrance of violets was used as a cure for various ailments. The wonderful smell filled and purified the air in homes, helped cure illnesses, relieved headaches, cured colds, cleansed the skin, and helped recover from fainting spells. Physicians of antiquity believed that violets helped cure hangovers.
The main benefits of this aromatic substance are accumulated in the combination of linolenic and linoleic acids, and carotenoids, giving this substance many useful and valuable properties.
Healing properties
Today, it’s widely used to relieve and cure:
- Coughing, bronchitis, tracheitis, respiratory diseases, sputum congestion, catarrh, pneumonia.
- Muscle pains, myalgia, myositis, sprains, rheumatic pains, gout.
- Neurosis, general fatigue, nervous exhaustion, fainting.
- Dizziness, headache, insomnia.
- Swelling, fluid retention.
- Oral cavity infections.
- Cardiovascular disorders (calms and strengthens the heart muscle).
- Coronary sclerosis, anemia.
- Gastritis, obesity, infectious hepatitis.
- Bleeding in women after childbirth.
- Furunculosis, diathesis.
Use in cosmetology
This oil is one of the most effective remedies in dermatology and cosmetology. Thanks to its antiseptic properties, it’s perfect for young problematic, oily, inflammation-prone, clogged pores skin. Violet oil regulates sebum production, cleanses, whitens, reduces redness and narrows pores. Regular use oxygenates the cells.
When it comes to mature skin, it improves microcirculation, stimulates cell renewal and smoothes the skin out. The oil heals small cracks and damage. It helps to cope with couperosis, improves complexion, tones and strengthens epidermis structure. Helps to neutralize wrinkles.
Psycho-emotional effect
This fragrance is an effective antidepressant that helps to cope with serious emotional and intellectual stress. It leads to a state of peace, tranquility, relaxation, promotes rapid recovery and quality rest. It also helps focus and increases efficiency and productivity. Can be used to enhance the creative and work process.
Aromatherapy
In Aromatherapy, it’s primarily effective as an anti-inflammatory and antiseptic aid used for colds, infectious and viral diseases. They inhale it to treat cough, shortness of breath and congestion, as well as angina, bronchitis, and pneumonia (especially when it is difficult to expectorate sputum). It can also be used to treat oral infections.
Apart from that, this fragrance acts as a sedative in aromatherapy. It allows to calm mental storms and passions, drowns out nostalgia and inner obsessions. At the same time, the violet leaf absolute will help shy and timid people overcome their hidden fears and realize their inner potential.
