Violet

Viola odorata L.

A miniature violet with a charming delicate aroma gives rise to the most contradictory emotions. Ovid called it a black flower, and for the ancient Greeks it was a symbol of sadness and girls who died untimely. In Greece, the violet personified the awakening of nature, spring itself. Wreaths of these tiny flowers were used to decorate the lovely heads of babies on the day they turned 3 years old, to mark the end of a carefree time and the beginning of a conscious period of life.

The ancient Romans called the violet the flower of the lightning-fast king of the gods, Jupiter. His gentle beauty conquered the most courageous hearts. Goethe loved violets very much. Thanks to the poet, the surroundings of his native Weymore were drowned in a purple haze in the spring. To this day, the flowers he planted are called “Goethe’s violets.”

In France, the violet is a symbol of love and hope.

They have been trying to preserve the exquisite aroma of violets for a long time. The ancients infused fresh flowers in sesame oil for religious ceremonies. The incense oil was popular among high-society beauties.

Industrial production of violet oil began in the 19th century in France. Flowers and leaves were collected separately. The essential oil from the flowers has a strong floral-sweet aroma, while the essential oil from the leaves has a thick green scent with a delicate floral tint. Recently, flowers have not been collected by hand. To obtain oil, the aerial part of the plant is mowed, slightly withered, and then extracted with petroleum ether. The composition of absolute violet oil is unique; it is mainly esters of higher acids. A delicate aroma, even at high dilutions, is created by substances with a delicate olfactory threshold: 2,6-nonadienal and 2,6-nonadienol (0.01 parts per billion), beta-ionone (0.007 parts per billion).

The medicinal properties of violet were described in detail by Avicenna, calling it a useful remedy for “hot cough, pleurisy, inflammation of the lungs, stomach and pain in the kidneys.” Odo of Mena dedicated the following lines to the violet:

Roses with their beauty and the sparkle of lilies cannot compete with the fragrant violet either in aroma or properties. There are white, black and purple violets. They have almost the same effect when treated.

If you apply grated ones, they will help inflamed areas; If you drink, the hops will be driven out, and a heavy head will be treated Only with the aroma of a flower, or a crowning wreath of violets; If you soak them in water and drink them, your gums will be healed. The red bile from the stomach, if you drink, is reflected in the drink by the fresh violet herb or flower, both dried and fresh. Also, diseases that are caused by blood or red bile, in the ribs of the mobile, as well as in the lungs themselves, can be moderated by drinking fresh water; This relieves both cough and shortness of breath in children. They make oil from them, like from rose flowers, and it is useful, As they say, this oil is used in many different cases: It drives out pain and noise if it is poured into the ears, And it helps the head, tormented by any pain, Gently cooling it and entrusting the body to peace; Roundworms are killed by the infusion if you drink or spread it; This oil removes peeling skin in the head. If a sudden blow to the head closes the Mouth, causing the victim to no longer speak his tongue, first of all give him a grated violet with wine to take; Afterwards, since the right side of the head has been damaged, apply crushed violet to the sole of the cool foot. Doing the opposite, if the head on the left is broken: The mouth will open again, and on the same day the power of speech will return. As we were told by Just, the doctor who wrote about this.

Medicinal properties

1. Effective for lung diseases accompanied by sputum production, whooping cough, emphysema, inflammation of the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract.
2. Recommended for urinary incontinence, urinary and kidney stones, cystitis.
3. Improves blood circulation and heart function.
4. Indicated for rheumatism, gout, polyarthritis.
5. Effective for furunculosis and purulent wounds.
6. In folk medicine it is known as an analgesic, bile and diuretic. Used for influenza, sore throat, hoarseness, edema, heart disease, skin diseases, congestion in the lungs, vascular fragility, constipation, infection of the oral cavity, varicose veins, headaches, dizziness.
7. Prescribed for epilepsy. Calms the nervous system.
8. Perfect for sensitive skin care. Toner for aging skin.
9. Used to treat dry seborrhea and strengthen hair.

Dosage

Prescribed individually by an aromatherapist.

Contraindications. Individual intolerance.

Note. The smell of violet closes the ligaments; in case of an overdose, hoarseness may occur.