Violet Essential Oil

Latin name Viola odorata – Family species Violaceae

Violet, also referred to as English Violet, Garden Violet, Blue Violet, Sweet-scented Violet, have been available as an oil made from the leaves and an oil made from the flowers. Violet leaf oil (absolute) is reported to be used more therapeutically and in perfumery. It is said that true violet essential oil (from the flower) does not exist, that violet flower absolute is impossible (or difficult) to obtain anymore, and that any violet oil that currently purports to be from the flower is most likely a synthetic replacement.

Oil Selection Guide

Color – dark green (leaf), yellow green (flower)
Viscosity – Viscous (both)
Scent – the leaf oil is green, earthy and leafy; the flower oil is rich, sweet, and floral in nature
Perfume Aroma – Middle / top note

Oil Source Information

Plant Type – Plant
Parts Used – Leaves / Flowers
Countries of Origin – Italy, France, England, Greece, China
Extraction Method – Solvent extraction

Known Chemical Constituents

nonadienal, parmone, hexyl alcohol, bezyl alcohol, ionone, viola quercitin

Applications and Uses

Some aromatherapy applications. Violet is also used in perfumery, and sometimes as a commercial confectionery flavoring.

Violet blends well with

Precautions / Contraindications

It is cautioned to use violet only in moderation (if at all).
Violet can cause irritation to sensitive skin.
See also Essential Oils Safety and Usage.

References and Resources

See Aromatherapy References and Resources page.

A violet in the youth of primy nature,
Forward, not permanent, sweet, not lasting,
The perfume and suppliance of a minute;
No more.
~William Shakespeare (Hamlet)

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