Health Benefits:

Though both orris root and violet in particular have a long history of therapeutic use, their high cost relative to other, equally effective essential oils, has placed them principally in the perfumer’s realm, where they are used to mimic the delicate violet aroma, and as a fixative. Very little is needed for perfuming purposes.

Violet leaf in plant form has been historically used as a headache remedy and natural pain reliever for centuries. Similarly, the root of the orris plant has been used for oral and dental health. In direct inhalation or vapor therapy, violet leaf and orris root essential oils both are useful in relieving upper respiratory ailments, sore throat, and bronchitis. Both are believed to sooth stress headaches and nervousness, and are said to increase circulation and liver congestion when massaged into skin with a carrier oil.

These two earthy, leafy green oils are relaxing and soothing to the nervous system and are indicated for stress relief and insomnia.

How to Use:

How To Use Orris Root Violet Leaf Oil:

Orris root violet leaf can be applied topically, as a compress, in the bath, through direct inhalation, or diffuser.

Use one or two drops in direct palm inhalation to relax the nervous system and dispel anxiety.

Blend neroli oil in marula oil and massage into skin to increase circulation.

Massage two drops (diluted in carrier oil) into temples and back of neck to help relieve tension headaches.

More Information:

The scent of violet flower is almost impossible to capture and virtually all violet-scented products are synthetically based. The closest natural aromatic semblance to a distilled version of true violet flower is the combination of violet leaf with orris root. Both violet leaf and orris root are rare and precious oils and are often adulterated.

Orris root is described in literature from as early as the 15th century. It was used for a variety of health benefits and more frequently, for flavoring and scenting. It is an ingredient of the famous Bombay Sapphire gin. Orris powder is used in perfumery, potpourris and sachets. The fresh root juice has been used to remove skin discolorations and freckles. Orris also yields dyes: the root results in a black dye, the flower yields a blue dye. Orris seeds are used as beads.

Safety Guidelines:

Safety Considerations for Orris Root Violet Leaf Oil:

Non-toxic, non-sensitizing, non-irritant. Do not take orris root violet leaf essential oil internally.

Aromatic Profile & Blending:

Aromatic Profile and Blending of Orris Root Violet Leaf Oil:

Perfumery Note: Middle
Odor: Green, leafy, earthy, woody, delicately floral, powdery, berry notes
Strength of Initial Aroma: Medium to strong
Blends well with: many wood oils such as cedar, cypress, and sandalwood; and florals like geranium, rose, lavender, and ylang ylang

Product Details:

Botanical Name: Iris germanica & Viola odorata
Family: Iridaceae & Violaceae
Composition: 100% Pure Orris Root and Violet Leaf oil
Origin: South Africa
Method of Extraction: Solvent extraction
Cultivation/Harvesting: Conventional
Plant Part: Iris root and violet leaves
Color: Deep green
Consistency: Viscous
Yield:  Low, ~.05-.1%

Bottle Size: 1 dram (3.75 ml)

Why Buy From Floracopeia:

Floracopeia was established to help preserve and promote the use of botanical medicines as solutions to the widespread ecological destruction taking place in the world, and the loss of medicinal plants on which traditional medical systems depend. We provide our customers with the highest quality essential oils and other botanical aromatic treasures through the promotion of ecological sustainability, organic agriculture, and agro-forestry projects.

Our products are acclaimed for their therapeutic-grade, high quality at affordable prices. We provide artisanal quality oils produced by small family-based distillers. We buy directly from farmers and distillers, thus supporting the local economies in which the plants are grown. We do not buy oils from the world-brokers. Floracopeia is founded with a strong medical orientation and is involved in a number of global eco-projects based in grass roots health care, spirituality, reforestation projects, and the preservation and restoration of ethno-botanical culture.