I tried out an 1840s recipe for oil of violets. It’s a Victorian recipe for flower infused oil. Despite the name it’s not made with violet flowers, but with orris root powder.
I found two similar 1840s recipes for violet oil: one is called Oil of Violets, the other is called Huile Antique a la Violette. Here you’ll find more Victorian and Edwardian flower infused oil recipes.
You’ll need:
- 1 part orris root powder
- 9 to 13 parts olive oil (I used jojoba oil)
- jar with lid
Mix the orris root powder and oil. Macerate for three days to one week in a warm place. Then strain the oil through muslin.
what would one use this oil for?
It was probably intended as scented hair or facial oil. Or maybe to make scented cold cream.
Would this be for external and/or internal use?
Old recipes are usually not very clear about this. 😉 But I guess, this Victorian oil of violets is intended for external use, probably as a scented hair or facial oil. In the past, orris root was often used in hair powder and face powder.