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.