How to Distill Violet

Distilling violets will create essential oils, which are a wonderful (and organic) alternative to synthetic fragrance oils. Use distilled violet in homemade soaps, bath salts, potpourri and candles. You can even dab on a little bit of distilled violet for a refreshing perfume. Because distilled violet is so concentrated, 1 or 2 drops will go a long way. Read on to learn more.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Freshly picked violets
• Teapot
• Distilled water
• Rubber hose
• Bowl with ice water
• Empty bowl
• Cotton balls
• Bottle with cap

1. Begin with freshly picked violet blossoms. Violets begin to bloom in May. They continue to bloom through June. Because they lose their fragrance soon after picking, start the distillation process as soon as possible.
2. Put the violet blossoms into a teapot. Fill it with distilled water.
3. Hook up a rubber hose to the teapot spout. Lay the hose through a bowl of ice water, placing the end in an empty bowl.
4. Let the teapot simmer. The ice bath will cause condensation to drip into the empty bowl.
5. Let the condensation rest. Allow the violet oil to rise to the top.
6. Soak up the essential violet oil with a cotton ball. Squeeze the cotton ball into an empty bottle. Seal tightly when finished.
7. Use the leftover violet water as a refreshing body splash after a shower or bath.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid picking violets that grow near the roadside, as they will carry toxins from car exhaust. Also avoid any plants that have been sprayed with pesticides.
• Mix essentials oils, such as violet and lilac or rose together, to create custom fragrances.