About Neroli
Family: Rutaceae
Genus: Citrus
Species: C. aurantium
Neroli (Citrus aurantium var amara) essential oil is extracted from blossoms of the bitter orange trees. Apart from Neroli oil, bitter orange trees also produce Petitgrain oil (leaves) and Bitter Orange oil (fruits).
To produce Neroli oil, blossoms have to be collected by hands in late April to early May, and then the oil is extracted by water distillation.
The perfume Eau-de-Cologne is traditionally made from Neroli.
History
Neroli oil is produced in many countries such as Algeria, Egypt, France, Haiti, Italy, Morocco and Spain. It is believed that the origin of bitter orange trees is South-East Asia.
There is legend that during the 17th century in Italy, Anne Marie de la Trémoille (Orsini), who was duchess of Bracciano and princess of Nerola, first introduced neroli oil as a fashionable fragrance to high society. She used it whilst bathing and also to perfume her stationary, scarves and most famously, her gloves.
Orange blossoms are traditionally used in weddings. They were seen as a symbol of purity and virginity
Therapeutic uses
Skin
Neroli oil stimulates cells and helps with broken capillaries, so can be used in eye creams to help reduce dark under-eye circles. Neroli oil’s antiseptic, bactericidal and cytophylatic properties also help skin problems and keep skin elastic and in good shape. Neroli oil promotes cell regeneration, hence can be used for combating stretch marks and scarring.
Psychological
Neroli oil helps insomnia, and as one of the essential oils with the most sedative effects is useful for treating depression, anxiety and shock and is also effective in calming heart palpitations, treating headaches, neuralgia and vertigo. It can help when a patient is convalescing and is a good general tonic.
The aroma of Neroli oil creates calming, soothing effect and helps to promote our parasympathetic nervous system, which aids in relaxation or the body and mind.
On a subtle level, Neroli can help one to develop the inner trust which will allows self-acceptance and produces feelings of security and protection. Neroli brings in positive energy. It helps one to relax as well as face our emotional fears. It can help to promote sensual comfort. It eases grief and also helps one to experience joyful love. It can reunite the conscious and subconscious minds and can promote direct communication with the spiritual world. Neroli can help one to become aware of unresolved issues so that one can deal with them. Neroli can also help to facilitate all kinds of creative activities when they are inspired by spiritual aspirations. Neroli is often used in happiness and protection blends.
Digestion
Neroli oil’s calming effect can also be beneficial to the digestive tract. It can be used for intestinal spasms, colitis and diarrhea.
Neroli oil infused tea or supplement of Neroli oil can be taken to treat your upset stomach due to diarrhea, colitis or intestinal disorders. When applied topically to the abdominal region, Neroli oil can help lessen the effects of menstrual cramping, discomfort and bloating as well.
Personal Comments
Neroli is one of my favorite oils and it is also one of my first oils. The smell of Neroli is quite strong. One drop can last for a long time. Its present sweet smell is difficult to be resisted by most people. Whenever I smell the scent of Neroli, I breathe more deeply and feel calmed. It seems that everything in the world slows down. I can also feel that the smell of Neroli goes down to my stomach, as if I have eaten the blossoms.
Reference
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neroli
http://www.quinessence.com/tunisian_neroli_oil.htm
http://www.dermaxime.com/neroli.htm
http://www.essentialoils.co.za/essential-oils/neroli.htm
http://www.ehow.com/about_5251358_benefits-neroli-oil.html
http://www.wciablog.com/2008/01/neroli-orange-blossom-citrus-aurantium.html
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