Aroma: Floral and sweet, with citrus undertones
Extraction method: Steam distillation
Part used: Blossom/ flower
Main benefits:
Neroli is a versatile essential oil that possesses the characteristics of essential oils rich in linalool and linalyl acetate but thanks to its citrus roots, it also has a significant concentration of limonene.
Research indicates that neroli oil can be used to encourage self-esteem and uplift your mood. Neroli essential oil is also used in many beautifying formulas in cosmetics because it can reduce the appearance of blemishes and restore skin health. As a mild analgesic agent, it can help you relax and tone muscles.
MAIN CONSTITUENTS
Linalool, β-pinene, linalyl acetate, limonene, trans-ocimene
NEROLI ESSENTIAL OIL BLENDS
Often, the fragrance industry uses neroli as a middle note. You can sniff neroli in Acqua Di Giò by Giorgio Armani, Fleur d’Oranger by Prada and Néroli du Sud by Laura Mercier.
If you are looking for ideas on neroli oil blends, you may consider mixing neroli oil with lime, bergamot, orange, sandalwood, frankincense, lavender, ylang-ylang, chamomile and helichrysum.
HISTORY OF NEROLI
Neroli essential oil is extracted from the blossoms of the bitter orange tree. The hybrid tree has been cultivated in the Mediterranean region since the 10th century. The sour orange tree probably originated in the tropical regions of southern China and it was brought to Europe by the Moors. Another alias for the Citrus aurantium tree is Seville orange.
Interestingly, the name of Neroli essential oil is not directly related to the plant itself but, instead, to 17th century Italian Princess of Nerola, Anne Marie Orsini, famous for using orange blossoms to fragrance her gloves and bath water.
Did you know that to produce 1 kilogram of Neroli essential oil, you need about one tonne of freshly harvested orange blossoms? So please do not wonder why this captivating essential oil is one of the more costly to obtain. However, you should only trust companies dedicated to organic and sustainable manufacturing.
While Neroli has a royal status, there is more to this intoxicating and luxurious essential oil. Once reserved exclusively for the wealthy and high-rank persons, Neroli essential oil also has a lot of benefits for one’s physical health and overall wellness.
Helps relieve burn-out, nervousness and depression
In aromatherapy, Neroli essential oil is mostly used for its ability to reduce stress and anxiety. It can be very helpful in turbulent times of chronic physical and mental pressure when you have to cope with insomnia, panic attacks or fearfulness.
Decreases blood pressure
Neroli essential oil can reduce cortisol levels and blood pressure, according to this study.The experiment included 83 participants who were either hypertensive or in a pre-hypertensive condition. Each participant in the experimental group was asked to inhale an aroma blend consisting of lavender, ylang-ylang, marjoram and neroli. The placebo group was given an artificial fragrance.In the end, the study has shown that the Neroli aroma blend may be used for controlling hypertension and high cortisol levels.
Rejuvenates the skin
Neroli essential oil has powerful antibacterial properties, which makes it good at soothing acne breakouts and balancing the production of sebum. Furthermore, as neroli oil is packed with antioxidants, it combats free radicals that are causing premature skin aging.
Neroli can help to hydrate and moisturize skin and that is why it is often used in facial creams and serums. Use neroli oil (diluted in carrier oil) to replenish your skin and enjoy a radiant and glowing complexion.
Can alleviate neuropathic pain
Neroli oil has been shown to be effective in the management of pain and inflammation. It can help reduce discomfort and pain that can come with swollen muscles and joints. In addition, neroli oil can reduce central and peripheral sensitization which is usually associated with experiencing chronic pain.
Applying diluted Neroli oil can help ease muscle swelling, soreness and pain. As a carrier oil, you can use sweet almond or hemp oil.
Helps treat insomnia
Do you have a hard time falling asleep? Neroli oil works as a natural tranquilizer and can help you improve the quality of your sleep. As Neroli essential oil can reduce cortisol levels and calm the agitated nervous system, it makes the perfect sleep aid.
MEDICINAL USES OF NEROLI OIL
In 2012, one particular study examined the antibacterial and antioxidant properties of neroli oil. Through gas chromatography, the researchers found 33 compounds that represent 99% of the oil content. Using an agar diffusion assay, neroli oil was tested against bacteria, yeasts and fungi. It turned out that Neroli essential oil possesses strong antibacterial activity, particularly against Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
The Neroli essential oils were investigated in mice and rat models. Along with strong analgesic properties, neroli oil also managed to reduce swelling in rats.
The inhibitory activity of neroli was found to be similar to the standard drug prescribed for pain, which is diclofenac sodium. Study results suggest that Neroli essential oil possesses biologically active constituents that can heal acute and chronic inflammation and reduce neuropathic pain.
A study from 2014 examined the anticonvulsant properties of Neroli essential oil in an animal model. Inducing seizures using pentylenetetrazole, researchers compared neroli oil anticonvulsant activity with diazepam and benzodiazepines, which are standardly applied. Study results show that neroli oil has anticonvulsant activity and can be used in the management of seizures.
In a double-blind clinical trial, 95 participants had to assess their overall wellness after aromatherapy with Neroli and Rosa damascena. Study owners would pour 10 drops of Neroli essential oil on a cotton pad, put it at a distance of 30 cm and ask participants to inhale for five minutes. Then the participants had to answer 19 questions related to how they feel and what are the general perceptions.After aromatherapy with neroli oil, participants were able to significantly reduce their sensitivity to rejection and also improve conditions such as feeling overwhelmed or out of control.
- Use in the bathtub for aromatherapy benefits
- Diffuse for the emotional and mental benefits
- Massage, well diluted, for physical ailments
Healing properties:
- strong antidepressant
- supports the nervous system
- antihypertensive
- phlebotonic (vein-protective)
- antibacterial
- analgesic (pain-relieving)
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS: Neroli oil is a highly concentrated product and should only be used with extreme caution. Please note that all information is provided for informational purposes. We always recommend additional consultation with a specialist before usage, especially when used in childhood, during pregnancy, breastfeeding or if you suffer from chronic diseases! Avoid contact with eyes, mucous membranes, inner ear and other sensitive parts of the body! Keep out of reach of children!
Stress-relieving aroma blend
Whenever you feel anxious, try this grounding aroma blend. It will help you to de-stress and cope with restlessness. Use a diffuser or an aroma lamp and mix:
Restore-and-rejuvenate facial oil
Use this anti-aging blend to restore the youthful look on your face. Rejuvenate and re-energize your dull complexion. Use a glass jar and mix:
DIY Neroli body oil
Try this nourishing and relaxing body oil blend. Use a glass bottle and mix:
Relaxing bath soak with Neroli
This Neroli bath soak is perfect for you if you are looking to unwind after a stressful day. You need:
Soak the stress away!
Comments
There are no comments yet!