Neroli (Citrus aurantium) essential oil benefits
Neroli is our of the most sought after essential oils for its fresh, delicate, and gently flowery aroma. Deeply calming, it helps with anxiety and insomnia. It is a beautiful oil for dry and mature skin as it helps improving elasticity. Neroli is probably the second most popular essential oil after Lavender despite the high cost. Its light, refreshing, floral aroma is simply irresistible. In the 17th century the Italian Princess Anna Maria Orsini di Nerola, used to wear as perfume an extract from the bitter orange flowers which soon became a favorite in many European courts of the time. Still to this day in Italy Neroli blossoms are used as the symbol of marriage (Fiori d’arancio).
Neroli's therapeutic properties are exceptional. On an emotional level, it is very relaxing, inspiring, refreshing, anti-depressant, anti-anxiety, and perfect to promote serene sleep and natural calm and confidence, while on a physical level, it is great for relieving muscle spasms, especially in the intestines, for painful periods, and during menopause. Neroli is also one of the most sought-after skincare essential oil because of its regenerative and protective properties perfect for young and sensitive skin. Neroli is very expensive not only for the low yield (0.8% to 1%) but because like Jasmine, it is crucial to harvest the blossoms at the correct time and temperature of the day (early morning, only on warm and sunny days as humidity ruins the blossoms). Only expert pickers can select the blossoms at the correct stage of maturity, otherwise, the essential oil obtained will have a bitter and sour unwanted undertone. Lastly, Neroli is considered one of the most elegant and subtle aphrodisiacs.
Neroli essential oil is very expensive as the yield is very low - beware of cheap Neroli as it way be a blend with cheaper Petitgrain.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Botanical Name: Citrus aurantium dulcis
Method of Extraction: steam distillation of the flowers
Origin: Italy, Tunisia
Color: Pale yellow
Aroma: Light, refreshing, floral, bitter-sweet
Note: middle - base
Blends well with: Bergamot, Mandarin, Clary Sage, Chamomiles, Frankincense, Lavender, Geranium, Jasmine, Lemon, Rose, Sandalwood, Ylang-ylang , Myrrh
Therapeutic properties: Antibacterial, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, carminative, fungicidal, gentle sedative, tonic
HOW TO USE
To reduce anxiety, promote sleep, unwind after a long day burn or diffuse 2-3 drops every 5 hours (due to the high price of Neroli you can add Petitgrain 3 drops)
To enjoy a relaxing massage or add 2 drops of Neroli + 2 drops of Petitgrain to every 5 ml of carrier oil. it can also be applied on pulse points or spine with similar dilutions.
Add 0.2-0.5 % to a cream or a gel base or carrier oil for as anti-aging. Avoid sun exposure for 8 hours (if skin application). Do not apply undiluted Neroli to children. Do not take it internally.
