Like many essential oils, Neroli essential oil, also known as orange blossom, has grown in popularity in recent years. It is widely used in aromatherapy to treat a number of medical conditions. It comes from the orange blossom flowers of the Citrus aurantium species. Not only does it contain numerous therapeutic properties, but it has the most beautiful aroma.
It ranks with lavender as one of the most acclaimed essential oils because of its many health benefits. Its potent relaxing effects can calm the mind and body, relieve muscle spasms, and quell heart palpitations. It rejuvenates and regenerates the skin and prevents stretch marks and ugly scarring.
Neroli has a haunting, floral, and slightly sweet aroma. It is pale yellow in color and has the same consistency as water. When you buy it, make sure you deal with a reputable store, or website. There have been reports that many shady dealers water it down to increase their profits. Even when it is diluted, it still has a very strong smell so the average consumer would not know if it had been tampered with. Make sure you get a 100 percent pure product.
Its potency lies in the fact that it takes 1000 pounds (454 kilograms) of orange blossoms to produce one pound (0.4 kilograms) of oil. When the blossoms are harvested, they have to be distilled instantly otherwise they wilt and the quality diminishes. This is why Neroli is more expensive than most other oils. It was named after the Countess of Nerola, an Italian princess, who used it in her bath water and as a perfume.
Orange blossom oil is non-sensitizing, non-phototoxic, non-toxic, and non-irritant. However, if you are going to drive a car or have to work, only use a small amount because the relaxant action is very strong. Its therapeutic properties are carminative, aphrodisiacal, bactericidal, antispasmodic, sedative, cytophylactic, digestive, and antiseptic.
Because of its strong tranquilizing properties, it can relieve anxiety, panic disorder, nervousness, depression, shock, stress, and fear. Its calming effects also improve the digestive system and help associated problems such as diarrhea, colitis, and intestinal spasms. Its sedative properties make it an effective treatment for insomnia. Orange blossom also provides quick relief for neuralgia, headaches, and tension.
People who are recovering after an illness can use orange blossom as a healthy tonic. When it is applied to skin, it firms, tones, repairs broken capillaries, stimulates the production of collagen, and prevents stretch marks. Put the oil in a burner and use it as vapor therapy for shock, fear, headaches, or depression. Add a few drops (no more than 6) to bath water to relieve stress, tension, and neuralgia. Use the oil for a superb overall body massage.
A significant skin benefit of Neroli essential oil is not only its ability to prevent stretch marks and scarring, but it actually produces new skin cells. This is why it is one of the key ingredients in most anti-aging lotions. Neroli harmonizes well with all other oils, but it goes particularly well with ylang-ylang, all citrus oils, lavender, jasmine, benzoin, and geranium.
The author is a wellness director for The Ananda Apothecary, found at www.anandaapothecary.com. Find more resources are available on aromatherapy and essential oil blends through the website.