Citrus aurantium var. Amara
Oil: Neroli also known as Orange Flower oil.
Extraction: Steam distillation of flowers from the Bitter Orange Tree.
Grown: France and Tunisia are said to produce the highest quality of trees and so highest quality of oils.
Scent: sweet, honeyed, metallic with green and spicy facets.
Chemistry: Linalool – 34%, Linalyl acetate-6-17%, among many others
Properties: anxiolytic, anti-microbial, antibacterial therefore good for wound healing, repairs skin and reduces appearance of scars, reduces inflammation and pain. Can be used as an insecticide. It is used extensively in skincare products.
It has a soothing effect on mood.
Studies on both animals and humans suggest it has a beneficial effect on stress reduction, anxiety, and pain response (Healthline 2019).
Aromatherapy Use: It blends well with Bergamot, Geranium, Lavender and Petitgrain. Neroli can be applied to the skin using a carrier oil for massage or for use through a diffuser.
Neroli is said to have originated from an Italian Princess, Anne-Marie de la Tremoille who was the Countess of Nerola. She was said to use the fragrant oil to scent her gloves and bathwater. It is one of the classic scents in Perfumery.
Safety: Non-toxic, do not use undiluted, not to be used on children Under 5, unless directed; not for ingestion and with all citrus oils not to use if immediately exposed to the sun or in a tanning booth. To undertake a patch test before using any oils.
Other Oils: The Bitter Orange Tree is useful in that it can produce more than one oil.
1. Orange Flower absolute in which the oil is extracted using solvents, which are then removed. Its aroma is described as headier, heavier, and more herbaceous.
2. Petitgrain Bigarade, which is obtained by using steam extraction from the leaves and twigs of the Bitter Orange tree.
3. Bitter Orange Oil, which is obtained by cold expression of the rind of the Bitter Orange fruit.
Neroli is the basis for the classic scent Eau de Cologne
Bibliography
Cohen J. 2021 Essential Oils to Boost the Brain and Heal the Body. Ten speed press California New York
https://www.baseformula.com
https://www.healthline.com/health/neroli-oil
Neroli Oil Overview, Benefits, Uses, Side Effects, and Precautions (healthline.com)
Orange Blossom, Neroli, Petitgrain….what’s what?
https://www.purpleflame.co.uk
https://www.tisserand.com/essential-oils
Safety Guidelines – Tisserand Institute
https://www.wikipedia.org