Neroli's flowering blossoms have many associations in Italian folklore. Believed to have a calming and relaxing affect on people, they were included in the bridal bouquets. Neroli essential oil is used in many commercial products from high-end perfumes to a flavoring agent in some drinks and foods.
Processing and Characteristics
You can produce two essential oils from the bitter orange tree, Citrus aurantium. Orange oil comes from the tree's fruit while neroli oil comes from the tree's flowering blossoms. Both steam distillation and a process called enfleurage produce the neroli oil used in aromatherapy. The oil is thick with a dark brown hue. It has a bitter-sweet aroma with citrus undertones.
Properties
Neroli essential oil has many properties that make it useful for aromatherapy applications. Clinical aromatherapist Patricia Davis in her book "Aromatherapy: An A-Z" lists neroli's properties as antiseptic, antispasmodic, antidepressant and also sedative. In "The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils," aromatherapist Julie Lawless describes neroli as working as an antibacterial and digestive aid.
Skin Care
Aromatherapists use neroli for numerous ailments. Its physically beneficial properties include some related to skin care. Davis uses the oil to treat patients with dry and sensitive skin. Neroli helps stimulate new cell activity, which also makes it useful for helping to prevent and reduce stretch marks during pregnancy. However neroli is more used for its anxiety- and stress-relieving ability.
Methods
Using neroli in a massage blend or bath can reinforce its stress relieving and mentally uplifting actions. You could also diffuse neroli into the air with an essential oil burner or vaporizer. If you want to prevent stretch marks it works best to include neroli in a cream or lotion.
Safety
Neroli essential oil generally is considered a safe essential oil. Essential oil's main safety concerns include skin irritation, skin sensitization, toxicity and increased sunlight sensitivity. Lawless notes that neroli does not act in any of these ways. However, using essential oils at full strength can cause problems, even with safe oils like neroli. Also, using it during pregnancy is something you should discuss first with your doctor. To use the right essential oil and the best aromatherapy treatment, consult a certified aromatherapist.
References
- "Aromatherapy: An A-Z"; Patricia Davis; 2000
- "The Illustrated Encylopedia of Essential Oils"; Julie Lawless; 1995
- "375 Essential Oils and Hydrosols"; Jeanne Rose; 1999
- Yoga Journal: Scent of a Mom
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