The essential oil of neroli is colorless to pale yellow in color, and it usually transforms into a reddish-brown liquid when subjected to air. Neroli essential oil is a natural oil extracted from steam distilled flowers of the plant. Neroli is among the most popular of the aromatic oils.
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Its floral aroma is said to be similar to that of lilies, which is sweet, floral, fresh, light, and faintly citrusy. The oil is considered a good stimulant and sedative. It has several physical and emotional uses. Besides, it is used in food, beverages, and fine perfumery.
The Basics of Neroli Oil
Chemical Group: Rutaceae
Botanical Name: Citrus aurantium
Extraction Method: Steam distillation
Color: Colorless to pale yellow/ reddish-brown (when exposed to air)
Fragrance: Sweet, floral, fresh, light, and faintly citrusy
Documented Therapeutic Properties: Uplifting, tranquilizer, tonic, sedative, stimulant, regenerator, hypotensor, hypnotic, digestive, emollient, deodorant, cordial, carminative, calmative, blood purifier, astringent, aphrodisiac, anti-stress, antispasmodic, antiseptic, antifungal, antidepressant, antibacterial, and analgesic.
Blends Well With: Ylang Ylang, sandalwood, rose, petitgrain, palmarosa, orange, myrrh, mandarin, lemon, lavender, juniper, jasmine, grapefruit, ginger, geranium, frankincense, coriander, clary sage, and chamomile essential oils.
Neroli essential oil doterra is steam distilled in spring from the newly picked flowers. Basically, it is extracted from the aromatic white blooms of the bitter orange tree (which is an evergreen citrus tree originating from Asia). The oil received its name in 1688, when the Nerole princess scented her bathwater, shawls, stationery, and gloves with the aroma.
In history, neroli oil has been a major ingredient in perfumes, colognes, and cosmetic preparations. The oil is repeatedly tainted with petitgrain essential oil, which has the same properties as neroli and is pretty cheap. Apart from petitgrain oil, neroli may also be adulterated with Portugal neroli, which is obtained from the more plenteous blossoms of sweet orange tree. This oil is thinner and less concentrated as aromatic oil.
Neroli Essential Oil Benefits
- Anti-seizure and anticonvulsant
According to a study conducted in 2014, neroli essential oil has anti-seizure and anticonvulsant qualities. This qualifies the use of the plant along with its essential oil in the management of seizure. You do not have to suffer the life-threatening symptoms of seizure, such as loss of control and violent shaking when you have neroli oil in your possession.
- Rejuvenating
The essential oil of neroli has been documented as a good skin cells regenerator. Therefore, it is one of the most resourceful skin care oils. Apart from repairing your skin, it helps balance oil in your skin as well as improve your skin’s elasticity. It is the ideal oil for eliminating stretch marks, scars, and wrinkles. You can also use it to treat any stress related and bacterial skin conditions.
- Antimicrobial and Antioxidant
Studies suggest that the oil of neroli has antioxidants and antimicrobial activities. A Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences study found out that the antimicrobial property of neroli oil is effective against six different types of bacteria. One of such bacteria is Pseudomonas aeruginosa. When compared to some over-the-counter antibiotics, the oil of neroli has a powerful antifungal effect.
- Anti-inflammation
Neroli oil is a reliable anti-inflammatory and anti-pain medication. Journal of Natural Medicines study recorded the oil’s biological activities against chronic and acute inflammation. The research concluded that the oil has the ability to minimize peripheral as well as central sensitivity to pain. It is an unfailing treatment for arthritis, joint, and muscular pain.
- Anti-stress and Antidepressant
The oil’s ability to handle stress and depression is among the most important neroli essential oil benefits. You should not endure stress, anxiety, and depression attacks anymore. You can at least reduce or eliminate them by using neroli oil. All you have to do is inhale directly from the bottle, or diffuse a few drops to create a stress/ anxiety/ depression free atmosphere, or sprinkle a few drops on your pillows before you retire to bed.
What is Neroli Essential Oil Good For?
There are several renowned neroli essential oil uses. To begin with, the powerful aroma of neroli does not only help with stress, anxiety, and depression, it is great for its medicinal applications as well. Practical uses of the essential oil of neroli include: relieves menstrual discomfort, eliminates emotional fear, boosts confidence, uplifts mood, promotes a restful slumber, relaxes hyperactive kids, and calms nervous tension. The most popular neroli essential oil uses are: treating pulmonary disease, constricted circulation, shock, hysteria, premenstrual tension, headaches, insomnia, depression, and anxiety.
Safety Concerns
Having answered the question, “What is neroli essential oil good for?” You should also be aware of what the oil is not good for. The massaging of neroli oil on your skin is not recommended because of the characteristic high sensitization potential. Another reason that discourages direct topical application of concentrated neroli oil on the skin is the widespread adulteration, which can introduce photosensitizers along with sensitizers into your skin.
You are always advised to consult an aromatherapy specialist if you are not sure about the pureness of the neroli oil in your possession. Also, buy from trusted dealers only
Neroli Oil Blend Recipes
- Neroli Essential Oil for Face Rejuvenating Recipe
Ingredients:
- 5 drops of neroli oil
- 2 tablespoons of unflavored organic yogurt
Preparation & Application:
In a clean ceramic bowl, add the natural oil to the yogurt and stir to mix. Then apply the neroli essential oil mixture on face. Allow it to rest on your face for ten minutes before you wash the face with lukewarm water. Once you are done rinsing, use a soft towel to pat dry.
This is the ideal rejuvenating blend for a tired face. It provides you with a boost by reviving your facial skin cells. Neroli oil and yogurt consist of amino acids that are useful for building as well as maintaining your skin’s collagen cells.
- Relief Massage Blend Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 drop of the essential oil of neroli
- 1 drop of frankincense essential oil
- 4 drops of sweet orange essential oil
- 4 drops of lavender essential oil
- 1 ounce of carrier oil
Preparation & Application:
In a clean ceramic bowl or small glass, add the carrier oil and natural oils, and stir to combine. Apply the mixture to the affected parts of your body by using your fingertips. Then gently massage the blend into your skin. Conduct a patch test before you go through with the application. Repeat the process as necessary.
- Neroli Body Cream Recipe
Ingredients:
- 15 drops of neroli oil
- 5 drops of sandalwood essential oil
- 5 drops of rose essential oil
- 3 ounces of unscented body cream
Preparation & Application:
In a clean ceramic bowl, pour the cream, then add the essential oils, and stir to mix. Use the blend as a body cream as needed. Do a patch test before using neroli body cream.
- Stretch Mark Massage Oil Recipe
Ingredients:
- 10 drops of neroli oil
- 12 drops of lavender essential oil
- 6 drops of vetiver essential oil
- 1 tablespoon of borage oil
- 2 tablespoons of rose hip seed oil
- 2 tablespoons of flaxseed oil
- 3 tablespoons of wheat germ oil
- 250 ml of melted coco butter
Preparation & Application:
In a clean ceramic bowl, add the melted butter followed by borage, rose hip seed, flaxseed, and white germ oils, and stir to mix. Then add the essential oils of neroli, vetiver, and lavender and stir to blend. Allow the mixture to cool to a comfortable temperature before topical application. Massage the oil into the affected body parts as needed. Do a patch test before applying topically.
- Insomnia Bath Treatment Blend Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 drops of neroli essential oil
- 1 drop of vetiver essential oil
- 2 drops of ylang ylang essential oil
- 2 drops of sweet marjoram essential oil
- 3 drops of petitgrain essential oil
- 1 tablespoon of whole milk
Preparation & Application:
In a clean glass bowl, mix all the ingredients and stir to blend. Fill your bathtub with warm water, then pour the entire mixture and swirl to combine. Enjoy the rejuvenating bath as you breathe in deeply to relax. The sedative properties of neroli, sweet marjoram, and vetiver will induce sleep.
- Relaxing Bath Blend Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 drops of neroli oil
- 8 drops of ylang ylang essential oil
- 8 drops of sandalwood essential oil
- 12 drops of Roman chamomile essential oil
- 20 drops of lavender essential oil
- 4 ounces of carrier oil
Preparation & Application:
In a clean ceramic bowl, pour the carrier oil. Then add the essential oils of neroli, ylang ylang, sandalwood, Roman chamomile, lavender, and sweet almond, and stir to mix. Pour the entire blend into your bathtub full of warm water, and enjoy a relaxing bath.
In Conclusion
The neroli essential oil is very popular and well-known for its sedative and stimulating qualities. However, it is one of the most adulterated essential oils because of its resemblance with petitgrain oil. This simply means that you have to be careful when buying this unique natural oil, and, if possible, consult an aromatherapy specialist before purchasing the oil for the first time.
Sources and References
- Wikipedia Neroli
- NCBI Citrus aurantium L