November 15, 2023

Neroli: Product Highlight

Plant Details

Neroli Essential Oil is extracted from the flowers of the Bitter Orange (Citrus bigaradia) tree, an evergreen tree in the Rutaceae family. The Bitter Orange is thought to be a cross between the mandarin orange (Citrus reticulata) and the pomelo (Citrus maxima). It is native to Southeast Asia and has been naturalized in many other tropical and subtropical climates. Bitter Orange trees can grow up to thirty feet tall with a wide shrub-like appearance when not pruned. The bark of the trees is smooth and brown and studded with small thorns. Bitter Orange leaves are a rich green color with a long oval shape and oil glands dotted all over the surface. The flowers of the tree are large and white with elongated petals, growing in small clusters. Bitter Orange flowers are highly fragrant and form primarily in early summer but can spread throughout the whole year. The fruits of the tree are small and spherical but can sometimes be irregularly shaped. Bitter Orange fruits have a thick peel that shifts from green to bright orange as the fruit ripens. The pulp of the fruits is juicy and orange with an extremely sour and bitter flavor.

History

In Ancient China, Neroli flowers were thought to symbolize purity and fertility and were often used in bridal bouquets. This tradition developed the expression “to gather orange blossoms” which came to refer to seeking a wife. Neroli Essential Oil was used by ancient Egyptian priests and priestesses for anointing during spiritual rituals while the flowers were also used in incense. The oil and flowers were also used by Egyptians to promote general health and well-being. The Bitter Orange tree and its fruits spread from its home in Southeast Asia through India and into the Middle East as early as 700 CE. The fruit was then brought to Europe by Genoese travelers. Bitter Orange trees later made their way into Spain with the Moors in the tenth century. Over the years the tree became an emblem of Seville and Andalusia as a whole. This is the reason the tree is also referred to as the Seville orange. Spain was responsible for introducing the Bitter Orange tree to Florida, islands in the Caribbean, and parts of South America where it escaped cultivation and became feral, growing near small streams in wooded areas. The name Neroli is derived from Nerola, a town near Rome in Italy. During the seventeenth century, Anne Marie Orsini, a French princess, was the Duchess of Bracciano and Princess of Nerola. She fell in love with the scent of Neroli flowers after experiencing their blooms in the Spring. She began using Neroli Essential Oil to fragrance her baths, clothing, and gloves, quickly making the scent a fashionable fragrance and cementing its place in the world of perfumery.

Extraction

Bitter Orange flowers intended for essential oil production are harvested sometime between late April and early June when the blossoms are just beginning to open. The flowers are harvested by hand on warm, sunny days to ensure maximum oil yield. Neroli Essential Oil is extracted from the flowers through hydrodistillation. One kilogram of Neroli flowers will generally yield around one gram of Neroli Essential Oil. The resulting essential oil is thin and clear with an exotic and sweet floral aroma.

Benefits & Uses

When used in aromatherapy, Neroli Essential Oil has been found to combat feelings of stress and tension, helping to alleviate negative thoughts and balance emotions. It may help to promote feelings of comfort and calm when dealing with grief or sadness, working to uplift the mood and generate positivity. Neroli Essential Oil is thought to clear the mind and encourage a state of tranquility which may help with grounding and focusing of intentions during meditation and other spiritual practices.

Diluted and used topically, Neroli Essential Oil is known to hydrate and cleanse the skin while helping to eliminate texture and promote skin cell regeneration for a smooth and firm complexion. It has been found to help regulate oil production in the skin and combat damage from air pollution and environmental issues, working to soothe acne and prevent new blemishes. Neroli Essential Oil is thought to minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while also diminishing scars and hyperpigmentation.

The unique aroma of Neroli Essential Oil makes it a widely loved ingredient in perfumery. It is often present in high-end floral blends and blends well with citrus elements, woody notes, and other florals.

Here are some recipes using Neroli Essential Oil that we love...

Loving Harmony Diffuser Blend

Ingredients

3 drops of Neroli Essential Oil
3 drops of Rose Essential Oil
3 drops of Jasmine Absolute

Instructions

Add water to your diffuser up to the fill line. Add drops of the essential oil blend. This diffuser blend recipe is formulated for a 200ml ultrasonic diffuser. Adjust the amount according to the size and directions of your diffuser.

Fresh Face Smoothing Toner

Ingredients

4 oz Amber Glass Bottle
2 oz of Witch Hazel Extract
1 oz of Distilled Water
½ oz of Sweet Almond Oil
15 drops of Neroli Essential Oil
15 drops of Geranium Essential Oil
10 drops of Frankincense Essential Oil
10 drops of Lavender Essential Oil

Instructions

Mix all ingredients in a 4 oz glass amber bottle. Shake well to combine. To use, soak a cotton round with the toner and then gently rub it over the face and neck. Shake well before each use. Store in a cool dark place for extended shelf life.

Tranquil Presence Grounding Roll On

Ingredients

Instructions

Add the essential oils to the bottle. Fill the rest of the bottle to the top with fractionated coconut oil. Replace the rollerball and cap, and gently shake and roll across your skin.

Positive Radiance Shower Steamers

Ingredients

Witch Hazel Extract in a Misting Spray Bottle
Hard Plastic or Metal Molds
1 cup of Citric Acid
2 cups of Baking Soda
10 drops of Neroli Essential Oil
10 drops of Sweet Orange Essential Oil
5 drops of Peppermint Essential Oil

Instructions

Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and mix well using your hands. Spritz a small amount of witch hazel onto the top of the powder mixture and stir it in. Repeat this process until the mixture packs together easily with a texture similar to wet sand. Scoop the mixture into each mold one at a time and pack them down tightly. Allow them to dry for at least 24 hours. To use, take 1 shower steamer into the shower and wet it under the stream of water. Place the steamer at the far end of the bath/shower stall away from the direct flow of water to help it last longer.