Neroli is obtained from the flowers of the bitter orange tree.
Its fragrance, when well diluted is bitter sweet, refreshingly beautiful, The smell is characteristic of a very good traditional cologne. In fact, together with bergamot, lavender and rosemary, it formed the basis of the traditional eau de cologne.

Neroli was named after an Italian princess who loved it so much, she used it as her personal perfume. She even perfumed her gloves with it.

Composition and properties

It contains mainly terpene hydrocarbons, terpene alcohols and esters. It is gently sedative and is said to be rejuvenating on the skin. It is also said to be an aphrodisiac. It relieves anxiety.

Uses

Traditionally, orange blossoms were used in wedding bouquets. Its fragrance is relaxing and helps relieve anxiety. This could help relieve the nervousness of the wedding couple during the wedding.
Its aphrodisiac properties could be because it helps relieve anxiety.

In skin care, it is said to stimulate the growth of healthy new cells. It is recommended by June Thornton, in her book 'Beautiful skin with aromatherapy' for wrinkles, inflamed skin, sensitive skin, normal skin, puffiness of skin, mature/aging skin, dry skin and broken veins. Always dilute well before use. 1 drop of Neroli oil in 1 tablespoon of carrier oil would be sufficient. Alternatively, you could use aloe Vera gel or an unscented cream or lotion instead of a carrier oil if you stand oil on your face. Always do a patch test with the mixture on the inside of your wrists before putting any on your face. Some people can get very bad allergic reactions from essential oils. It could also be possible that some ingredients in your cream or lotion could react with components of essential oil, producing something that could give you a bad allergic reaction.

It makes a luxurious bath oil. Fill your bath tub with warm water. Add 10 drops of Neroli essential oil into your bath tub. Soak in it and enjoy.

You could use Neroli oil in a facial steam (Not for people with thread veins as the heat from the steam can worsen the condition. Not for people with asthma either as the steam can trigger an asthma attack) To use, fill a basin with boiling water, add 3 drops of Neroli essential oil into the water. With your face 20cm above the basin, place a towel over your head and the basin to keep the steam in. Allow the steam and essential oil to deep cleanse your skin until the water cools.

For panic attacks, dilute the oil 2 drops of essential oil in 1 teaspoon of carrier oil and use as a massage oil.