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Neroli
Botanical Name:
Citrus aurantium
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| Origins |
Neroli
is believed to have been discovered by the Romans. In 1680 it was
used to scent the bath water and gloves of Anna Maria Orsini,
Prinecss of Nerola, who brought the fragrance into fashion amongst
the Italian aristocracy. |
| Description |
Neroli
oil is better know as orange blossom. It comes from the white
blossoms of the bitter orange tree, which originated in China but
also grows in Egypt, Morocco, Algeria, USA, Italy and southern
France. The pale yellow oil is expensive to produce since it takes
approximately one ton of flowers to extract just 2 lb ( 1 kg ) of
oil. These are hand picked as they are just about to open and then
distilled. Its powerful, wonderfully uplifting, floral fragrance is
reminiscent of lilies and is extensively used in
eau-de-Cologne. |
| Therapeutic effects |
An
excellent sedative and anti-depressant, neroli counters anxiety,
hysteria, shock and palpitations, and combats insomnia. It is
helpful for dermatitis and dry skin, pre-menstrual tension and
menopausal problems. |
| Uses |
Inhalation, baths and massage. Use in the bath or as a body oil to
alleviate the symptoms of pre-menstrual tension and generally
improve circulation, or just for the benefits of its delightful
fragrance and relaxing properties. |
| Blending
note |
Blends
well with benzoin, bergamot, cedarwood, chamomile, frankincense ,
geranium, jasmine, lavender, lemon, lemongrass, orange, parsley,
patchouli, rose, rosemary, ylang ylang. |
| Cautionary
note |
-
None |
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| * This image is 'eye candy' it does not represent the actual plant. |