Overview
Neroli essential oil is a versatile oil that has a multitude of health-related uses. The oil is useful for physical, psychological and physiological purposes. It has an aroma that has health-related benefits when used in aromatherapy. Here, let us learn more about this amazing essential oil, its properties and uses.
What Is Neroli Essential Oil?
Neroli essential oil is extracted from the flowers of the citrus tree Citrus aurantium var. amara which is also called marmalade orange, bitter orange and bigarade orange. (The popular fruit preserve, marmalade, is made from it.) Neroli essential oil from the bitter orange tree is also known as orange blossom oil. It was native to Southeast Asia, but with trade and with its popularity, the plant began to be grown all over the world.
This plant is believed to be a cross or hybrid between the mandarin orange and pomelo. The essential oil is extracted from the flowers of the plant using the steam distillation process. This method of extraction ensures that the structural integrity of the oil remains intact. Also, as the process does not use any chemicals or heat, the resulting product is said to be 100% organic.
The flowers and its oil, since ancient times, have been renowned for its healthy properties. The plant (and ergo its oil) has been used as a traditional or herbal medicine as a stimulant. It is also used as an ingredient in many cosmetic and pharmaceutical products and in perfumery. The popular Eau-de-Cologne has neroli oil as one of the ingredients.
Neroli essential oil smells rich and floral, but with undertones of citrus. The citrus scent is due to the citrus plant from which it is extracted and it smells rich and floral because it is extracted from the flowers of the plant. Neroli oil has almost similar effects as the other citrus-based essential oils.
Some of the active ingredients of the essential oil that impart health based properties to the oil are geraniol, alpha- and beta- pinene, and neryl acetate.
|
Name |
Neroli Essential Oil |
|
Botanical Name |
Citrus aurantium var. amara |
|
Native to |
Southeast Asia |
|
Main ingredients |
Geraniol, alpha- and beta- pinene, neryl acetate, farnesol, linalool, alpha-terpinene, nerolidol, nerol, indole, camphene, methyl anthranilate |
|
Aroma |
Rich Floral and citrusy |
|
Blends well with |
Geranium, lavender, ylang ylang, jasmine, sandalwood, benzoin, wild orange, rosemary, cedarwood, bergamot, frankincense and magnolia essential oils |
|
Category |
Citrus |
|
Substitute |
Ylang ylang or valerian essential oil |
Health Benefits of Neroli Essential Oil
The essential oil of neroli or orange blossom oil has several benefits that are necessary for a healthy life. Neroli essential oil uses and benefits include several ailments affecting the body and
Romance Boosting Oil
The aroma of neroli oil and its aromatic molecules works wonders in reigniting romance. Of course, a sexologist must be consulted to deal with sexual disorders and his or her opinion must be sought before using neroli essential oil as a romance boosted essential oil.
Neroli oil is a stimulant that improves the blood flow in the body after a good massage. Ample blood flow is needed for renewed interest in one’s sex life. Diffusing the oil of neroli rejuvenates the mind and body, and awakens one’s carnal desires.
Good Winter Oil
Why is neroli a good oil for the winter season? Well, it keeps you warm. It should be topically applied or diffused during the cold nights to give warmth to the body. Furthermore, it protects the body from colds and coughs.
Oil for Women’s Health
The pleasant aroma of neroli is used in aromatherapy to lower the discomfort during menstruation and menopause.
Neroli Oil for Skincare
A few studies have shown that neroli oil was more effective in treating blemishes and scars on the face and body than most lotions or anti-spot creams available in the market. The oil is used as an ingredient in some skincare products. It is also used to diminish after pregnancy stretch marks.
Oil for Rest
The oil of neroli has a soothing effect which is useful for resting. Diffusing the aroma in a room or massaging with the oil can induce a state of rest.
Popular Aroma
The aroma of neroli is rich and can drive away foul smells. It is hence used in deodorants, perfumes, and in room fresheners. A drop of the oil is added to clothes to keep it smelling fresh.
Disinfects the House and Surroundings
Neroli oil has properties that drive away insects and pests. Hence it is used as a cleaning agent that disinfects the house and clothes, and gives it a good aroma.
Uses of Neroli Essential Oil
Neroli essential oil benefits and uses are plenty. Neroli oil is an essential oil that also helps maintain the general wellbeing of the body. Neroli blends well with other citrus oils to enhance its properties.
Neroli Essential Oil For Skin care
Neroli is an ideal solution for individuals with skin issues such as acne, irritation, oiliness, or sensitivity. Additionally, it gradually minimizes the appearance of stretch marks and scars.
Acne Fighting Essential Oil
Neroli oil has skin health properties. This has been established through various studies. The oil is used in cosmetic products to fight acne. However, the oil can be used as a standalone tool to fight acne. Mix the oil with any vegetable oil and apply on the face. One can alternate cosmetic products and neroli oil for acne treatment.
Soothes Irritated Skin
The soothing properties of the essential oil are useful when applied on skin that is irritated. Just take a small amount of the oil and mix it with carrier oil and apply on the irritated surface. It also maintains the oil balance in the skin.
Natural Makeup Aid
Neroli oil has a sweet rich aroma with good skincare properties. It is applied on the face to remove makeup without annoying the skin and it is used as a toner for makeup. It is typically used with a cotton ball. The oil with a carrier oil nicely removes the makeup.
Neroli oil For Women’s Health
Oil diffused For calmness
5 drops of neroli essential oil is added to an aroma diffuser and its aroma is allowed to engulf a room. Then the aroma is deeply inhaled for about 20 minutes before taking a 5 minute break. The aroma is inhaled again for 10 minutes. Doing so brings about certain peacefulness.
Essential Oil for Smooth Breathing
Colds, coughs and flu can be pestering at times. Dilute neroli oil with almond oil and apply on the nose, throat, head and back of neck to get relief.
Recipes With Neroli Essential Oil
Diffuser Blend For Happy Mind
Ingredients
- 3 drops of neroli essential oil
- 3 drops of Chamomile essential oil
- 3 drops of lavender essential oil
Citrus Essential Oils Explosion
Ingredients
- 3 drops of neroli essential oil
- 3 drops of lemon essential oil
- 3 drops of orange essential oil
- 2 drops of grapefruit essential oil
- 2 drops of bergamot essential oil
Homely Ambience
Ingredients
- 5 drops of neroli essential oil
- 3 drops of sandalwood essential oil
- 2 drops of ylang ylang essential oil
- 2 drops of juniper essential oil
Safety And Precautions While Using Neroli Essential Oil
Essential oils are great for self-care routines. However, we should also take care and follow caution when using them to keep ourselves and loved ones safe from its side effects. Generally essential oils are safe, but a few guidelines must be followed to avoid any adverse effects. Also, the oils are different, made up of different compounds. Some people may be allergic to certain compounds while others may be allergic to others. Concentrated oil must be bought after careful deliberation. Here are a few guidelines to keep in mind.
- Read the label and instructions to make sure you’re using the oil correctly.
- While buying essential oils be wary of the terms fragrance oil, perfume oil and natural identical oil.
- The term pure essential oil can be widely seen on the bottles. These maybe made from substandard sources.
- Ensure that you are not allergic to any ingredients or compounds in the oil.
- Make sure to dilute the essential oil in a carrier oil for safe application. Never topically apply the oil on the skin without dilution.
- Do not add too much of the oil in the diffuser.
- Avoid using essential oils of sensitive areas like the eyes and nose.
- Don’t apply it on broken skin either unless it’s mentioned on the bottle or label.
- Keep it out of reach of kids and fur kids.
- Do not diffuse the oil near kids and pets. Consult a doctor before doing so.
- Some oils may make you sensitive to sun damage, so be sure to load up on SPF.
- Check the label to see if the oil is photo-toxic.
- This oil may not be suitable for pregnant women or for women who are breastfeeding.
- The oil may cause embryotoxicity; consult a doctor before use.
- Always use the oil on a small patch of skin before topical application. Never apply undiluted oil on skin.
- If aromatherapy is performed directly from the bottle, make sure that the oil does not touch the skin.
- The common unwanted effects caused by essential oils up on topical application are rashes, redness and swelling.
- If you show signs of irritation, stop use and consult a health professional.
- Some essential oils cannot be used by people with kidney problems, whereas some essential oils cannot be used by those with blood disorders. It is always advisable to consult a doctor about your essential oil needs and predisposition for diseases.
- Ingestion of essential oils has resulted in gastrointestinal distress for many people. It is advised to restrain from internal consumption of essential oils. Always consult a doctor before consuming essential oils.
- When essential oils come in contact with sensitive body parts including eyes, nose, ears and genitals side effects including burning sensation, itching and discomfort have been reported. Even though these oils are healthy, avoid sensitive areas.
- Most essential oils lower elevated blood pressure levels and protect the heart. But, this property may prove detrimental if a person is already taking medication to lower blood pressure levels. Taking essential oils in conjunction with blood pressure medications can cause irregular heartbeat, dizziness and fainting.
