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Ahh, Neroli



The springtime beauty of blooming flowers reminds me of childhood memories. My family spent several spring vacations in southern California, and I remember this fantastic aroma in the air. My mother told me this was from the orange tree blossoms, which are neroli flowers. Many years later, I was very excited and intrigued to inhale the beautiful essential oil of neroli. It has a very intense floral, citrus, and exotic aroma.


This essential oil is produced from the bitter orange tree (Citrus x aurantium), originally native to Southeast Asia. It has been cultivated throughout the world, including Egypt, Tunisia, and Morocco.


Neroli essential oil has shown to have a high level of the chemical component of limonene, which is effective as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-anxiety. Other beneficial properties include antimicrobial, antiseptic, cicatrisant, digestive, deodorant, hypotensive, sedative, and tonic for the cardiovascular system.


Neroli is generally a higher-priced essential oil due to the high concentration of plant matter for distillation: it takes 2.2 pounds of blossoms to yield 1 ml of essential oil and the high price of production. It is wise to select a quality supplier as, unfortunately, there is a high level of adulteration with neroli essential oil. These adulterants can be composed of various synthetic chemical components, geraniol from palmarosa, linalool from rosewood, citral from may chang, and others.


My favorite uses of neroli essential oil are in an anti-inflammatory muscle and joint formulation combined with carrier oils, nasal inhaler for stress reduction, facial serum for nourishing skincare, and perfumery.


Facial Serum Formulation

In a 2 oz. amber glass bottle, mix together:

· 1/2 TBSP. Argan (Argania spinosa)

· 1/2 TBSP. Seabuckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides)

· 1/4 TBSP. Jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis)

· 1/4 TBSP. Meadowfoam (Limnanthes alba)

· 1/2 TBSP. Red Raspberry (Rubus idaeus) Then add, the following essential oils:

· 5 drops Sandalwood (Santalum spicatum)

· 4 drops Neroli (Citrus x aurantium)

· 4 drops Rose Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens var. roseum)


Shake well and then apply 2-4 drops after cleansing the face and using an aromatherapy facial spritzer.

*Precaution: During pregnancy reduce essential oils in ½ to 1% or less. When using essential oils always review the precautions for each individual.


Here is another combination of a facial serum formulation and facial wash.


Stress Less - Nasal Inhaler Formulation

This blend is effective to promote emotional uplifting. Saturate the felt wick of a nasal inhaler with these essential oils:

· 6 drops - Bergamot (Citrus aurantium var. bergamia)

· 5 drops - Palmarosa (Cymbopogon martinii)

· 4 drops - Neroli (Citrus aurantium)

· 4 drops - Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata)


Application: Inhale as needed to calm emotions; this blend is balancing and centering. This blend can also be used in the evening and for children over five years of age.


Resources:

1) Battaglia, Salvatore; The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy, Third Edition; Brisbane AU; Black Pepper Creative; 2018; pages 428-432.

3) Neroli; https://www.aromaweb.com/essential-oils/neroli-oil.asp; Retrieved April 12, 2021.

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