Neroli Essential Oil
It is said that neroli derived its name from a 16th century Italian princess, Anne-Marie of Nerola, who was the wife of Prince Flavio Orsini. Anne-Marie wore neroli as a perfume, and as a result many other noble women followed the example set by the Princess of Nerola. Neroli was also renowned in the court of Queen Elizabeth 1 of England. Neroli is also said to have got its name from the Roman Emperor, Nero. There is also another explanation that neroli was named after a seventeenth century Duchess, The Duchess of Tremoille, who was known as ‘la Nerola’ because she used neroli to scent her gloves. But according to Mrs Grieve, both the common and the official name of neroli come from the Sanskrit word ‘nagarana’ or ‘naranj’ in Arabic. The Arabs recommended neroli as a cure for impotence. Neroli is often employed in aphrodisiac blends as an aid to virility.
Throughout April and May in Tunisia, prolific clusters of attractive, highly scented blossoms consisting of 5 petals and 24 yellow stamens begin to appear on the tree. Further to the beautiful oil within, these flowers also produce tasty nectar which proves irresistible to honey bees. The oil content of the flowers increases as they develop and bloom.
The flowering buds are usually harvested by hand early in the morning just as they begin to open - but only on warm, sunny days, because damp or overcast weather can have an adverse effect on the fragrance of the oil. It is absolutely critical that the buds are collected at the correct stage of maturity, because if they are plucked too soon the yield of oil will be lower and the resulting oil will have an unwanted 'green' note in the fragrance.
Conversely, if the buds have opened too far when they are gathered much of the precious volatile oil will evaporate during the process of transportation to the stills. Getting the timing wrong either way will have a severe detrimental effect on both the fragrance and value of the distilled essential oil. Neroli fragrance is sweet, honeyed and somewhat metallic with green and spicey facets.
COLOR: Clear to pale yellow oil that becomes reddish brown orange when exposed to air or light.
FEEL: Dry when rubbed between fingers
BLOTTER TEST: Does not stain
Properties in Neroli oil:
Analgesic
Antibacterial
Antidepressant
Antiseptic
Anti-stress
Aphrodisiac
Calmative
Hypnotic
Regeneration of skin cells
Theraputic uses for Neroli Oil:
Acne
Anger
Anxiety
Candida
Colic
Depression (general and postpartum)
Low libido
Nail bed Infection
Enlarged pores
Oily skin
Tinea
Active Constintues:
linalool (28.5%)
linalyl acetate (19.6%)
nerolidol (9.1%) E
E-farnesol (9.1%)
α-terpineol (4.9%)
limonene (4.6%) which might be responsible for the anticonvulsant activity
Esstential oils that mix well with Neroli EO:
Although most essential oils blend well together, neroli oil blends particularly well with benzoin, geranium, jasmine, lavender, all the citrus oils, sandalwood, rosemary and ylang-ylang.
How to properly store your Neroli esstential oil:
Neroli is like most citrus oils and is prone to oxidation, and the fragrance will deteriorate after a few months. Neroli needs to be stored in a cool place in an airtight container and protected from light exposure!
Precautions:
Neroli oil is non-toxic, non-sensitizing, non-irritant and non-phototoxic yet must be used sparingly when a sharp clear head is needed, as it can be very relaxing.
