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Neroli Oil: The Essential Citrus Oil You’ve Never Heard Of
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When you hear the words “essential oils,” most people will probably think of a shampoo with oils derived from citrus fruits or coconuts, or perhaps some scented air freshener. But if you start mentioning essential oils by name, most people will start to get confused. They may recognize some names, but many types of essential oils are unfamiliar to the layman. One of these is neroli oil. Perhaps that isn’t so surprising. Neroli oil is one of the most expensive essential oils you can buy, and as a result, fewer people are familiar with it. But as interest continues to grow in the health benefits essential oils can offer, more and more people want to learn more about this special oil with a fascinating history.
This essential oil is made by steam-distilling the flowers of bitter orange trees. This tree is believed to have originated in south Asia, the Middle East and eastern Africa. Over the centuries, different types of trees were cultivated, producing different varieties of oranges. By the 16th century, orange cultivation was thriving in the Mediterranean world, and the Neroli strand was named after the city of Nerona, Italy, where Princess Marie-Anne de La Trémoille had introduced the fruit.
There are several different essential oils which can be made from oranges. Most orange essential oils you see on store shelves are made using the peel, but neroli oil is made using the flower blossoms from the orange tree. It takes nearly a thousand blossoms to produce a single pound of neroli oil. This is the reason why this oil can be so expensive.
Neroli oil is used for aromatherapy via diffusion methods, or for topical application on the skin. It is not recommended for internal use.
Neroli oil contains a unique combination of molecular compounds which are linked to its numerous health benefits. These include nerodinil, indole, neryl acetate, alpha-pinene, linalool, and alpha-terpinene, just to name a few.
What does any of that mean to someone without a nutrition or biochemistry background? A wide range of health benefits, that’s what! While neroli oil does have a pleasant scent, it ain’t just for freshening up the room.
1. It can be used to clean minor scrape and wounds
This is because all the compounds the oil contains give it antibacterial, antiseptic and disinfectant properties. While you wouldn’t want to treat a gaping wound with it, you can use it on a minor cut as you would use hydrogen peroxide.
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2. It’s great for your skin
You can use neroli oil topically to help keep your skin clear and radiant. Apply some to a cloth or a cotton ball and gently dab it on your face or on other affected areas to get rid of acne. You can also mix it with other skin creams to apply topically, which will help improve circulation and rejuvenate the appearance of your skin.
3. Aromatherapy applications
Inhaling diffused neroli oil can have a multitude of health benefits. One study in South Korea showed that women who inhaled diffused neroli oil experienced a substantial reduction in diastolic blood pressure. It was also able to reduce symptoms of menopausal syndrome. Another study had participants with high blood pressure breathe in diffused neroli oil mixed with lavender, marjoram oil and ylang-ylang. The researchers found that the participants experienced a significant drop in blood pressure and lower levels of the “stress hormone” cortisol in their saliva. In addition to simply promoting relaxation through its scent, there is now real, quantifiable data showing that neroli oil can reduce stress.
A report in the Journal of Natural Medicines also indicated that neroli oil has chemical properties which help fight both acute and chronic inflammation, and provide some relief for pain in muscle tissue.
READ ALSO: A Beginner’s Guide To Essential Oils And Blending Infographic
Some people are more sensitive than others to essential oils and supplements, so try experimenting with just a little bit first to see how your body tolerates it. Remember: neroli oil isn’t a magic cure for poor health. Consider it just another tool you can use as part of a holistic approach to adopting a healthier lifestyle.
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