All About Neroli – A Detailed Guide

What is Neroli?

Neroli essential oil is distilled from the blossoms of the bitter orange tree, and there are two main variations: true neroli, which is harvested before its flowers have fully opened, and steam-distilled neroli, which has a more intense aroma. Whereas true nerolis are often blended with other fragrant petals or blossoms to temper the natural bitterness of the oil, steam-distilled neroli is not because they do not undergo any further processing beyond distillation.

The Health Benefits of Neroli

The primary health benefits of neroli include: supporting healthy skin, supporting healthy breathing, aiding in digestion, and promoting a healthy immune system.

Neroli Uses and Safety

1) Neroli Uses Soothing Skin Problems: The use of neroli essential oil can soothe skin problems such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis. For this purpose, the oil is often diluted in a carrier oil before being applied to affected areas.
4) Neroli Uses: Supporting Healthy Breathing: Neroli essential oil can be used as part of a holistic approach to supporting healthy breathing. It can help clear respiratory passages by acting as a decongest expectorant. You can use it in steam inhalations for this purpose.
5) Neroli Uses: Promoting Healthy Digestion: To promote healthy digestion, you can take the essential oil internally in the form of a tea or tincture.
6) Neroli Uses: Supporting a Healthy Immune System: To support a healthy immune system, the use of neroli is usually blended with other essential oils. Some of these include lavender, geranium, and grapefruit.
7) Neroli Uses Clearing Respiratory Passages: You can also use the essential oil to clear respiratory passages when inhaled in the form of steam.
8) Neroli Uses: Supporting Skin Health: Neroli essential oil can be used as a moisturizer for dry, flaky skin.
9) Neroli Uses Uplifting Moods and Thoughts: The use of neroli helps uplift moods and helps depression.
10) Neroli Uses: Blended with Other Essential Oils: Neroli is often combined with other essential oils, especially in fragrant blends, to add aroma.
11) Neroli Uses Toxicity Concerns: The use of neroli is generally considered safe when the oil is properly diluted and used according to directions. It is important to note that certain health conditions could put you at a higher risk for experiencing negative effects from the use of essential oils.

Neroli scent

The smell of neroli essential oil is described by many as a “strong, sweet citrus” scent. It is known to be both heady and floral in nature. Listen to neroli essential oil in perfumes and cologne blends, or melt it into massage oils for a lingering aroma. Lemongrass, orange, rosemary, lemon, or bergamot are some of the other fragrant oils often used with neroli.

Neroli Oil History

The bitter orange tree, Citrus aurantium, is also known as the “true orange” tree. The true orange trees are native to Asia in South East and South Asia, where they are cultivated. The true orange trees are highly resistant to drought and can withstand a variety of climates. In fact, the trees are very hardy as they must withstand both hot and cold temperatures.

Neroli flower

The neroli tree is a species of the citrus family and is a shrub or small tree. As a tree, it reaches heights between 10 and 15 feet. The leaves are broad and lanceolate in shape with serrated edges. The flowers are raspberry-shaped and bright yellow. “Spotted” neroli flowers occur when the petals come in contact with raindrops. This may cause the scent of spots on the blossoms.

According to a study conducted by the University of Korea published on Hindawi, neroli oil, when inhaled, has been found to have several beneficial effects on the skin and overall well-being, particularly for postmenopausal women. The study revealed that inhaling neroli oil helps in relieving menopausal symptoms, reducing stress, and lowering blood pressure. Although the study does not directly address the skin, the reduction in stress and improvement in overall well-being can potentially lead to better skin health.

In the context of skin health, reduced stress levels can lead to improvements in skin appearance and condition. Stress is known to exacerbate skin problems such as acne, eczema, and other skin conditions. Therefore, by reducing stress, neroli oil may indirectly contribute to better skin health.

Neroli vs Bergamot

Neroli and bergamot are essential oils derived from different citrus plants, each with unique characteristics and uses. Here’s a comparison:

Source

• Neroli oil comes from bitter orange tree blossoms (Citrus aurantium).
• Bergamot oil is extracted from bergamot orange peels (Citrus bergamia).

Aroma

• Neroli oil has a sweet, floral, and exotic aroma with citrus undertones.
• Bergamot oil has a fresh, citrusy, and slightly spicy scent.

Main Chemical Components

• Neroli: Linalool is the main component, contributing to its floral scent, along with geraniol and nerolidol.
• Bergamot: Limonene is the primary component, giving it its citrus aroma, along with linalyl acetate and bergapten.

Therapeutic Uses

• Neroli oil is used in aromatherapy for calming, reducing stress, anxiety, and insomnia. It’s also used in skincare.
• Bergamot oil is known for uplifting moods, relieving depression and anxiety, and is used in skincare and flavoring.

Safety Considerations

• Neroli oil is generally safe when diluted topically but perform a patch test. It’s not phototoxic.
• Bergamot oil can be phototoxic, causing skin sensitivity in sunlight. Use it diluted and avoid sun exposure after application.

Common Uses

• Neroli oil is used in perfumery, massage oils, skincare, and anxiety remedies.
• Bergamot oil is found in perfumes, Earl Grey tea, aromatherapy for mood enhancement.

Neroli and bergamot are distinct due to their aromas and chemical compositions. Neroli is calming and floral, while bergamot is citrusy and uplifting. Consider these properties and safety precautions when using essential oils.

Conclusion

Neroli essential oil is a versatile and beneficial oil as it is rich in antioxidants. It has antimicrobial properties and helps promote healthy breathing. You can use the oil to support healthy skin, healthy digestion, and a healthy immune system. According to the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy, neroli has a fragrant fruit-like scent with citrus undertones. Furthermore, the organization report that essential oil may help to relieve depression.