COMMON NAME: Neroli, Orange Blossom, Orange Flowers, Neroli Bigarde

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Citrus aurantium, C. vulgaris, C. bigaradia, C. aurantium ar. amara

FAMILY NAME: Rutaceae (Rue)

INDIGENOUS COUNTRY: Far East

COUNTRY OF PRODUCTION: Egypt, Italy, Tunisia, Morocco, Egypt, USA, France

HISTORY INFORMATION: Orange blossoms have a long history of use in weddings as perfume, as flowers in bouquets, and for decorations in the church and on the wedding cake. Used as a perfume oil and especially in Eau-de-Cologne. In 1680, an Italian princess named Nerole perfumed her gloves, stationery and clothes with orange blossoms. The scent was known as Nerole's scent or Neroli.

GENERAL INFORMATION: Frequently found as an absolute, but the oil here is an essential oil distilled from the flowers. Very important to recognize the difference between an essential oil and an absolute as the absolute always has some hydrocarbon residue. This oil comes from the bitter orange while another neroli is made from the sweet orange and it is called neroli portugal, but it is not considered as fragrant. Neroli is often adulterated with petitgrain.

DESCRIPTION OF PLANT: An evergreen tree growing up to 30 feet with glossy dark green leaves with fragrant white flowers.

PARTS PROCESSED: Flowers.

PROCESSING METHODS: Steam distilled. Solvent extracted.

COLOR RANGE: Light yellow. Dark orange-brown.

CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS: Class: Alcohol. Linalool, linalyl acetate, limonene, pinene, nerolidol.

PHYSICAL ACTIONS AND USES: Analgesic, antibacterial, antidepressant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antistress, aphrodisiac, astringent, bactericidal, calmative, carminative, cicatrizant, cordial, deodorant, digestive, emollient, euphoriant, fungicidal, hypnotic, stimulant, tonic, tranquilizer, uplifting. Used for scars, stretch marks, wrinkles, poor circulation, diarrhea, colic, flatulence, spasm, anxiety, depression, emotional problems and stress-related disorders. Used to calm, relax (especially hyperactive children), promote sleep, uplift moods, boost confidence in self, relieve menstrual discomfort.

MENTAL USES: I am at peace with myself and others. I am in alignment with my higher self.

EMOTIONAL USES: Depressed, shocked, stressed, anxious, sad TO calm, peace of mind, purity of mind, at one with higher self, confident

SPIRITUAL USES: Can indicate that there is a profound sadness in your life and you are either always being blamed (it's your fault when anything goes wrong) or you are not responsible enough and blaming others. You may be challenging your body wanting to feel your physical sexual beingness and at the same time feeling your divine sacredness. Neroli imbues the system with love energy creating a euphoric state of mind. It is loving towards others and self. It helps to reconnect with the higher self and divine order.

APPLICATIONS: Aroma lamp, bath, inhaler, light bulb ring, lotion, massage, mist spray, perfume.

WARNINGS\CONTRAINDICATIONS: Nontoxic.