Latin Name: Citrus aurantium

Family: Rutaceae

Description: Neroli oil comes from the small white flowers of the bitter orange tree. The bitter orange tree is an evergreen tree with a smooth, gray trunk and dark green leaves that produces small fruit and extremely fragrant flowers. Neroli is also known as orange blossom or orange flower blossom. The flowers are handpicked in mid spring and steam-distilled for production of the essential oil. It takes approximately 100 pounds of blossoms to produce 1 pound of neroli essential oil.

The distillation process yields a pale yellow colored oil with a fresh, floral scent that blends well with most essential oils, but particularly rose, lavender, bergamot, geranium, sandalwood and frankincense.

Countries of Origin: Morocco, Algeria, Egypt, Italy, France, Tunisia and USA

Scent: Neroli has an exotic scent with floral top notes and warm undertones.

Properties: Neroli is very popular in perfumery, as it has calming, anxiety-reducing effects. Neroli flowers are often used in wedding bouquets, as the scent can calm and soothe the nerves before the big event. Neroli is also used to combat depression, panic attacks and insomnia. The antispasmodic properties of Neroli have been hailed as a treatment option for digestive upset and diarrhea. It is also used as a subtle aphrodisiac.

In skin care, this expensive oil is good for all skin types, but particularly aging, dry or sensitive skin. Neroli essential oil helps to generate new, healthy skin cells and rejuvenates mature skin. Some creams include neroli to combat stretch marks and uneven skin tone.

Precautions: Neroli oil is non-toxic, non-sensitizing, non-irritating and non-phototoxic. However, as with any new product, always test a small amount for skin sensitivity or allergic reaction.

Remember, the FDA has not evaluated the above statements. No claims are made regarding any medicinal value of neroli oil. The information presented here is for educational purposes and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.