Bitter orange foliage, blossoms and fruit

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Neroli oil is a plant oil similar in scent to bergamot produced from the blossom of the bitter orange tree (Citrus aurantium var. amara or Bigaradia).

[edit] Production

The blossoms are gathered, usually by hand, in late April to early May. The oil is produced by water distillation, as the blossom is too fragile to endure steam distillation.

[edit] History

By the end of the 17th century, Anne Marie Orsini, duchess of Bracciano and princess of Nerola, introduced the essence of bitter orange tree as a fashionable fragrance by using it to perfume her gloves and her bath. Since then, the name of Neroli has been used to describe this essence.^{[citation needed]} Neroli has a refreshing and distinctive, spicy aroma with sweet and flowery notes.

[edit] Use

It is one of the most widely used floral oils in perfumery. It is a non-toxic, non-irritant, non-sensitizing, non-photo-toxic substance. More than 12% of all modern quality perfumes use Neroli as their principal ingredient. It blends well with any citrus oil, various floral absolutes, and most of the synthetic components available on the market. Neroli oil is a classic element in fragrance design and one of the most commonly used in the industry. It is also used in flavors (alimentary) where it has a limited use. Neroli oil is also one of the key flavoring ingredients of some cola beverage recipes, such as OpenCola.^[1]

As an essential oil, used in aromatherapy and massage, Neroli is considered to have a soothing effect on the nervous system.^{[citation needed]} Traditionally, neroli oil was used not only to relieve tension and anxiety, but also in increase circulation. A solution is made by adding three or four drops of the essential oil to one cup of either sweet almond oil or wheat germ oil. If the solution is to be used on children or pregnant women, only half the quantity of essential oil should be used.

[edit] References

[edit] See also

• Nerol
• Orange flower water
• Petitgrain oil
• Citrus aurantium

[edit] External links

• Entry in the British Pharmaceutical Codex from 1911
• Use of neroli essential oil in aromatherapy