Neroli oil is an essential oil that is extracted from the fragrant flowers of the bitter orange tree. The bitter orange tree, the Citrus aurantium, is commonly cultivated in India, the Himalayas, and Eastern Africa.
Neroli oil is characterized by a sweet and floral aroma and it is pale yellow in color. The leaves of the bitter orange produce petitgrain essential oil and the flowers produce the orange blossom.
About Neroli Essential Oil
The flowers of the bitter orange tree tend to lose their potency shortly after they are plucked from the tree. It is important to extract the oil while the flowers are still fresh.
The orange blossom should also be handpicked, and this will help in minimizing cases of bruises and excessive handling that occur when other means are used for the harvesting process.
The active ingredients found in neroli essential oil include linalool (18.5 percent) and linalyl acetate (19.6 percent). Others include nerolidol and E-farnesol both at 9.1 percent. Terpineol is also available at 4.9 percent and limonene at 4.6 percent.
Health Benefits Of Neroli Essential Oil
i. It has anti-inflammatory effects in the body
Studies have shown that neroli essential oil is useful in the management of pain and inflammation in the body. A study that was published in the Journal of Natural Medicines revealed that the essential oil has active ingredients that provide anti-inflammatory activity in the body. The study illustrated the ability of neroli essential oil to reduce both acute and chronic inflammatory responses in the body.
According to the study, the oil is also capable of minimizing both peripheral and central sensitivity to pain response.
ii. Neroli oil can be used to manage stress and menopause symptoms
A study was conducted in 2014 with the objective of determining the effect of inhaling neroli essential oil on stress, menopausal symptoms, and estrogen levels in postmenopausal women.
The study had a total of 63 postmenopausal women participants. They were randomized to inhale 0.1 percent or 0.5 percent of either neroli essential oil or almond oil. The almond oil was used for control purposes. The oil was inhaled for five minutes twice daily. The study was conducted in Korea University School of Nursing Study.
The women who inhaled the neroli essential oil presented with reduced diastolic pressure. They also reported improvement in cortisol levels, as well as pulse rate. The study also found out that the women had improved estrogen concentrations in the body. The researchers concluded that inhalation of neroli essential oil could help in relieving menopausal symptoms. It was also observed that the essential oil boosted sexual desire and reduced blood pressure in postmenopausal women.
iii. Neroli oil has antimicrobial and antioxidant activities
According to research, the fragrant blossoms of the bitter orange tree produce antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. The study illustrated the activity of the neroli essential oil against different types of organisms, including bacteria, fungi, and yeast.
The study on the antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of neroli essential oil was published in the Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the organisms that was killed by the essential oil. The activity of the essential oil against fungi was stronger compared to the standard antibiotic such as nystatin.
iv. It heals and rejuvenates the skin
Neroli essential oil is the best option for individuals who are interested in adding essential oils to their beauty routine. The essential oil can regenerate dead skin cells as well as soften the skin. Neroli essential oil works well for all skin types because of its capacity to maintain the right oil balance in the skin.
The oil is indicated for various skin conditions such as wrinkles, scars, and stretch marks due to its ability to reawaken dead skin cells. It has amazing calming and healing abilities, making it an exceptional choice for skin conditions that are caused by stress. Its antimicrobial activity makes it an excellent option for the management of rashes and other bacterial skin conditions.
v. Neroli essential oil can benefit patients with seizures and convulsion
Seizures arise due to alterations in the brain's electrical activity. Seizures may present with noticeable symptoms, and sometimes epileptic patients may present with no symptoms at all. Severe seizures present with violent shaking and loss of control.
A study was carried out in the year 2014 to find out the anticonvulsant effect of neroli essential oil. The study revealed that the essential oil has active ingredients that provide anticonvulsant activity.
vi. Neroli oil lowers blood pressure and cortisol levels in the body
A study that was published in the Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine revealed that neroli essential oil is capable of reducing systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Participants of the study also showed reduced levels of serum cortisol. The study concluded that inhalation of neroli essential oil impacts blood pressure positively, as well as the cortisol levels.
Common Uses Of Neroli Essential Oil
· Reducing stress levels: inhaling a small amount of neroli essential oil while commuting to or from the office will help in minimizing the stress that comes with work.
· Attaining a peaceful sleep at night: putting a drop of the essential oil on a cotton ball and tucking it inside the pillowcase is believed to provide one with relaxation and peaceful sleep at night.
· Management of acne: the antimicrobial property of neroli oil makes it the best option for the treatment of acne. To apply the essential oil, one is required to wet a cotton ball with water, then add one to two drops of the essential oil. The oil should be dabbed at the affected area of the skin once daily until the acne disappears.
· Management of stretch marks: essential oil can be used in getting rid of stretch marks and broken capillaries on the skin.
· Ease labor: neroli essential oil can be used to lower anxiety and fear during labor pains. The oil can be diffused into the air or added to massage.
· PMS relief: neroli essential is also an option for reducing symptoms associated with PMS.
· It is a natural antispasmodic: the oil can be used in the management of colon problems by rubbing it over the abdomen.
· Manage headaches: headaches, especially ones caused by tension, can be managed using neroli essential oils.
· Rejuvenate skin: as already mentioned, neroli essential oil can be applied on the skin to make it look young and fresh.
· Lowers blood pressure: several studies have illustrated the ability of the essential oil to lower blood pressure to normal levels.
· Air purification: the oil can be diffused at home or at the office to clean the air and get rid of any airborne infections.
· Relieve stress: the oil is considered as a home remedy for the management of anxiety, depression, and hysteria.
Side effects associated with neroli essential oil
Certain side effects such as a headache and uneasiness may arise when one uses the essential oil. Neroli essential oil can also be addictive. Those who have used it have also reported some minor nauseating effects of the oil.
Neroli Essential Oil Review Summary
Neroli essential oil has many medicinal benefits. However, the oil users are advised to be cautious because the oil's possible side effects. It is advisable always to perform a patch test before using the essential oil. If one passes the patch the test, they can proceed to use the oil. If the patch test fails and an individual encounters effects such as irritation of the skin, he/she is advised to discontinue the utilization of the oil and look for other options.
