Essential oil profile
Neroli
(Citrus aurantium var. amara)
Neroli essential oil is steam distilled from the freshly picked blossom of the bitter orange tree, also referred to as the bigarade, Seville or sour orange tree. The oil is deep brown in colour, has a warm sweet aroma and top to middle note.
N
Several sources suggest that Neroli is named after Marie Anne de La Trémoille, Princess of Nerola (1642-1722), who used the oil to perfume her bath and gloves. Even today, Neroli is used as a key ingredient in Eau de Cologne and other perfumes. Therapeutically, neroli essential oil is well known for its calming and stressrelieving effects, which would account for the blossom being traditionally worn in bridal wreaths, as the warm, sweet aroma of the flowers was thought to soothe any apprehension in the newlyweds surrounding consummation of the marriage. Neroli’s antispasmodic properties are particularly beneficial for spasms occurring in smooth muscle, making it useful for digestive complaints and heart palpitations. It also has a rejuvenating effect on the skin and supports the female reproductive system.
Calming, uplifting
Botanical family Rutaceae
Chemical composition Alcohols – Monoterpenols: linalool (c.40%), α-terpineol, geraniol, nerol. Sesquiterpenols - transnerolidol, farnesol. Aromatic – phenyl ethyl alcohol, benzyl alcohol. Hydrocarbons – Monoterpenes (c.35%): limonene, β-pinene, trans-β-ocimene, myrcene, sabinene. Esters – Linalyl acetate, neryl acetate, geranyl acetate. Ketones – Jasmone. The chemical composition of any essential oil can vary greatly, according to the plant species; climate, altitude and soil where the plant is grown; and when it is harvested. Refer to the manufacturer’s safety data sheet for a breakdown of an oil’s chemical profile.
Summer 2021
Analgesic, antiaging, antidepressant, antifungal, anti-infectious, antiseptic, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, balancing, bactericidal, calming, carminative, cicatrisant, digestive, nervine, sedative, tonic.
Indications Acne, anxiety, boils, broken capillaries, depression, diarrhoea, fear, insomnia, menopause, nervous exhaustion, palpitations, premenstrual tension, shock, skin (dry, sensitive), stretchmarks, stress.
Blends with Bergamot, geranium, jasmine, lavender, petitgrain, rose.
Safety data No known hazards or contraindications.
of aromatherapy to normal nursing care on 56 patients receiving percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI, also known as coronary angioplasty) in an intensive care unit (Cho et al, 2013). The aromatherapy intervention involved inhaling a blend of lavender, roman chamomile and neroli (at a ratio of 6:2:0.5) ten times, both before and after the PCI. The study concluded that “aromatherapy effectively reduced the anxiety levels and increased the sleep quality of PCI patients admitted to the intensive care unit”. Menopausal symptoms A study involving 63
postmenopausal women compared the effects of inhaling 0.1% or 0.5% of neroli or almond oil (control) for five minutes a day, twice daily, for five days, to investigate the effects of the essential oil on menopausal symptoms, stress and oestrogen (Choi et al, 2014). The authors concluded that “inhalation of neroli oil helps relieve menopausal symptoms, increase sexual desire, and reduce blood pressure in postmenopausal women. Neroli oil may have potential as an effective intervention to reduce stress and improve the endocrine system”. T
NB:
Only members who hold an appropriate aromatherapy qualification, accepted by the FHT for membership and insurance purposes, can make, use and supply aromatherapy blends and other products containing essential oils.
Research Reducing anxiety and improving sleep A study compared the effects
For references and further reading, visit fht.org.uk/IT-references International therapist 25
Illustrations: Shutterstock
Key uses
Therapeutic properties
