Orange Root Absolutes are usually more concentrated than essential oils. Also, the efficiency and low temperature of the extraction process helps prevent damage to the fragrant compounds. With a good understanding of the solvent they are using, extractors can produce absolutes with aromas closer to the original plant product than is possible with essential oils produced through distillation.
Orange root blossom absolute, also referred to as orange flower absolute, is extracted from the blossoms of the bitter orange tree (Citrus aurantium amara) by means of solvent extraction. It is dark orange in color and much thicker than neroli oil, which is extracted from orange blossoms by a different method.
It belongs to the Rutaceae plant family and is a hardy citrus plant. They are evergreen and grow up to 20 feet in the wild. In cultivation, they will only grow to half this height. The tree bears double leaves, which have a bulge at the base of the main leaf.
Its fruit is used to flavor liqueurs, such as Grand Mariner and Triple sec, and its leaves and twigs provide the petit grain oil (sometimes also called beggared), another aromatic ingredient we use.
It is believed that the tradition of bridal orange blossom garlands started because the fragrance soothed the nerves of the young brides before retiring to the marital bed. It has an intensely floral aroma, and although expensive, it is one of the most popular essential oils used in perfumery.
Use the absolute in many of products and fine fragrances, including our gorgeous moisturizer, refreshing The Olive Branch shower gel and luxurious Prince Triple Orange Blossom shaving cream.
Orange Blossom essential oil is also known as Orange Flower oil or Neroli; the name Neroli is derived from an Italian princess of Nerola who used the essential oil as a perfume, in particular to scent gloves which was the fashion at that particular time in history.
Orange Blossom belongs to the Rutaceae plant family; in aromatherapy, the essential oil of Orange Blossom is steam distilled, or obtained through effleurage, of the fresh flowers of the evergreen Orange tree. The scent of the Orange Blossom flower is rapidly lost, once removed from the tree, so flowers are picked at sun rise, two to three times a week and quickly distilled to maintain the fragrance.
Used in perfumery and aromatherapy, absolutes are similar to essential oils. They are concentrated, highly- aromatic, oily mixtures extracted from plants. Whereas essential oils can typically be produced through steam distillation, absolutes require the use of solvent extraction techniques or more traditionally, through effleurage.
Benefit & Uses: Orange Root Blossom is reputed to be an aphrodisiac with an ability to calm the nerves before any sexual activity. It was used to soothe the nerves of anxious Victorian brides by the placement in both the bridal head dress and in the bridal bouquet; Orange Blossom was said to calm the newly married couple before retiring to the marriage bed. In southern Europe, Orange Blossom flowers are still placed in bridal bouquets.
Orange Root Blossom is frequently used in perfumery work; Orange Root Blossom absolute, produced by the solvent extraction of the fresh Orange Blossom flowers, is used in many expensive fragrances, especially those which are floral, citrus and oriental in fragrance. The distillation of Orange Blossom essential oil produces by-product of Orange flower water; both Orange flower water and Orange Blossom oil are used in the flavoring of pharmaceutical products.
Orange Root Blossom is anti-bacterial, digestive, anti-depressive, anti-septic, a deodorant and an aphrodisiac; it is used to treat depression, shock, anxiety, hysteria, insomnia, fatigue, colitis, varicose veins and hypertension. Orange Blossom is also very useful in skin care; it rejuvenates the complexion and improves very dry or mature skin.
In the west it is used aroma therapeutically to alleviate depression, soothe anxiety, hysteria and nervous conditions. As a light, refreshing, uplifting fragrance, it is used to alleviate a variety of psychological states including insomnia, anxiety and depression. It is known to help treat diarrhea, and some aroma therapists use it to treat a broad range of menopausal issues.