Neroli is an essential oil extracted from the fragrant flowers of the bitter, sour or Seville orange tree, also known as Citrus aurantium bigaradia or bigarade orange. In their favored Mediterranean or sub-tropical climate, bitter oranges can grow to a height of 9 m (30 ft).

Although oranges had been known since the first century, it wasn't until the late seventeenth century that neroli oil was discovered; The oil and the therapeutic properties of the flowers were particularly valued at this time by the people of Venice, who used it against the plague and other fevers, drank it as a tisane, and rubbed a distilled water into their bodies twice a day. At one time, neroli was used as a perfume by prostitutes in Madrid, but now orange perfumes have undergone a sea change, signifying purity, and blossoms are worn in bridal headdresses.

This is obtained by the steam distillation of the flowers of the Seville or bigarade orange. The fresh essence is yellowish but turns reddish-brown if exposed to light and air making it unsuitable for use in therapy. The smell is wonderful, very sweet and orangey, with a bitter undertone.

Neroli oil is yet another essential oil from a citrus fruit. Because of that fact, most of its medicinal properties match those of other citrus essential oils. This oil is extracted by steam distillation of flowers of Neroli which has the botanical name Citrus Aurantium.

Benefit & Uses: Neroli essential oil may aid in blood pressure control, according to a small study published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine in 2012.

Neroli essential oil also can be inhaled after sprinkling a few drops of the oil onto a cloth or tissue, or by using an aromatherapy diffuser or vaporizer.

The properties of neroli are sedative, antispasmodic, tranquillizing, antitoxic and slightly hypnotic. It has always been one of favorite essential oils, because of its wonderful perfume, and its therapeutic properties, particularly those which treat the nervous system. Anxiety and nervous depression can be banished virtually instantaneously by the use of a little neroli - just 3 drops mixed into 10 ml (2 tsp) soya or almond oil. Rub this clockwise on to the solar plexus, nape of the neck and temples, breathe deeply and relax for 10 minutes. There is a great feeling of peace, and the nervous tension disappears. This calming and relaxing effect can be particularly valuable in pregnancy: a bowl of warm water with a few drops of neroli in it can be placed beside the bed during labor too. And a new baby could safely be bathed in water containing by4 drop of the oil: mix 1 drop of oil in a capful of baby shampoo, then add just a quarter of this to the bathwater.

For insomniacs, the slightly hypnotic effect of neroli oil can induce sleep, acting as a natural tranquillizer; put a few drops of the oil into a warm bath taken just before going to bed. Or make a tisane from the dried orange blossom - known as bigaradier and drink before sleep (this is digestive as well). Or simply have an orange tree in a pot nearby.

Neroli is also good for bad circulation, when the oil, as above, is massaged in every day. The blossoms, taken as a tisane, are a good natural blood cleanser. And baths containing a few drops of the oil are also effective for the symptoms of PMT.

Neroli essential oil promotes the generation of new cells and stimulates the health of those already present. This makes grow bigger, stronger and healthier.

This powerful essential oil kills bacteria and keeps your body free from a number of microbial infections and toxins. In diseases like cholera, typhoid, and food poisoning as well as certain skin conditions caused by bacteria, this oil may prove useful in giving considerable relief.