So enamored of the smell of orange blossoms was Anna Maria de la Tremoille, a seventeenth-century princess of Nerola(in what is now Italy), that she adorned herself and almost everything in her environment with its fragrant oil. Elite members of the court followed her lead, making orange blossom oil the most sought-after scent of the time. In praise of the princess, orange blossom oil was reputedly given the name neroli.
Throughout history, brides have crowned their leads with garlands of orange blossoms and woven the blossoms into bridal bouquets Orange flowers symbolized chastity; brides wore them to signify that their purity is equaled their loveliness. Their ability to calm nerves probably helped compose many brides on their wedding nights.
Pharmacies still sell orange flower water as a digestive aid and sedative. European physicians and aromatherapists use neroli oil to settle heart palpitation and gently calm a person suffering from shock. Neroli oil is helpful in alleviating diarrhea, especially if related to nerves or stress. It also soothes the irritation and itching of psoriasis, eczema, and dermatitis.
Neroli oil increases circulation and stimulates new cell growth. It can prevent scarring and stretch marks. It is useful in treating skin conditions linked to emotions or stress, as it calms the emotions as well as the skin. It regulates oiliness and minimizes enlarged pores. Neroli oil helps to clear acne and blemished skin, especially if the skin lacks moisture.
Neroli oil soothes emotional upsets and eases anger, depression, grief, hysteria, mood swings, nervousness, and shock. Health care practitioners and aromatherapists in Europe use it to bring quick relief for anxiety and panic attacks and to treat chronic anxiety. Neroli oil subdues stress and tension. Its hypnotic effect helps to induce sleep. It encourages confidence, courage, creativity, esteem, joy, love, peace and sensuality.
Pale-yellow neroli oil emits a sweet, full-bodied citrus aroma with a slightly spicy, slightly bitter undertone. delicate white blossoms of the bitter orange or Seville orange produce neroli oil.
