Neroli & Petitgrain Oil

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Neroli & Petitgrain Oil

Source: Enhancing Mind Body Spirit

Petitgrain and neroli are both oils that are obtained from Orange trees. The

leaves contain tiny sacs of oil that when steam-distilled release petitgrain

oil, while the petals are steam-distilled to give neroli oil. Petitgrain's

haunting fragrance is reminiscent of neroli but it is lighter and more

refreshing.

The sweet aroma of petitgrain makes it a fragrant cosmetic oil. A tonic for

all complexions, it clears blemishes and promotes skin growth. It restores

the emotions, stimulates the immune system and refreshes the body. Neroli's

rich, creamy scent is worth its expense. It's used in perfume and the

classic eau de cologne, but it's not just a sensual affair - neroli is a

natural relaxant, making it an effective oil for treating anxiety.

Neroli oil has the reputation of being one of the most precious and

expensive oils available. Neroli essential oil comes from the fragrant white

blossoms of the Seville orange tree, and its reputation of being such an

expensive oil comes from the fact that one ton of blossoms is needed to make

one pound of essential oil. Neroli provides relaxing and uplifting effects

on the nervous system, easing anxiety and depression and helping with any

stress related condition. It is a rejuvenator and is therefore a useful

ingredient in skin care products, especially for dry, irritated skin and for

dermatitis and acne problems. It is a good oil to use for scars and stretch

marks as well as for the mature skin since it tones complexion and softens

wrinkles. Neroli is used in perfume as well as colognes and toilet waters.

As with other expensive oils, a little will go a long way and since neroli

blends well with just about any other essential oil, it is a very versatile

oil.

Neroli oil is named after Countess Anne Marie of Neroli, who perfumed her

gloves with the oil of orange flowers. Orange flowers mean "innocence" and

symbolize the purity of the bride in Mediterranean wedding bouquets.

Petitgrain oil was at one time extracted from the tiny green, unripe

oranges, hence the name petitgrains or "little grains."

Active Ingredients

Neroli and petitgrain share some, but not all of their active ingredients.

Esters - Both oils contain esters, especially linalyl acetate, which

contributes to the fruity odor. Esters are cooling and antiseptic.

Monophenol alcohols - Making up 40% of neroli, these include nerol, linalool

and geraniol. They contribute to neroli's warming effects. Linalool, along

with geraniol, terpineol and nerol, is also present in petitgrain. They act

as a balancing tonic and are responsible for its immuno-stmulant properties.

Monoterpenes - Monoterpenes such as limonenen and pinene, are abundant in

neroli. They are antiseptic and antiviral. The compounds evaporate fast and

are prone to oxidation.

Neroli Oil

General properties: sedative, antispasmodic, tranquilizing, antitoxic,

slightly hypnotic, uplifting, aphrodisiac

Blends well with:

Blends well with any essential oil but especially with citrus oils such as

lemon and sweet orange

Chamomile, clary sage, frankincense, patchouli, rose, geranium, sandalwood,

ylang ylang

General uses: anxiety, hysteria and panic, anorexia, insomnia, palpitations,

bulimia, fatigue, diarrhea, nervous dyspepsia, flatulence, aging skin,

broken capillaries, indigestion, childbirth, high blood pressure, colitis,

oversensitivity, rejuvenation, nervous tension, frigidity, impotence,

depression, fear, grief, shock

Caution: Not to be used with chemotherapeutic treatment of cancer.

Petitgrain Oil

Blends well with: lavender, lemon, geranium

General uses: insomnia, fatigue, backache, stress, acne, edema, swollen

lymph nodes, deodorant

Caution: Does not keep well, so buy only fresh oils and do not store for

long periods.

Sensual Perfume

Use the fragrance of neroli to create calming and sensual moods.

*Bring romance into a relationship by replacing emails with scented love

letters. Add a single drop of neroli to a letter before sealing it.

*Scent your bedroom by adding 5 drops each of neroli and ylang ylang to a

pint of water in a spray bottle.

*Spend a romantic evening with an aromatic log fire. Add 3 drops each of

neroli and jasmine to each log.

Eau de Cologne

Create your own refreshing eau de cologne with:

*2 drops lime

*2 drops neroli

*10 drops bergamot

*10 drops orange

*5 drops lemon

*4 tbsp pure alcohol

*2 tbsp still spring water

Leave to stand for a month before bottling.

Refresh Your Mind And Body

Invigorating Massage

To refresh and sharpen the senses, add to a massage blend:

*4 drops petitgrain

*3 drops lemon

*2 drops basil

*2 tbsp grapeseed oil

Bath To Boost Body and Mind

Add following to bath water:

*3 drops petitgrain

*3 drops bergamot

*1 drop grapefruit

Using Nature's Tranquilizer

Both neroli and petitgrain have exceptional tranquilizing properties.

Shock Treatment

As a first aid treatment for shock, emotional trauma or panic attacks, add 2

drops of neroli oil to a handkerchief and inhale deeply until feeling calm.

For Meditation

Promote mental clarity and peaceful concentration by adding to a diffuser:

*5 drops petitgrain

*4 drops cinnamon

*2 drops orange

Soften Complexion

Petitgrain softens the skin, while neroli's regenerative action helps its

natural texture.

Refresh Your Skin

Add a couple of drops of petitgrain oil to a basin of water and splash your

face.

Aromatic Yogurt Face Mask

Improve your complexion by applying:

*3 drops neroli

*3 drops jasmine

*2 tbsp plain live yogurt

 

"First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win."-- Mahatma Gandhi