Botanical Name: Citrus Aurantium

Origin: Tunisia

Safety Data: Safe when used within the normal therapeutic guidelines. It is non-irritant and may be used where inflammation is present. The pure, undiluted oil has a stimulant effect on the nervous system and, consequently, may cause headaches.

Although the effleurage process is still used under some circumstances most of the oil available commercially is produced by steam distillation as dry flowers deliver a higher yield of oil than fresh ones.

It is also valuable in the treatment of shock and - theoretically at least - hysteria. It is the most effective oil for insomnia, particularly when the sleeplessness arises from anxiety. It is best used as a bath essence before bedtime.

Neroli True is particularly valuable in skin care for it has the special property of stimulating the growth of healthy new cells, and has therefore certain rejuvenating effects. It can be used for all skin types, but is perhaps most useful for dry or sensitive skins. The delicate perfume makes it highly acceptable in all skin and toilet preparations.

One of the physical actions of Neroli True is to relieve spasm in the smooth muscle, especially that of the intestines. It is extremely helpful in chronic diarrhoea, especially where this arises from nervous tension. Neroli True blends well with almost any other floral oil, especially Rose, and for the ultimate in luxury you might try mixing it with both Rose and Jasmine Absolute oils.

The colour of Neroli True is yellow but brownish red if exposed to light for some time.

There are many apocryphal stories that account for the name of this oil. That it was Nero's favourite perfume and therefore named after him is, I think, unlikely since there is no evidence to suggest that the orange (bitter or sweet) was available to the Romans at that time. More likely is that the oil was used for perfuming gloves by the wife of Flavio Orsini, Prince of Neroli in about 1680. The distillation of the oil was first described in 1580.