Let me introduce you to May’s essential oil of the month, Neroli oil.
It might come as a surprise to you, but this oil is derived from the humble orange. It also goes by the name of orange blossom oil. The flowers from bitter oranges, or as we know them: marmalade oranges, undergo a hydro-distillation process that results in the fragrant essential oil.
Neroli oil has significant medicinal value, especially in ancient Egypt and traditional Chinese medicine where it was used to fight the plague. The oil was named after the 17th-century Italian princess of Nerola, Anna Marie Orsini, who used the oil as a perfume in her baths and gloves. This resulted in the widespread use of the oil in beauty products across Europe. The well-known sweet and spicy fragrance is often used in scented candles, colognes, massage oils and perfumes, so much so that it is believed to be an aphrodisiac.
In aromatherapy, Neroli oil is believed to alleviate stress, enhance mood and to treat certain health problems such as insomnia, high blood pressure, colds and even lessen the symptoms of menopause.
The health and skincare benefits of neroli oil are extensive. In skincare, the oil is known for its anti-scarring properties as it stimulates cell regeneration. It is excellent at helping to treat stretch marks, sun and age spots or scars. Additional properties include anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and pain-relief. It is therefore suitable to use on all skin types and is especially effective in helping to combat acne and inflammation.
At Le Riche Naturals, we use Neroli oil in the Regenerating Night Balm and Cape Mountain Youth Elixir primarily for its ability to calm oily skin. Neroli hydrosol, also called orange blossom water, is the by-product of the essential oil distillation. The fragrant floral water drops are used in our Polishing Face Scrub, Luxe Oil Cleansers and in the Bath Soak & Scrub. Refreshing and balancing, it is ideal for oily skin and those with clogged pores. It easily cleanses dirt and impurities from the skin whilst not stripping the skin. It also helps reduce the appearance of tired eyes.
So before you scream mayday before this month has ended, light a Neroli scented candle, put a few drops of the oil on a cotton ball and place it under your pillow for a good night’s slumber, or use three to four drops of the essential oil in your next bath or foot bath for a natural remedy for anxiety or PMS cramps (and to soak in that anti-germ properties). Or better yet, take a sniff of the oil on your commute to work to make rush hour traffic bearable and your outlook a little brighter, and while you’re at it give Govi’s song, Neroli, a listen.
Look after your skin this winter, by using one of our products containing orange blossom for its restorative and rejuvenating abilities and I promise, before long you’ll be ready to book a plane ticket to Sicily for a spicy European summer holiday.