Neroli or orange blossom is the flowers of the plant, bitter orange (Citrus aurantium). Neroli is the name of the essential oil that is mainly used for aromatherapy, rather than in herbal medicine. It was named after the princess of Nerola in Italy, who loved to wear it as a perfume. The flowers were used in bridal bouquets and wreaths to calm nervous tension before the honeymoon night. A distillation can also be made from the flowers and is called orange flower water.
This herb contains approximately 34% linalol, 6%-17% linalyl acetate, 15% limonene and various volatile compounds. The oil is antidepressant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, carminative (wind relieving), deodorant, nervous stimulant, heart and circulatory tonic, digestive tonic and a mild hypnotic.
Historically it has been used to treat a number of conditions including:
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In Europe an infusion of dried flowers can be made as a herb tea and used as a mild stimulant of the nervous system and a blood cleanser.
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