Neroli Oil

When Valentine's Day comes around most people think of strawberries, red roses and ylang ylang, jasmine or rose perfumes and oils. Another oil which might not come to mind immediately but has stood the test of time is neroli oil. This exotic, citrusy, sensual oil is favored by both men and women and is obtained from the blossoms of the bitter orange tree.

Neroli is one of the most expensive oils, taking nearly a ton of flowers to make just one quart/litre of essential oil. It is a perfumers' favorite and is almost a complete fragrance in itself. The oil is produced in many countries but the best quality oil comes from Tunisia. The name Neroli is said to come from Anne Marie, princess of Nerola, who in 17th Century Italy first introduced it to high society. In 1709, the Italian perfumer Farina created the famous "Eau de Cologne" by blending neroli with other oils including lavender and rosemary. Many say it is one of the secret ingredients in Coca Cola, I doubt we shall ever find out whether this is true or not!

The essential oil has many excellent properties including being an antibiotic, antidepressant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, bactericidal, calmative, deodorant, digestive, fungicidal, nervous stimulent, sedative, and a tonic. Neroli is therefore used to relieve depression, anxiety and exhaustion, in skincare to regenerate cells, remove thread veins and assist clear skin diseases and remove scaring, in giving relief with PMS and abdominal spasms and as stated before it is a sensual oil and perfect to set the mood for a romantic St Valentine's celebration.

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A man ought to carry himself in the world as an orange tree would
if it could walk up and down in the garden, swinging perfume from
every little censer it holds up to the air.
Henry Ward Beecher (1813-1887)
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Unwinding Bath Oil

2 drops clary sage essential oil
2 drops neroli essential oil
1 drop lavender essential oil
1 drop vetivert essential oil

Mix in with bath water. Lie back and relax for 10 to 20 mins.


Homemade Essential Eau de Cologne
From Easy-Homemade-Recipes

2/3 cup vodka
60 drops orange essential oil
30 drops bergamot essential oil
30 drops lemon essential oil
6 drops neroli essential oil
6 drops rosemary essential oil
3 tablespoons distilled or boiled water

You will need a sterilized glass bottle with a tight-fitting stopper, a bowl, and a paper coffee filter. Pour the vodka and essential oils into the bottle. Let stand for 1 week, shaking daily. Add water, shake, and leave 4 to 6 weeks. Strain through the filter into the bowl, then pour into the bottle. Keep in a cool, dark place.


Perfume for your Love

3 drops passion flower essential oil
2 drops ylang-ylang essential oil
3 drops neroli essential oil
1/2 pint / 300ml vodka

Mix oils and alcohol tp glass bottle, shake well. Let stand for 1 week before using.


Dry Skin Face Mask

1/2 mashed avocado
4 drops neroli essential oil
1/4 tub yogurt (soy or dairy)

Mix together, apply to face and neck, leave on for 10 to 15 minutes then rinse.

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