Eugenia Essentials

The time is not far off when the air in Central Florida will be heavy with the intoxicating sweet scent of orange blossoms. One of the most fragrant is the bitter orange blossom. The bitter orange tree yields three distinct oils, one from the blossoms: Neroli; the rind of the fruit: bitter orange; and the third from the leaves: Petigrain.

In the 17^th century Neroli oil was popularized by the Princess of Nerola, Italy, Anne Marie Orsini. She used it in her bath and to fragrance her gloves as well as a perfume. She later became a lady of the court of King Philip V of Spain. A controversial figure, Anne Marie was often embroiled in Spanish court politics and high drama. It was lucky for her that Neroli’s repute is one of calming anxiety, relieving depression and calming the heart. It is also an excellent deodorant. When the other ladies of the court got a whiff of Anne Marie, they wanted to smell just like her, sweet and exotic. Unfortunately Anne Marie met her match in the person of Elisabeth de Parma. Elisabeth ousted Anne Marie from Spain, but the name and popularity of Neroli stuck.

Today Neroli is a principal ingredient in modern perfumes. It blends well with other citrus oils and florals. Because of its calming effects it is also widely used in massage oils.

Neroli may assist with: skin cell regeneration, act as an analgesic, anti-depressant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, anti-bacterial, cooling, sedative.