Neroli essential oil has an intoxicating scent, but offers fantastic health benefits as well. The oil comes from the small, white flowers of the orange tree. As such, its fragrance is a cross between floral and citrus, making for one wonderful smell! It takes around 1,000 pounds of handpicked flowers to produce a bottle's worth of oil. The oil's citrus and floral aroma is known to reduce stress, lower blood pressure levels and promote a restful night's sleep. Neroli essential oil can also be used in your beauty routine to promote healthy skin. (1) Learn more about this delicious-smelling oil by reading the uses outlined below.
Neroli Essential Oil Uses
1. Lowers Pain and Inflammation
Studies have shown that neroli essential oil can be used to naturally relieve pain and fight inflammation. Specifically, a study published in the Journal of Natural Medicines found that neroli oil has the ability to reduce inflammation as well as the central and peripheral sensitivity to pain. (2) Diffuse the oil or massage it onto sore muscles and joints. To reduce any possible irritation, be sure to dilute the oil with a carrier oil, such as coconut or jojoba. Alternatively, you can add several drops of neroli essential oil to a warm bath. For inflammation, follow up your soak by icing the affected area for at least 20 minutes.2. Reduces Menopause Symptoms
There is a good variety of essential oils that can help relieve PMS. This includes neroli essential oil. Furthermore, the oil, a 2014 study found that postmenopausal women who inhaled neroli oil experienced a reduction in symptoms. The women showed signs, for example, of significantly lower blood pressure, lower cortisol levels and improvements in estrogen concentrations. (3) For relief from menopause or PMS symptoms, mix a few drops of neroli oil into your bathwater.
3. Decreases Blood Pressure
As mentioned above, neroli essential oil can be used as a natural remedy for lowering blood pressure levels. A study published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that inhaling an essential oil blend of lavender, ylang-ylang, majoram and neroili oil significantly decreased systolic and diastolic blood pressure in participants. (4) Diffuse or inhale the oil at home to help lower blood pressure. You might also consider taking the essential oil with you to work. Either use it with an essential oil necklace, or bring the bottle itself with you. You will likely find it helpful to have it with you during the more stressful parts of your day.4. Exhibits Antimicrobial Activities
Neroli essential oil also has antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. In particular, studies found that neroli oil showed strong antibacterial and anti-fungal activity against six different kinds of bacteria, two types of yeast and three types of fungi. (5) This includes the ability to fight acne. To use neroli oil as an acne treatment, wet a cotton ball with water then add a few drops of neroli oil. Dab the cotton all on the problem area once a day.
5. Lowers Cortisol Levels
The citrus and floral aroma of neroli essential oil naturally works to lower cortisol levels and reduce stress. Inhaling or diffusing the oil can have immediate and continuous positive effects on stress reduction. You can also add 3-4 drops of neroli oil to a warm bath to help reduce stress. Consider taking the stress-reducing power of neroli essential oil with you to work, as well. When you feel the pressure coming, take a few seconds t smell the essential oil, and watch the stress melt away. Using neroli essential oil to help lower stress may also lend itself to weight loss attempts. This is because cortisol, the stress hormone, is part of what leads to weight gain. You may also try to use neroli essential oil to combat a panic or anxiety attack.6. Rejuvenates Skin
Neroli oil is known for its ability to regenerate skin cells and improve skin elasticity. It can be used as a natural remedy for scars, wrinkles and stretch marks. Neroli essential oil is also useful in treating rashes and bacterial skin conditions, thanks to its antimicrobial properties. Mix 1-2 drops of neroli oil with a natural body cream, face cream or oil and apply as usual. Alternatively, mix it with your regular face wash for an extra boost of invigorating cleansing power. You may also consider making your own homemade face wash. Mix 5 t 10 drops of neroli oil with a small handful of pure castile soap, then wash as usual. For a bigger batch, mix a cup of the soap with 15 drops of the essential oil in a glass jar.
7. Acts as an Anti-seizure Agent
When researchers studied neroli oil's anticonvulsant effects, they found that the oil contains powerful active anticonvulsant properties. The research suggests that neroli oil may be able to inhibit the changes in the brain's electrical activity to help naturally manage seizures. (6) Diffuse 2-3 drops of neroli oil in a diffuser for antispasmodic benefits.8. Promotes Peaceful Sleep
Neroli oil's ability to reduce cortisol levels, lower blood pressure and treat pain make it the perfect natural sleep aid. For a better night's rest, put a drop of the essential oil onto a cotton ball and tuck it inside your pillowcase. Alternatively, diffuse the oil next to your bed while you sleep. You may also consider using several drops in a warm bath before bedtime.
