What Is Neroli Essential Oil? Uses, Benefits, And Science-Based Facts

What Is Neroli Essential Oil?

The neroli fruit is a variety of orange. It is also called marmalade orange, and it tastes bitter. It is perfect for making marmalade. Neroli oil is extracted from the flowers of the neroli tree.
This oil has a decadent, flowery, and citrusy fragrance. That is why it is used in perfumes, body lotions, and other mild cosmetics. In addition, it is used in hair care products for its antibacterial properties.

Chemically, neroli oil has the following composition (1):

• Limonene (27.5%):
• Nerolidol (17.5%)
• Terpineol (14%)
• Terpinyl Acetate (11.7%)
• Farnesol (8%).

Neroli oil has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and antidepressant properties (1). Ryan Hsu, the founder of CareMax (a health and wellness company), says, “The oil contains anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties that can help with any skin blemishes that you might be experiencing.”

Neroli essential oil is packed with many health benefits. Want to know more about them? Read the next section.

Health Benefits Of Neroli Oil

Though neroli oil is said to offer many benefits, it is important to note that not all of them are backed by credible research. The following are some of its purported benefits:

1. May Help Soothe Nerves

According to a study conducted on mice, neroli oil may reduce anxiety and fear-induced shock symptoms (2). Thus, it may have a relaxing effect on humans as well.

2. May Help In Treating Alzheimer’s Disease

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Neroli oil has traditionally been used to help control the symptoms of seizuresⁱ  XA disorder where the brain experiences a brief, uncontrollable spike of electrical activity that alters behavior and movements. , loss of consciousness, and abnormal behavior.” ], seizures, and insomnia. It has also been studied for its potential in treating Alzheimer’s disease. According to a study conducted on rats, it can help improve memory and behavior (3).

3. May Help In Chronic Pain Management

Neroli oil may reduce symptoms of pain as it positively affects the peripheral nervous system. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that may reduce chronic inflammation when used on a regular basis (4).

4. May Reduce PMS And Menopausal Symptoms

PMS causes bloating, indigestion, pains, blood pressure changes, and weakness. In addition, it is accompanied by feeling low and mood swings. According to a study conducted in Iran, neroli oil may improve all these symptoms – especially the psychological symptoms – of PMS (5).

a) According to a study in Korea, inhalation of neroli oil by post-menopausal women improved their quality of life and may help relieve menopausal symptoms (6).

5. May Help Reduce Blood Pressure

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Neroli oil has vasodilative compounds that help reduce the overall pressure put on the heart for pumping blood. It works by modifying the calcium concentration inside the cells to reduce constriction (7).

Inhaling a mixture of lavender, ylang-ylang, marjoram, and neroli oils was also found to relieve prehypertensiveⁱ  XA stage where the blood pressure levels are slightly elevated than normal but not high enough to be classified as high blood pressure and hypertensive symptoms (8).

6. May Aid In Smooth Labor

Labor can be difficult, and it usually causes a sense of panic and pain. However, research shows that aromatherapy using neroli oil induces a sense of calm and promotes relaxation during the first stage of labor (at dialations of 3-4 cm and 6-8 cm) (9).

7. May Help In Skin Regeneration

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The antibacterial properties of neroli oil may help prevent skin blemishes and acne. In addition, its antifungal properties may help reduce fungal infections like dandruff. However, there is not enough scientific research to prove the same.

“A 2012 study suggested that neroli oil has antifungal and antibacterial properties. Since bumps or pimples form due to bacteria infecting your skin follicles, it may even help in reducing the possibility of acne or its appearance on the skin. So, I believe it is a good start to explore neroli oil’s potential for dermatology challenges.” says Dr. Hira Shaheen (licensed MD).

You may also use neroli oil with a carrier oil on wounds. Its antibacterial property may help heal the wound and prevent infections. However, there is not enough scientific research to prove the same.

Direct application of neroli oil is not suggested. Instead, use it with some carrier oil for the best results. Keep scrolling to learn how to use neroli oil the right way.

How To Use Neroli Essential Oil

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Neroli oil must be diluted in a carrier oil, such as jojoba, sweet almond, or avocado oil. Then, you can apply it to the skin or add a small amount to steam baths.

Dr. Liana Casusi (MD) says, “For inhalation, dispense a drop or two into cloth, or use a diffuser. The dosage must be according to the manufacturer’s instructions that you will see on the label.”

Now, let’s check out the potential side effects of neroli oil in the next section.

Side Effects Of Neroli Oil

1. Skin Burn

Applying neroli oil directly to the skin may cause burns. “Neroli oil can be pretty harsh for the skin. So, I wouldn’t recommend applying it directly to the skin,” says Dr. Shaheen.

2. May Cause Nausea

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Anecdotal evidence suggests that neroli oil may cause drowsiness, shallow breathing, nausea, persistent coughing, and redness of the eyes.

3. Expensive

Dr. Shaheen says, “It’s because production is quite tedious and difficult. You only get a tiny amount from a lot of neroli plant flowers. So, of course, it will be expensive.”

The Final Takeaway

Neroli essential oil is safe to use. Many cosmetic companies use it in their products.
It can soothe nerves, reduce symptoms of PMS, and improve your mood. In addition, it may keep your heart healthy. Overall, with a few precautions, you can use neroli oil on a regular basis.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is neroli good for sleep?

Yes, neroli is good for sleep. It has tranquilizing properties. It helps reduce anxiety and stress and improves sleep quality.

Why is neroli essential oil so expensive?

Neroli oil is expensive because of its extraction process and the number of flowers used to make it.

Sources

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Pallavi JassalMSc (Food & Nutrition), CDE

   

Pallavi Jassal is a senior diet and nutrition consultant at LiveLifeMore® Diet & Wellness Clinic, Chandigarh, India. She is a certified diabetes educator and also internationally certified by the Canadian Society of Nutrition Management. She has 20 years of experience in weight loss and therapeutic diets and has presented more than 2500 radio health talks in India and abroad.  ...more

Sindhu KogantiHealth & Wellness Writer

 

Sindhu Koganti is a certified health and nutrition life coach and has over 6 years of experience in writing on health and wellness topics. She has a bachelor’s degree in biotechnology from Acharya Nagarjuna University, Guntur, and a diploma in nutrition from Fab Academy. After her graduation, she decided to combine her knowledge of science and love for writing to...more