What is orange blossom?
Orange blossom comes from the sour orange tree(Citrus aurantium), a Mediterranean tree that produces bitter oranges. Appreciated for its delicate, soothing fragrance, it is used in phytotherapy, cosmetics and gastronomy. Distilled, it gives rise toorange blossom hydrosol, while its petals are transformed into the precious essential oil known as neroli.
What are the benefits of orange blossom?
Orange blossom is a true ally of well-being, with multiple therapeutic virtues:
- Soothing and relaxing: It promotes relaxation, reduces stress and improves sleep quality.
- Digestive and antispasmodic: calms digestive disorders and soothes pain linked to intestinal stress.
- Skin toning and revitalizing: its hydrolat brightens the complexion, moisturizes and soothes sensitive, reactive skin.
- Balancing for the nervous system: Ideal in times ofanxiety, it is recommended for deep relaxation.
- Natural antidepressant: its floral fragrance acts as a natural antidote to gloom and mental exhaustion.
How to use orange blossom
Orange blossom can be used in several ways:
- As an infusion: To promote relaxation and improve sleep.
- As a hydrolate: Spray on the face for soothed, luminous skin.
- Neroli essential oil: dilute for a relaxing, rebalancing effect.
- In the kitchen: For oriental pastries, buns and drinks.
What are the benefits of orange blossom water?
Orange blossom water, obtained by distilling the flowers, is a hydrosol with gentle, soothing properties:
- Calms nervous tension and promotes restful sleep.
- Moisturizes and refreshes the skin, ideal for sensitive, dry skin.
- Delicately perfumes culinary preparations, especially Mediterranean desserts.
What are the benefits of neroli essential oil?
Neroli essential oil, extracted from the orange blossom, is a precious essence with exceptional properties:
- Powerful anti-stress: It acts directly on the nervous system to calm anxiety.
- Skin repair: regenerates mature, sensitive and damaged skin.
- Natural aphrodisiac: Its floral fragrance promotes relaxation and emotional well-being.
- Promotes deep sleep when diffused or massaged into a vegetable oil.
How to use orange blossom for better sleep?
Here are a few effective ways to benefit from its relaxing properties:
- Infusion: A teaspoon oforange blossom water in an evening herbal tea helps youfall asleep.
- Essential oil diffusion: A few drops of neroli in a diffuser creates a soothing atmosphere.
- As a pillow mist: sprayingorange blossom hydrosol on your pillow helps you fall asleep naturally.
What are the benefits of orange blossom for the skin?
Thanks to its moisturizing and soothing properties, orange blossom is ideal for :
- Soothe skin redness and irritation.
- Refresh and tone the complexion.
- Regenerate skin and prevent signs of aging.
- Balance combination to oily skin, thanks to its purifying properties.
Is orange blossom beneficial for babies?
Yes,orange blossom hydrosol is suitable for babies and young children. Some uses
- As a relaxing massage: Mix with vegetable oil to calm baby before bedtime.
- In the bath: A teaspoonful in bath water for total relaxation.
- As a pillow mist: Helps sootheanxiety and nocturnal excitement.
What are the culinary uses of orange blossom?
Orange blossom is an essential ingredient in patisserie and Mediterranean cuisine:
- In traditional pastries: used in brioche, crêpes, madeleines and gingerbread.
- In Oriental cuisine: Key ingredient in gazelle horns, baklavas and maamouls.
- In beverages: Delicious in tea, hot milk or refreshing cocktails.
Does orange blossom have any contraindications?
Orange blossom is generally well tolerated, but certain precautions are necessary:
- Neroli essential oil is highly concentrated and should be used diluted on the skin.
- Avoid in cases of citrus allergy.
- Useby pregnant women should be moderated and approved by a health professional.
Why is orange blossom so prized in perfumery?
Orange blossom is an emblematic note in haute parfumerie, as it combines :
- Freshness and sensuality, perfect for floral and oriental fragrances.
- Soft, sweet notes, ideal for feminine, soothing fragrances.
- An immediate relaxing effect, influencing emotions and reducing stress.
