Orange Blossom 101
We make our Haneen pillow and linen spray by sourcing orange flower oil, also referred to as Orange Blossom, directly from Syria. Sweet, delicate, and fresh, Orange Blossom essential oil is extracted from the blossoms of the bitter orange tree through the process of steam distillation. It takes 1000 pounds of orange blossom flowers to produce just one pound of oil, making it one of the most expensive citrus essential oils in the world. Its aroma is a refreshing, sweet blend of floral and citrus notes
HEALTH BENEFITS
Its healing properties are well-known; in fact, Orange Blossom oil has been used since ancient Egyptian times for medicinal purposes. Here are just some of the benefits.
Reduces cortisol levels
Many of us know cortisol as that nasty hormone that skyrockets when we experience chronic stress. While Orange Blossom can’t address the external circumstances causing your anxiety, it can certainly control your biological response to it. A study published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine explored the effects that the inhalation of Orange Blossom essential oil exerted on salivary cortisol concentration, demonstrating a significant decrease in patients’ levels. A study published in the Psychopharmacology & Biological Psychiatry journal also proved the oil’s anxiolytic properties.
Lowers blood pressure
The study cited above also found that Orange Blossom therapy reduced blood pressure levels in prehypertensive and hypertensive participants. If you’re having trouble controlling your blood pressure due to chronic stress, consider giving Orange Blossom aromatherapy a try.
Reduces inflammation
A study published in the Journal of Natural Medicines suggested that compounds found in Orange Blossom, such as linalyl acetate, have the power to reduce both acute and chronic inflammation. These compounds may also help lower sensitivity to pain. This is good news if you’re suffering from painful, difficult-to-treat inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or fibromyalgia.
Acts as an antimicrobial substance
According to research published in the Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences, Orange Blossom essential oil was found to be effective at fighting six types of bacteria, three types of fungi and two types of yeast. This antimicrobial activity is possibly attributable to the presence of nerolidol and linalool. The antibacterial effects are optimized when the oil is used topically on skin infections, but inhaling the oil during aromatherapy may also treat internal infections.
Exerts antispasmodic effects
Research has suggested that Orange Blossom reduces all sorts of muscle spasms and related conditions, ranging from sports-related muscle cramps to diarrhea-related abdominal cramping. Due to the oil’s antispasmodic and anti-stress properties, research has found that Orange Blossom aromatherapy may also reduce headaches, especially those caused by tension.
Ever since oranges appeared in the Middle East, people have been distilling the petals to create flavorful and fragrant orange blossom water for cooking. At the end of the 17th century, Anne Marie Orsini, Duchess of Bracciano and Princess of Nerola, used the essence of the bitter orange tree blossoms as a perfume in her baths. Nowadays, orange blossom water is equally popular for both culinary applications—particularly in Persian, Arabic, Indian, and Turkish cuisine—and aromatherapy. The essential oil neroli is also produced from the blossom of the bitter orange tree. It's much more bitter and sharp than orange blossom water and is used in cosmetics and perfume.