When Valentine's Day comes around most people think of strawberries, red roses and ylang ylang, jasmine or rose perfumes and oils. Another oil which might not come to mind immediately but has stood the test of time is neroli oil. This exotic, citrusy, sensual oil is favored by both men and women and is obtained from the blossoms of the bitter orange tree.

Neroli is one of the most expensive oils, taking nearly a ton of flowers to make just one quart/litre of essential oil. It is a perfumers' favorite and is almost a complete fragrance in itself. The oil is produced in many countries but the best quality oil comes from Tunisia. The name Neroli is said to come from Anne Marie, princess of Nerola, who in 17th Century Italy first introduced it to high society. In 1709, the Italian perfumer Farina created the famous "Eau de Cologne" by blending neroli with other oils including lavender and rosemary. Many say it is one of the secret ingredients in Coca Cola, I doubt we shall ever find out whether this is true or not!

The essential oil has many excellent properties including being an antibiotic, antidepressant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, bactericidal, calmative, deodorant, digestive, fungicidal, nervous stimulent, sedative, and a tonic. Neroli is therefore used to relieve depression, anxiety and exhaustion, in skincare to regenerate cells, remove thread veins and assist clear skin diseases and remove scaring, in giving relief with PMS and abdominal spasms and as stated before it is a sensual oil and perfect to set the mood for a romantic St Valentine's celebration.