The moment you walk into AIRE Ancient Baths, you will be warmly greeted by the rejuvenating scent of Orange Blossom, AIRE’s signature scent. Orange Blossom (also known as Neroli) essential oil is gaining popularity in the aromatherapy world due to its amazing therapeutic properties. Come visit one of AIRE’s six locations and experience the health benefits of Orange Blossom aromatherapy for yourself.
What is Orange Blossom?
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.
Just its scent is pleasant enough to exert stress-reduction effects, but its therapeutic benefits go much further than that and can be attributed to the biological changes that its chemistry triggers in the body. Orange Blossom essential oil consists of linalool (which is an antimicrobial and antiseptic), monoterpenes like limonene and pinene (which act as stimulants, decongestants and anti-cancer agents), linalyl acetate (a compound proven to work as an anti-inflammatory when combined with linalool) and nerolidol (an antibacterial, antifungal and antioxidant).
Health benefits of Orange Blossom
All of these components work in tandem to elicit a series of restorative effects in the body when the essential oil is used for aromatherapy. 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.
Improves menopausal symptoms
A 2014 study investigated the effects of Orange Blossom essential oil on postmenopausal women, finding improvements in estrogen levels, serum cortisol concentration, pulse rate and diastolic blood pressure. The symptoms of menopause may be annoying and sometimes debilitating, but this natural remedy can help.
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.
Acts as an anticonvulsant
2014 study found that Orange Blossom essential oil even contains powerful anticonvulsant properties that manage the brain’s electrical activity to control seizures. The benefits are almost endless.
If you’re in need of some mind-body healing (and who isn’t?), book your experience at AIRE Ancient Baths and feel the restorative effects of Orange Blossom aromatherapy for yourself. The refreshing scent will heal your body and soothe your frazzled mind while you detox in AIRE’s thermal baths and tap into the rejuvenating powers of ancient traditions.
