Citrus aurantium var. Amara (flos)/Neroli/Orange Blossom

pH 3.8–4.5

Aroma and Taste Sublime, floral, fruity, refreshing, sexy, and luscious. One of the most complex-smelling hydrosols, and when it’s great it is every bit as nice as the oil; in fact, some people prefer it to the oil. Wear it as a perfume. The flavor is sweet and, again, both floral and fruity, with a hint of greenness. Undiluted, the flavor is almost too perfumed, overwhelming the senses; diluted, it is unbelievable and must be experienced. Delectable.

Stability and Shelf Life Very stable; easily lasts two years or more, although the rather large variable in pH in samples tested has shown that the lower the starting pH, the longer it will last. I kept one sample of a 3.9 pH neroli for over three years without its growing a bloom or developing particulate matter, but this is the exception rather than the rule.

Properties and Applications Neroli is a major antistress and calming agent, and it is mildly sedative to the central nervous system without causing sleepiness. It stops caffeine jitters and the effects of overindulgence rapidly, although the mechanism is undetermined. This is the choice for hysterics in children, babies, and even adults and is a wonderful treatment for sudden shock. It is also quite effective in children with hyperactive attention deficit disorder (ADHD) and can be used both topically and internally for this purpose. Give babies their own bottle to use as they feel the need.

Neroli is supportive for the physical and emotional bodies during detoxification programs and abstention or when quitting a habit or addiction like smoking. It is a digestive aid, stimulating bile release and relieving heartburn and reflux. It also seems to calm spasms in the digestive tract and valves and, in combination with basil water, has shown some promise for hiatal hernia. Misted on the abdomen or applied to acupuncture digestion points, it relieves stress-related bloating, gas, cramps, and constipation. Antispasmodic, antibacterial, and antifungal, it is good in a douche for leukorrhea or thrush, especially when combined with thyme or oregano and rock rose.

Neroli is a wonderful treatment for delicate, sensitive skin and for oily skin, because it is so astringent. Avoid use on very dry skin or use only 20 percent in combination with lavender, rose, and/or geranium. A superb toner on its own or combined with rock rose, it clears acne and irritations. Use it in face masks with clay and honey for the ultimate in luxury. Wear it as a natural perfume that won’t aggravate the scent sensitive.

This is an affordable alternative to the pure essential oil, which is expensive and frequently adulterated or synthesized. It is delicious in all sweets and beverages, with fruit, or in jams and preserves.

Citrus clementine (fe)/Clementine Petitgrain

pH 4.3–4.4

Aroma and Taste Quite close to the oil without the sharp, eau de cologne top note. Green, with a citrus bent, slightly wet, and clearly from a leaf. The flavor undiluted is very soft but leaves an orange peel–like aftertaste in the mouth, and in fact fills the mouth with an intense citrus zest/ leaf aroma. Diluted, it is very delicious and highly aromatic, making it a wonderful beverage or blending ingredient.

Stability and Shelf Life Unstable, twelve to fourteen months maximum. Must be closely monitored; check pH monthly.

Properties and Applications Extremely effective and a very, very powerful appetite stimulant. The first time I drank this I was obsessed with food within an hour and had a stomach growling so loudly I could have chewed off my arm! The effect is most extraordinary, and even a very small amount diluted in water creates the desire to eat . . . lots . . . right now! It is being tested on people with eating disorders and the appetite loss associated with some drug therapies. It has shown highly significant results with cancer patients who suffer from drastic weight loss owing to loss of appetite; in these cases even tiny amounts added to drinking water have achieved appetite increase sufficient to effect weight gain in a very short time.

Other than the feeding frenzy, the overall effect when clementine is used internally is calming without being sedative. Topically it seems most appropriate for oily or combination skin, as it is slightly drying. Other petitgrain hydrosols do exist, for example, bitter orange and lemon, but this is the only one I have had experience with in therapeutic use.