Organic Orange Blossom Mist - Field Notes

Aqua Florum Neroli — Aqua Tonica Mentis

Autumn Into Winter: A Ritual of Emotional Brightness

As the light thins and evenings gather early, mood can contract. The heart withdraws, the nervous system tightens, and breath forgets to deepen.

Orange Blossom Aromatic Water offers a gentle uplift for these darker months — brightening outlook, softening worry, and restoring the quiet optimism that winter sometimes conceals.

Mist over the face, hair, or hands.
Let its luminous floral-citrus rise.
Let breath lengthen.
Let the heart exhale.

CITRUS AURANTIUM var. AMARA

Neroli — Orange Blossom Aromatic Water

Where It Lives
Bitter orange trees flourish beneath the Mediterranean sun — Morocco, Tunisia, Italy — where cool nights preserve delicate floral aroma.

The Harvest
Blossoms are hand-gathered in early spring, in the cool of morning when scent is most alive.
Distillation captures a soft aromatic water — a gentler counterpart to the precious essential oil.

Folklore & Medicine
Named for the Princess of Nerola, who perfumed her gloves with these flowers to soothe anxious spirits. A long-standing ally for delicate moods and stress-tangled breath.
— Evidence Note: Neroli hydrosol supports relaxation and may help reduce anxiety and improve subjective well-being.

These notes honour tradition and ecology. Full dosage and safety guidance live in the monographs.

Seasonal Tonics | Autumn into Winter — Jo Browne
© Jo Browne

References

Akgül, A., Akin, O., & Uysal, B. (2021). Chemical composition and biological properties of Citrus aurantium var. amara flower distillates. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 273, 113486.
Arctander, S. (1960). Perfume and Flavor Materials of Natural Origin. Elizabeth, NJ: Arctander Publishing.
Bouaziz, M., Fki, I., et al. (2015). Bitter orange flowers: chemical composition and antioxidant properties. Industrial Crops and Products, 69, 315–321.
Cherrat, A., Bouslamti, M., et al. (2020). Citrus aurantium flower extracts and mood: clinical investigation. Phytotherapy Research, 34(11), 2849-2858.
Jeong, M., Lee, H., et al. (2018). Effects of neroli hydrolat inhalation on anxiety and sleep in adults with mild stress. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 33, 92–99.
Kadam, D. M., Jambhale, S. K., et al. (2022). Neroli hydrosol: A review of traditional and clinical uses. Molecules, 27(20), 7028.
Kreitler, S., & Kreitler, M. (2019). Aromatherapy in mood regulation: bitter orange blossoms. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 25(5), 557-565.
Nielsen, A., & Weatherspoon, L. (2023). Hydrosols: distillation, chemistry, and safe use. Phytotherapy in Practice, 3(2), 45-57.
Price, L. & Price, S. (2019). Aromatherapy for Health Professionals (5th ed.). Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone.
Sellar, W. (2014). The Directory of Essential Oils: Citrus aurantium var. amara — Neroli. London: C.W. Daniel Company.

Seasonal Tonics | Autumn in winter by Jo Browne

© Jo Browne