Orange Blossom Neroli (Citrus aurantium L.)   Orange Blossom is the state flower of Florida. Buy state flowers

Orange trees are evergreens, with flowers that are white and fragrant. Three essential oils are obtained from oranges: oil of orange, obtained from the rind of the fruit and used principally as a flavoring agent; oil of petigrain, obtained from the leaves and twigs and used in perfumery; and oil of neroli, obtained from the blossoms and used in flavorings and perfumes. Neroli was discovered in the late 17th century. It is said to be named after a princess of Neroli or Nerola, Italy whose name was Anne-Marie. It was named after the city Neroli, she was princess there. She used it as her personal perfume. Oil of neroli is obtained from the flowers of the Bitter orange or Seville orange. Known as a floral' oil, it is a pale yellow colour that darkens as it gets older. It has a light and sweet floral scent to it. Orange flower water is a popular cosmetic article. Its fragrance relaxes and relieves anxiety, thus traditionally, orange blossoms were used in wedding bouquets and to calm nerves before the bridal couple retired to bed. Tea made from the dried flowers is used as a stimulant and as a blood cleaner in Europe. Zhishi, a Chinese traditional name for Citrus aurantium, has been a folk medicine for indigestion. It has aphrodisiac properties and in skin care, it stimulates the growth of new cells and helps clear oily skin. During the romantic Victorian era, brides used to carry fresh bouquets of white orange blossoms on their wedding day. These bouquets were so much in demand that they were transported nationwide from Florida for this purpose. Fresh garlands were made into little circlets, and attached to bridal veils. A simple perfumed orange blossom garland was often used to adorn a bride's hair if she chose not to wear a veil, making a tiara. The orange blossom was designated as Florida's official state flower on Nov. 15, 1909. It is one of the most fragrant flowers in Florida. Millions of these white flowers perfume the atmosphere throughout central and south Florida during orange blossom time. Orange Blossoms symbolize purity and virginity. ********

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