Everyone knows the orange blossom for its exquisite and sweet fragrance. The flower belongs to the orange tree, Citrus sinensis. On November 15, 1909, the orange blossom was officially selected as the state flower in Florida. This sweet and delicate flower is used both in cosmetic products and perfume making.
But do you know all its virtues? Some of these include anti-wrinkle, anti-fatigue, and anti-depressant qualities. The benefits of orange blossom are numerous, so discover them in this article and make good use of them.
- The origin of the Florida state flower
- About the Florida state flower
- Sedative properties
- What are the main variants and benefits of orange blossoms?
- The symbolism of the orange blossom
- Other properties and qualities of the Florida state flower
The Origin of the Florida State Flower
The smell and flavor of orange blossom has a place in our collective memory, especially if you are from Florida. The orange is a flower of primary importance in the history of western perfumery, too.
Native to the southern slopes of the Himalayas, the orange was cultivated for probably more than 2000 years in China. The flower is valued as an ornamental tree for the fragrance of its flowers.
From the East, this precious tree was brought to the shores of the Mediterranean, where it has perfectly acclimated. The Arabs, according to their conquests, spread it all over the Mediterranean, especially in Spain. Today, it still adorns the alleys and gardens of Seville.
The bigaradier, in the same family, is a thorny shrub, very widespread in North Africa, and covered with magnificent white flowers. Its beauty is pleasing to the eye and the smell. The orange blossom grows on the bigaradier, too, but the fruit is not the same. This bitter orange is different from the classic sweet orange.
About the Florida State Flower
The amazing thing about the orange blossom is that its fragrance takes us on a journey while its medicinal properties soothe us. Mostly known for its Asian cuisine or perfume recipes, orange blossom is also a natural way to promote sleep.
The essential oil of orange blossom is rich in aromatic molecules and active ingredients. It is called “neroli,” named after the Princess of the Ursins and Nerola. She popularized it in European courts at the end of the 17th century.
It is also very precious since it is necessary to distill a ton of flowers to obtain a liter of essential oil. Therefore, a little expensive. Less expensive but still useful, floral water (or hydrosol) is collected during distillation and also sold.
Finally, what is commonly called orange flower water, which is much less concentrated, is more likely to stay in the kitchen as an addition to recipes.
Sedative Properties
Whether it’s nervousness, stage fright, palpitations, or small mood swings, you can count on orange blossom to calm the nervous system. These tranquilizers and mild antidepressants are due to its monoterpenes, mainly linalool (40%), and its sesquiterpenes.
Because it decreases anxiety, the orange blossom helps sleep, too. This is good news for nervous people who react badly to medications and are sensitive to their side effects.
Its reaction to the nervous system explains the sedative properties of orange blossom. In other words, the orange blossom is useful in the case of upset stomach, digestive spasms, and colitis (including the infant).
What are the Main Variants and Benefits of Orange Blossoms?
The orange blossom has an anti-inflammatory, calming action on skin irritations. It offers soothing properties on the skin, as well as on the nervous system. It is also used in deodorant in combination with diluted essential oil of lemon or grapefruit.
Orange blossom is also a hydrosol, which is suitable for fragile and delicate skin because it isparticularly soft. It has a very refreshing feeling, and when used as a spray on the chest, in the evening, it soothes agitated or nervous children.
The essential oil of orange blossom, or neroli, is recommended for local application (plexus and wrists) in case of insomnia or mental exhaustion.
Neroli essential oil also has a positive effect on spasmodic colitis, and as an anti-infective on bronchitis or ear infections. It is also a skin tonic and an anti-septic for use on acne pimples.
The infusion prepares bitter orange leaves and flowers. This infusion is poured into children’s bath water for a relaxing effect, too, for children who are hyperactive.
The Symbolism of the Orange Blossom
As a symbol of fertility and purity, orange blossoms were historically offered and worn by brides. This tradition comes to us from antiquity; Zeus had given orange flowers to his beloved, Hera, during their marriage. The white and fragrant flowers also symbolize purity.
The origin of the word ‘neroli’ derives from the princess of Nerola, Anne Marie Orsini. She was adoring of this fragrance and did not hesitate to use it. More often than not, she perfumed herself, her laundry and the interior of her castle. She was the catalyst of this practice, which quickly made its way to Rome and then around the world.
Therefore, the orange blossom is a sign of passion and marriage in different ways. Its leaves, always green, have become the symbol of a love that lasts a lifetime. Its white flowers symbolize the sincerity of the fiancée, while its fruits represent the hope of descendants.
Other Properties and Qualities of the Florida State Flower
Its many soothing and sedative qualities make it an anti-stress flower. In massage oil or infusion, the orange blossom can express its calming powers. It is also widely used to relieve sleep disorders. In addition to its soothing properties, orange blossoms are used in cosmetics.
In lotion, this flower soothes, refreshes, and tones the skin. It also has a hydrating and softening property. It is suitable for all skin types but recommended for dry, sensitive, or delicate skin. Its high content of flavonoids (regenerative properties) makes this flower a powerful antioxidant and ideal anti-wrinkle substance.
Whether it is in the form of floral water or essential oil, the orange blossom can relieve you from many conditions. Regarding the conservation of essential oil or orange blossom floral water, remember that the container should be sheltered from air, light, and heat.
Orange blossom contains many active ingredients and recognized for multiple benefits. In general, it seems to have relaxing and anti-spasmodic properties, which would give it the ability to reduce tension. The orange blossom is an essential ingredient of many recipes, especially sweet. The flower is, for example, used to flavor pancakes and other treats.