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What is orange blossom water?
It is a distillate that is obtained from the steam that is applied to the petals of orange blossom flowers, it is a very aromatic and transparent liquid.
Orange blossom water must be kept in a cool, refrigerated environment, inside a sealed glass container, protected from contact with sunlight, since it can lose its natural properties if exposed to light.
Origin of orange blossom water
The orange blossom water has its origin in the city of Tunis, North Africa. Since ancient times in these Arab countries, they are characterized by being the promoters and connoisseurs of essential oils and waters that come, either from fruits, flowers or plants, from which different properties and benefits for the health of the body and mind are given off . , as well as to treat depression, act as sedatives and / or painkillers.
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History of orange blossom water
Orange blossom water has been used since ancient times for its calming and relaxing effect, as well as to treat menstrual ailments, colic, and fainting spells.
In Norela, an Italian town, presided over by Countess Ann-Marie de la Tremoille, it was the one who implemented the use of orange blossom water as a perfume on gloves, which when having contact with other people, caused a feeling of pleasure and tranquility to feel that fragrance; For this reason, scented gloves became fashionable, and the rest of the people began to call them guanti di Noreli.
Characteristics of orange blossom water
Orange blossom water is characterized by being liquid, transparent and very aromatic.
It is an infusion that comes from the petals of orange blossom flowers, it is small, white-purple in color, with a very pleasant aroma and provides different healing qualities.
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Scientific name of orange blossom water
The scientific name of orange blossom is “ citrus auratium ” and it comes from the Arabic language az-zhar which means “white flower”.
The orange blossom water is extracted from the orange blossom (neroli), through a steam distillation process, in order to maintain its essence and preserve its healing properties.
Chemical composition of orange blossom water
The concentrated orange blossom water content is 1%, a colorless liquid, a little translucent, with a very characteristic odor; density 0.986-1.007 g / ml, alcohol between 1 – 10%, extract of citrus flowers 1%, potassium and sodium between 0.1 – 1%, citric acid 1-5%, essential water 100%.
On the other hand, if it is diluted 0.2%, a colorless liquid, a little translucent, with a very characteristic odor; density of 0.993-1.096 g / ml, alcohol between 0.1 – 1%, extract of citrus flowers 0.2%, potassium and sodium between 0.1 – 1%, citric acid 0.1%, essential water 100%.
How is orange blossom water extracted?
There are two ways to extract the orange blossom water, one that is obtained by means of a steam distillate of the infusion of petals of the bitter orange blossom (Citrus × aurantium), the flowers are placed in boiling water and left rest for 10 minutes , combine it with lemon or honey.
Another option is by means of a still distillate (apparatus used in processes of distillation of liquid substances, evaporation by heating and condensation by cooling). A certain amount of orange blossom is used, macerated in water for 1 day, then it is distilled in the alembic to obtain pure orange blossom water with quality properties.
Recommended dose of orange blossom water
If it is going to be used internally (consumption) it should not exceed 3 drops of orange blossom water three times a day, with honey, sugar in a fruit juice, ingest it on an empty stomach; but if it is due to stomach upset, take it after each meal.
If you are suffering from insomnia, place 3 drops in a lemon infusion, take it before going to sleep.
To consume it in tea, take 2 to 3 cups a day.
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Active principles of orange blossom water
- White flowers : “Neroli” essential oil (0.15%): limonene, linalol, nerol, methyl anthranilate;
- Leaves : Essential oil of “petit grain” (0.15%), flavonic heterosides, bitter principle;
- Pulp : Organic acids (citric, malic, ascorbic), sugars;
- Bark or shell : Essential oil (0.5%), rich in limonene, aldehydes; coumarin: aurapten; pectins.
Benefits and properties of orange blossom water
Orange blossom water has beneficial properties for health, among which is: eliminate gases, helps to fall asleep, is a muscle relaxant, purifies the liver, is antibacterial.
The benefits offered by orange blossom water, help to tone the skin and calm burns caused by exposure to the sun, it is a relaxant that calms the nerves and allows you to conceive a peaceful sleep, it is used to heal wounds in animals, conditions the hair giving it a strong and shiny appearance.
Due to the different benefits it has, in the Middle East, they used it to give infusions to children in case of stomach upset, gas or indigestion.
It is good for hair, how is it used?
Orange blossom water is used as a hair conditioner, and is present in the composition of some special hair products, it helps to hydrate, control excess sebum and the production of dandruff, in addition to giving it a healthy appearance, hydrated and resistant to the hair, offering a pleasant and refreshing scent.
What benefits does it bring for the skin and face?
Orange blossom water is considered an excellent astringent for oily skin, it helps to keep the skin of the face free of toxins found in the environment, as well as to control the appearance of acne and pimples.
Protects the skin of the body from free radicals present outside, as well as from constant exposure to the sun, which makes the skin become sensitive, reddish and irritated, acts as a natural protective moisturizer for the skin, preventing it from losing its freshness and strength, which flakes and cracks, allowing fat cells to activate and help retain water to stay hydrated.
The use of orange blossom water contributes to the formation of spots, wrinkles and loss of elasticity of the skin.
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Is orange blossom water used to lose weight?
Orange blossom water is a by-product obtained from orange blossom flowers and its main quality is to act as a calming and / or sedative, to control stress levels, apart from other benefits for the skin and the body.
But it is not proven that it is used to lose weight, however, it is an ingredient that can provide benefits after losing weight, such as hydrating and toning the skin to give it a better and healthy appearance.
For wrinkles and acne
It is an important natural ingredient, as it is a natural moisturizer, it stimulates the formation of collagen and cell regeneration, controlling the action of external agents (sun, toxins, dust), as well as being an effective tonic that helps eliminate makeup, preventing them from remaining remains of cosmetics that facilitate the formation of wrinkles.
As for acne, orange blossom water reduces excess oil produced by the sebaceous glands, preventing the pores of the face from clogging and fat granules from forming (acne), due to its antiseptic and astringent properties, it provides a healthy cleaning and without impurities on the skin, guaranteeing a better firmness, appearance and elasticity of the skin, controlling the shine that gives the face a greasy appearance.
Pregnancy and orange blossom water
It is safe to drink orange blossom water during pregnancy, since in that state it does not cause any type of contraindications during pregnancy. Provides moments of tranquility and calm, while the woman is pregnant.
Similarly, it should be administered in a controlled manner and not overuse its intake; It must be done under medical supervision, thus the security and tranquility of being well increases.
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During lactation it is safe to use
Because it does not have toxic or harmful properties for the health of the baby, it is advisable to consume the water while breastfeeding, it will help both the mother and the baby to stay relaxed and enjoy a peaceful sleep when required.
Is orange blossom water good for babies?
In small and controlled amounts, it can be used for babies, since it generates a state of calm when the baby is restless and cannot fall asleep, this orange blossom water will calm that restlessness and allow him to sleep peacefully and rest.
Esotericism and orange blossom water
Esotericism is full of much mystery and at the same time, it is wrapped between positive and negative energies, it is up to everyone to know how to use them in their favor, balance them and take advantage of their benefits. It is customary to perform certain rituals, accompanied by essences that facilitate its attraction action.
According to this, orange blossom water is widely used in this field because due to its property of being an aphrodisiac, it collaborates in the search for love, tranquility, money, good luck.
It is used as bath water, or through incense, according to practitioners and connoisseurs of these occult sciences, it will help create the best way and the best conditions for the achievement of those long-awaited desires.
Orange blossom water against cancer, is it good?
Orange blossom water has anxiolytic, hypnotic, antispasmodic, sedative of the nervous system and helps to purify the liver. These benefits have been proven and used for a long time, however, it does not have direct effects against cancer, it cannot be said that it is good or contraindicated.
But if there is a by-product derived from the orange blossom such as orange blossom honey, which, due to its antibacterial properties, strengthens the immune system and thanks to its anti-cancer properties, it is used against cancer, due to its high content of potassium, fructose, phosphorus and glucose.
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How is orange blossom water used for massages?
Orange blossom water comes from the distillation of flowers belonging to fruits such as orange, lemon or citron; It is liquid and refreshing, pleasing to the senses, but it is not used directly for massages, but as an infusion.
Aromatherapy and orange blossom water
Aromatherapy is a technique used to cure diseases or ailments, with the help of aromas that provide benefits that are used for a better result.
Orange blossom water is a great ingredient used in this technique, due to its anxiolytic and sedative properties, which, through a therapeutic bath or water infusion, will make the body take full advantage of the properties and get out of that state that it disturbs him
Does the orange blossom water expire?
Because it is a substance from natural ingredients, if it has an expiration date, because over time when refrigerated, it gradually loses its properties and benefits.
It is advisable to use it in a reasonable time to make the most of its properties.
Cosmetic uses of orange blossom water
Orange blossom water is obtained by distilling the petals of the flowers, it has a soft and pleasant fragrance, it has unique properties for the beautification of the skin, because it is used as a facial tonic, it refreshes and hydrates the skin, helping to rejuvenate it and give it a younger appearance.
It can be used for all skin types, due to its soft and not very reactive components.
Medicinal properties of orange blossom water
Its main medicinal property is to calm the nerves, taken in an infusion of water, it relaxes; orange blossom water is also used to relieve stomach pain, bile, diarrhea, vomiting.
Flu sickness, throat infection, hoarseness, conjunctivitis.
For nerves and anxiety
The human being goes through different situations every day, which, if not controlled, relapse into episodes of stress, nerves and anxiety at the same time.
There are medicines that are prescribed to treat this type of situation, that sometimes the person becomes dependent on that medicine.
Currently, natural remedies are used that are not invasive and provide a state of tranquility and calm, without suffering collateral damage.
Such is the case of orange blossom water, that its main property is to act as a relaxant and controller of states of nerves and anxiety.
It is usually taken as a sedative infusion to control that moment that unbalances the natural state of the person.
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For blood pressure and heart
Due to the calming and relaxing effect that orange blossom water produces, it is used as an infusion at the same time that the blood pressure crisis was caused; Likewise, it helps to control the levels of palpitations created by stress, bad mood, lack of control, in a given situation.
Culinary uses of orange blossom water
In the culinary art, orange blossom water plays an important role, because due to its pleasant taste and smell, it is used in pastry and confectionery, for the manufacture of pastry doughs for the famous roscón de Reyes de España and pan de muerto. in Mexico; as well as in the preparation of syrup, biscuits and muffins.
In the past, orange blossom water was bought in “pharmacies”, today it is found in perfumeries and pastry shops.
Contraindications of orange blossom water
The use of orange blossom water is not allowed in children under 6 years of age, patients with Parkinson’s, gastritis, with sensitivity to the components of the plant.
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Orange blossom water technical sheet
- Synonym: Citrus Aurantium L.
- Physical data: 1% concentrated orange blossom water – 0.2% diluted orange blossom water
- Preservatives: Benzoates and potassium sorbate.
- Properties and uses: calming, mild hypnotic, spasmolytic; Due to its bitter taste, it acts as an aperitif, tonic, digestive, natural purgative.
- Contraindications: do not administer internally in children under 6 years of age, patients with gastritis, ulcers, epilepsy, Parkinson’s, Crohn’s disease and people with respiratory allergies.
- Precautions: do not exceed the recommended dose.
- Observations; can be used orally.
- Conservation: in closed containers and away from exposure to sunlight.
Nutritional value of orange blossom water
According to research and consultations, orange blossom water does not apply a general nutritional value, this is given to the specific use that is given, that is, if it is applied to treat burned skin from exposure to the sun, it will cause a relaxing effect and in turn, it will improve that part of the body that was affected; in a way, you are adding nutritional value to the skin.
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