Neroli -The Benefits of the Essential Oils In our Winter Seasonal Edition - Honey Soap, Butter Bars, and Aromatic Roll-On

The Bitter Orange tree is one of the most useful for perfumery—every part yields an interesting raw material. The flowers provide orange blossom absolute and neroli oil, the leaves and stems give petitgrain, while the fruit peel contains the wonderfully rich and complex bitter orange oil. 

Bitter Orange, also known as Seville Orange and Bigarade, is a sturdy, evergreen citrus species that is indigenous to India and is cultivated in Spain, Sicily, Morocco, the southern US and the Caribbean – diverse regions with similar climates. Citrus aurantium var. amara is a hybrid of Citrus maxima (pomelo) and Citrus reticulata (mandarin) and is the preferred fruit used for natural perfumery. Along with Neroli (Orange Blossom) and Petitgrain Bigarade (Orange Leaf) essential oils and absolutes, Bitter Orange has one of the three important aromas derived from Citrus aurantium var. amara.

Orange Blossom- 

Neroli and orange blossom oils are among the most important ingredients in perfumery, decorating the top accords of chypre compositions, lending a fresh touch to floral bouquets and forming the bodies of classical colognes. Orange Blossom quickly unfolds with incredibly seductive floral notes. It provides a warm floral heart note and adds opulence and depth when paired with the lighter scents. Neroli is the historical name for steam distilled Orange Blossom essential oil.

Orange Blossom (Neroli) was first introduced as a fashionable scent near the end of the 17th century by Marie-Anne de La Trémoille, Duchess of Bracciano, later known as the Princess of Nerola. She loved the scent of orange blossoms and used it to perfume her clothes, gloves and bath; since then, this beautiful essence has been known as Neroli. Today Neroli essential oil is widely used in perfumery and skincare, particularly in formulations for dry and mature skin. The comforting aroma is lovely in nighttime sprays, relaxing baths, massage blends and diffusers.

The tranquilizing effects of Neroli make this a wonderful essential oil to combat stress, depression and anxiety naturally. It has been shown to significantly reduce the stress hormone, cortisol, in a study where participants were given a mixture containing Neroli to inhale at regular intervals over a 24 hour period. They found a significant reduction in the concentration of salivary cortisol in the Neroli group and concluded that inhalation of this essential oil can have immediate and continuous positive effects on stress reduction.

Petitgrain Sur Fleurs-

Also derived from the bitter orange tree, ‘Petitgrain’ means “small grain” in French, and it refers to the fact that traditionally petitgrain was distilled from immature bitter orange fruit. Today, twigs and leaves are more likely to be used. It smells heavenly–green, sparkling, bright, with a distinctive orange blossom accent.

With powerful anti-inflammatory and antibacterial benefits, Petitgrain Essential Oil is a wonderful natural remedy to calm problematic skin. Whether it’s rosacea, acne-induced irritation or even sunburn, this aromatic essential oil helps to soothe and heal your complexion. For those looking to achieve flawless skin, Petitgrain Oil has stimulating and toning properties to help pores appear smaller and the epidermis more even and smooth.

Petitgrain oil offers a fresh, floral, and often herbaceous aroma that makes it unique and useful in a variety of settings. It’s known to promote restful sleep and support healthy immune function.

The petitgrain oil used in this seasonal edition is an unusual certified organic Petitgrain sur Fleurs essential oil that has a distinct, fresh, green floral, aroma with a soft, sweet-woody, tenacious undertone. This oil is also called Petitgrain Neroli in the States, but the true designation is Petitgrain sur Fleurs, meaning ‘Petitgrain over flowers’. It is produced from the leaves and twigs that are separated from the blossoms both during the height of Neroli season and at its close when many blossoms remain on the tree. It is these 'yearling' leaves along with the remaining blossoms that impart the softer, more floral character to this particular Petitgrain oil. There are only a select few distillers making this distinctive oil with this nuance different from the regular Petitgrain oil.  

Bitter Red Orange - 

On the emotional system bitter orange essential oil is extremely uplifting and energizing for the body, yet calming to the mind and emotions. It is used in Ayurvedic medicine as an aid to meditation, and this is perhaps why it can be extremely helpful in easing stress and anxiety. Diffusing bitter orange oil is said to help dispel tantrums and frustration for both adults and children alike.

The round, lumpy fruits of Citrus aurantium var. amara are born green, become yellowish and finally red at the height of ripeness. The essential oil produced at this stage represents the most mature expression of the fruit peel known as Bitter Orange, Red. The essential oil we are using is organic and has a tart, fresh orange aroma with soft green notes and a mild, 'bitter' pithy note in the sense of 'dry' but it is also lightly sweet; it adds an interesting note to natural perfumer formulations.

The more commonly encountered orange oil (sometimes called sweet orange oil) is actually the product of a different tree, the sweet orange tree (Citrus sinesis), and while its blossoms can also be steam-distilled, the result is an inferior, less fragrant grade of neroli.

Winter is the season for bitter oranges; in addition to their uses in perfumery, they make for an aromatic flavoring in the kitchen. The peel can be used to make marmalade or can be made into a fragrant paste.

This is a very special edition Asali has for you this winter season. Go to Seasonal Edition to order your Honey Soap, Butter Bar and Aromatic Roll-On

Bay Laurel

Happy Equinox! September 22nd marks the first day of Autumn in Earth’s Northern Hemisphere. To be exact, at 9:04 pm ET is when the autumn equinox occurs as the sun enters the air sign Libra. The beginning of Fall marks a fresh start for many. To celebrate, the seasonal limited edition for Fall 2022 is “Laurel” . This is a blend of organic Turkish Bay Laurel, and organic French High Elevation Lavender. This scent is available in both the Honey Soap and Butter Bar.

Bay Laurel was first an herb of poets, but also of oracles, warriors, statesmen, and doctors. The leaves were made into wreaths for illustrious poets and the ancients used them to crown heroes. Bay Laurel was the symbol of wisdom, both acquired and intuitive. The medicinal uses of the herb were always important; it was used as often as garlic to protect against epidemics. Considered an anti-rheumatic, it was drunk as a tea and used in baths.

Bay laurel is an evergreen tree or large shrub with dense foliage and shiny grey bark. Leaves are pointed, elliptical, thick and leathery in texture, smooth along the margins, and bright green and glossy when young and darker green when mature. The leaves must be crushed to release the aromatic oils. The tree is dioecious, with male and female flowers on separate trees. The flowers are pale yellow-green, and borne in pairs beside the leaf. The fruit is a small black berry that matures in early autumn and contains a single seed. Bay Laurel Essential Oil is sometimes known as Laurel Leaf Essential Oil.

The major contribution of bay leaf to foods is its fragrance, sweet but not cloying, pervasive but not overpowering. If you are fortunate enough to have walked through a forest with many bay trees, you will understand the almost incredible refreshing power of bay’s scent. Its blend of balsam and honey, with hints of spice as in nutmeg and clove are predominant in the first inhale. These scents are followed by just a suggestion of citrus of orange and/or lemon sometimes followed by faint flowery tones described as vanilla or rose, and occasionally a hint of mint.

Bay leaves can help to make skin evenly toned and eradicate hyper pigmentation on skin. The perfect addition to the Laurel Honey Soap s of course the Laurel Butter Bar. The Brazilian cupuaçu butter and Israeli golden jojoba oil are also beneficial ingredients in this highly moisturizing solid lotion bar.

Please keep in mind that this is a LIMITED EDITION scent. Once they sell out that’s it. Then Asali will announce the new winter limited edition. Check out the current Seasonal Editions Here.

Enjoy! And thank you for reading.

Rosegold is Here.

Rose is more than just a beautiful scent.

Roses are widely considered the most beautiful flowers in the world. The flower is an integral part of the numerable stories, legends, myths and legacies. With the varied colors, incomparable fragrance and range of shapes and sizes, you can find one for every mood and occasion.

People who do not know about any of its medicinal properties can still tell you of one undeniable property; a beautiful, red rose can invoke romantic feelings in even the hardest of hearts.

Little needs to be said here as rose is one of the most cherished aromatics in perfumery and beauty regimens. The delicate yet intoxicating aroma of real rose absolute, paired with sophisticated bergamot and grounding blue cypress essential oils will make your bath time one you cherish. This lovely soap is also fortified with rose kaolin clay. To avoid photosensitivity, our bergamot is bergaptene free.

Rose has numerous health benefits including:

1 - Emotional Support
If you’re ever feeling upset or down in the dumps try putting one drop of rose and five drops of lavender in the diffuser by your nightstand before bed. Hopefully you will wake up renewed and at peace! You can also use our generously scented Rosegold Butter Bar. Just using some on your hands and face can make you feel beautiful and peaceful. Not to mention, our butter bars make an excellent night treatment.

2 – Skin Health
There are many qualities of rose that make it beneficial for skin because of it’s uncanny ability to increase your skins permeability! Therefore, using our high quality Rosegold Honey Soap on both your face and body, can help you absorb whatever healthy skin food or nourishing moisturizer you choose to use afterwards like an organic jojoba oil or Brazilian cupuaçu butter which can be found in all of our Asali Aromatics Butter Bars.

3 - Libido and Hormone Health
Rose essential oil can greatly help men with sexual dysfunction related to performance anxiety and occasional stress. It also has been reported that it can help balance sex hormones, which can contribute to increased sex drive.

4 - Occasional PMS support
A2006 study involving 67 female college students found that applying rose essential oil mixed with other oils (lavender, clary sage and almond oil) topically had effectively reduced discomfort and mood swings.

Asali Aromatics will never use any synthetic fragrances nor harmful ingredients like parabens in our luxury and sustainable products. Therefore, we use an authentic rose absolute from Morocco in the Rosegold Honey Soap and Butter Bar.

Vertiver. The Magical Butter Bar.

Sometimes things are so good and simple, that it’s hard to believe and therefore requires a deeper explanation.

Asali Aromatics obviously has aromatherapeutic benefits. But what may not be as obvious is the skin care benefits that automatically occur with certain essential oils which we use in our products. Take Vetiver for example, which is derived from the aromatic roots of the Vetiveria zizanioides (Linn) Nash. botanical.  Due to its grounding, sensuous, and deeply calming scent, Vetiver Essential Oil is also referred to as the “Oil of Tranquility” and “The Fragrance of the Soil.” Used in aromatherapy applications, Vetiver essential oil is beneficial for soothing anxiety, insomnia, fatigue, depression, and inability to concentrate or remember. This alone makes vetiver very worthy to use in our Vertiver Honey Soap and Butter Bar formula.

What may not be as well known by many is the skin benefits that result from using Vetiver. Used cosmetically or topically in general, Vetiver Essential Oil is known to firm, tighten, and protect skin against the harsh effects of environmental stressors, thereby exhibiting anti-aging properties. 

But what made us want to write this specific message regarding Vetiver was a testimonial from one of our loyal customers:

“I have been using the Asali Aromatics vetiver butter bar for months now, and I never want to be without it! My 48 year old skin has noticeably improved. It works better than expensive products I've tried, and I love that it's all natural. My skin feels firmer and soft, and the dark patches at my jawline and on my chest are a lot less noticeable. Please, don't ever stop making this product!”

— Scottie

Okay. So this was a genuine and organic experience of a customer that really made the above comments about Vetiver true. However, lessening the dark patches was a pleasant and somewhat surprising bit of testimonial. More research led to findings which verify that Vetiver is amazing for your skin as it removes dark spots and helps you get a smoother, younger-looking skin. It’s no wonder this naturally fast-growing and perennial grass that hails from Haiti, Java, Japan, the Philippines, and Réunion are used in many expensive facial formulas and night creams. Here’s the thing; Our butter bars are multifunctional and also operate as a salve or balm for both face and body. Because of the sustainable beeswax used as an ingredient, the properties of the essential oils in these bars get to linger on the skin way longer and not only allows the delightful aromatic scent to last longer, but allows the essential oils to do their medicinal and healing work. Because Scottie was using this as nightly face treatment, the Vetiver had a chance to do it’s thing unlike thinner lotions that can easily sweat or wear off. Then to make matters better, the Brazilian cupuaçu butter we use in these marvelous bars deserve it’s own mini essay on its magical moisturizing and healing properties.

But let’s stay focused. The main benefits of Vetiver for your skin are:

• Reduces dark spots - Vetiveria root extract helps in reducing and lightening the stubborn dark spots as well as evens the skin tone.

• Antiseptic properties – Vetiveria root extract has an antiseptic and antimicrobial property that helps in getting rid of acne and pimples. It clears the skin, giving it a fresh and rejuvenated look.

• Get younger looking skin - Vetiveria plays a major role in reducing wrinkles and blemishes, it helps in getting tightened and firm skin giving a youthful look.

• Moisturizes your skin - The Vetiveria extract oil is nourishing and hydrating which helps in soothing your skin from dryness, rashes, flakiness etc.

• Skin protector - The root extract is loaded with antioxidants that help our skin fight signs of aging. It shields our skin from various environmental stressors.

• Effect on melanogenesis in melanoma cells- Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that develops from pigment-containing cells known as melanocytes. It generally occurs on the skin but may rarely occur in mouth, intestines etc. According to National Centre for Biotechnology Information, essential oil from Vetiveria zizanioides has potential to treat melanogenesis in melanoma cells. (melanogenesis can be referred as pigmentation leading to melanoma)

Of course, now is the time to inevitably mention that we are not doctors, nor is this information intended to give medical advice. Blah blah. It is what it is. 

It does not hurt at all that our Vertiver aromatic blend also contains Lemon Verbena, which is known for its therapeutic properties as well. It breaks down cellulite, and hence, offers a healing, toning and relaxing effect to the skin. That is the reason this herb is often used in the preparation of natural soaps. Lemon Verbena has mild astringent qualities that help in cleaning the skin and getting rid of bacteria that cause acne and pimples. It also aids in getting rid of mild facial scars and blemishes. Lemon Verbena soap has qualities similar to green tea. It can reduce redness of the skin, and its anti-inflammatory properties are ideal for treating puffy skin. The cooling and soothing effect of the soap tends to reduce puffiness.

Our Vertiver blend also contains Atlas Cedar. As if we weren’t already jumping for joy, used cosmetically on the skin, Cedar Essential Oil can help soothe irritation, inflammation, redness, and itchiness, as well as dryness that leads to cracking, peeling, or blistering. It helps regulate sebum production, eliminates acne-causing bacteria, guards the skin against environmental pollutants and toxins, reduces the chances of future breakouts, helps to eliminate unpleasant odors, and reduces the appearance of the signs of aging.

Used in hair, Cedar Wood Oil is known to cleanse and enhance circulation to the scalp, tighten the follicles, stimulate healthy growth, reduce thinning, and slow hair loss. Yes. Some people, like the owner of Asali Aromatics, uses the honey soap for face, body and hair. With such a wonderful soap, why on earth would you need to crowd your bathroom with pointless and potentially harmful SLS or SLES contaminated shampoos? We considered making a “shampoo bar”, but this would only be for marketing purposes to take advantage of those that are suckers for packaging and advertising. We’d rather educate you than to play advertising tricks. So yes folks, all of our soaps can double as a lovely shampoo. There are many other benefits of Cedar Wood oil, but we don’t want to overwhelm you. If you want to learn more, please click on the highlighted links throughout this piece.

Vertiver is one of six signature Asali Aromatic scents. The truth is, all the scents come with their own set of therapeutic and skin loving benefits due to the specific properties of the essential oils used in our formulas.