The name “neroli” harkens back to the late 17th century when the Italian royal Anne Marie Orsini, Duchess of Bracciano and Princess of Nerola, fell in love with the ambrosial air that wafted off of the orange groves in the spring. So enamored with the scent, she had the blossoms from the bitter orange trees distilled into oil and used the extracted concentration to perfume her gloves and scent her bath water, creating a craze for the honeyed perfume at her court.

Originally from the Middle East, neroli is one of the most precious and extravagant essential oils on earth. It has been used since ancient times to relieve “nervousness” and as an aid to spiritual healing, and aromatherapists still use the scent to relieve tension and calm the mind and body.