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Neroli Fit for a Princess

Unsplash Citrus Spa

Neroli Fit for a Princess

The orange tree essence used by the

Duchess of Bracciano & Princess of Nerola, Italy.

Image – Unsplash Citrus Spa Treatment

QR BLOG MAY2023

Neroli Essential oil (Citrus aurantium) had been used for centuries in Ancient Egypt, where the priests and priestesses included it in their spiritual worship rituals and physical aspects, like incense is used in churches today.  Neroli Essential Oil is associated with being in love, romance, often used for Chinese weddings, as it symbolises omens for purity, fruitfulness, fertility and moral virtue.   Ancient Chinese used it in their wedding bouquets, where eligible bachelors used the ‘collection of orange blossoms’ when looking for a wife.  It was also traded in both Egypt and China for its medicinal benefits.

The bitter orange was originally grown in Tunisia and Northern Africa, before being cultivated in France and throughout the Mediterranean regions. Today it’s also grown in parts of Florida and California USA.

Why is Neroli fit for a Princess? By the end of the 17th Century, Anne Marie Orsini, the French born woman who became the Duchess of Bracciano & Princess of Nerola in Italy was using this orange essential oil as perfume. She would add it to her baths and onto her gloves. ‘Neroli’ became the name to describe the essence as a result.

Fun Fact:  To create just one kilogram of this wonderfully deep and intoxicating mix of citrus with floral aromas, over one thousand kilograms of hand-picked flowers need to be collected. By-products of the Citrus tree’s fruit include Orange flower absolute from the peels, Neroli Essential oil from steam-distilling the small, white, waxy flowers, Orange blossom water from the steam distillation process, and the leaves yielding Petitgrain oil.

Gallery: Unsplash Image Heather Barnes. Edgar Castrejon Citrus, Chelsea Shapouri Citrus, Neroli Orange Blossom.

How beneficial is Neroli Essential Oil for our Health?

There are many wonderful benefits from using Neroli Essential Oil.  It contains a super strong floral smell which contains a number of fantastic elements.  Let me share some of them:

Skin Repairer & Rejuvenator – Neroli Essential oil is known for its capacity to regenerate skin cells, together with improving its elasticity. Included in Essentially Lili’s Ladies range of skincare products, it is extremely beneficial for maintaining and invigorating your cells.  It aids prevention of wrinkles, scars and stretch marks, treating bacterial conditions and rashes.  These include Frankincense Face Serum, Diamond Era Balm, Cool Eyes and Tango Twinkle Toes.

Antimicrobial & Antioxidants – Neroli Essential oil has both antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, which allows it to kill microorganisms and stop growth of their bacterial agents.

Reducing Inflammation & Pain – studies conducted and written about in the Journal of Natural Medicines found its’ ability to diminish chronic & acute inflammation, as well as the sensitivity to that irritation.

Using Neroli Oil as part of your regular day:

Purify the air in your home – add a few drops to your diffuser to clean the air and inhale the anti-germ properties it contains.

Clear Your Head & Reduce stress – adding a few drops to your warm bath can aid lowering anxiety & stress, or inhaling Neroli before a hectic journey could give you a more pleasant perspective.

Helping you to sleep – put a few drops on a cotton ball and slip it inside your pillow case for a relaxing wonderful night’s sleep.

Skincare magic – seeing that it contains strong antibacterial composition, it’s able to treat acne breakouts gently, whilst regenerating skin cells.

Neroli Essential Oil is contained in the Frankincense Face Serum and Cool Eyes to help repair and maintain the youthful appearance of your skin.

Remember, whenever you’re applying essential oils directly to your skin, ensure that it’s diluted with a vegetable oil like Coconut, Jojoba or Apricot.  Use this on your skin, on stretch marks or broken capillaries to help reduce their appearance.   It’s often used with other citrus oils like Bergamot, Orange and Petitgrain.

Summarising the benefits of Neroli Oil:  It’s quite easy to see why Anne Marie Orsini, the Duchess of Bracciano & Princess of Nerola, Italy, loved using the orange essence in her baths and on her gloves.   

Neroli is used quite a lot in Aromatherapy as its properties can reduce feelings of anxiety and stress, increasing a peacefulness and calm.   The rejuvenating oil contains a natural chemical called Citral, which is the main element found in citrus fruit’s peel oil, particularly orange peel.  This is what helps to regenerate cells, promoting growth and restoration. For this reason, it is said to be very good at preventing and minimising stretch marks, whilst the antiseptic & antibacterial properties balance oil production, guard against breakouts, shrinks enlarged pores without drying the skin, revives its appearance and keeps it clean.   It helps treat oily, sensitive and mature skin as Neroli is great for smoothing fine lines and toning sagging skin.

‘Why I love making Essentially Lili All-Natural Skincare Products’.

About Lili Essentially Lili  – My Health Studies include from 2016-2019 Diplomas in Aromatherapy, Holistic Skincare Products, Clinical Nutrition, Stress Management, Reflexology, Holistic Pain Management, and a Member of International College of Holistic Medicine.  I’m currently studying Clinical Nutrition for Over 50s.

My aim is to help you get the results you want as I have already been on that hard journey to overcome the autoimmune disorder. If you wish to know more about Clinical Nutrition and how to kick start your health, book a private Consultation. Please send an email  should you need further assistance.

At Essentially Lili, the products made are all using 100% Natural Ingredients. See the wide variety of Products which are available on the webpage.

Should you need help in deciding, start by reading the Reviews & Testimonials about other Customers who have enjoyed using the products.   We have had some amazing Before & After results from Clients using the All-Natural Skincare products. Please don’t forget to write your comments and reviews on our pages to share the love with others.

See the Blog Library for previous writings.  These include topics like Face Mapping, Dry Skin in Winter, Anguish of Acne/Rosacea, How to deal with Cystic Acne & Understanding Your Body.  Your feedback allows us to improve the content and information provided and products made.

Always love hearing from you, your feedback and reviews.  With Love Essentially Lili.

Exotic Frangipani Flowers

Unsplash Vonita Buirski Frangipani

Exotic Frangipani Flowers

A delicate flower considered sacred,
which thrives in locations like Bali Indonesia.
What makes this so special?

Unsplash image by Vonita Buirski

QR BlogAUG22

We recently returned from a week spent in Bali, Indonesia, on the way back from Melbourne Australia. 
I had forgotten about this wonderful flower which surrounded us, many of which were being collected and worn in our hair.  Let me share a little about the beautiful, Exotic Frangipani flowers!

Found on the ‘Tree of Life’,  the Frangipani (Plumeria ) flower represents a natural toughness, with grace, wealth and perfection.  It has around 12 species of deciduous shrubs from the dogbane family.

Frangipani is native to the new world tropics and is regarded throughout history as extremely sacred.  For the Aztec empires, the plumeria signified elite status, and were found in the gardens of nobility.   Today, the trees are commonly found in areas of South-East Asia, Pacific Islands from Hawaii to New Zealand.

In some parts of Polynesian culture, the flower worn by women indicates whether or not they are seeking a relationship or spoken for.  Worn over the right ear is seeking, whilst over the left is taken!  In Hawaii, the flower, called ‘Melia’ is used for making ‘leis’.

Buddhist, Jain & Hindu followers honour the Frangipani as a sign of immortality, which allows the soul to continue after death.  In Bengali culture, the flower is associated with funerals and death, whilst regions like Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia with ghosts and cemeteries.  The Balinese Indonesians Hindus use the flowers when making offerings in their many temples.  Indian culture incorporates it with Sandalwood for their ’Champa’ incense, whilst in Sri Lanka, the Frangipani flower is associated with worship.  Last but not least, Swahili poets use the flower as a symbol of love.

The species of Plumeria tree can be found in Mexico, Caribbean, Central America including Brazil, and loves warmer climates like Florida, Australia and Indonesia.   They can live from 40 to 50 years, blooming in summer with it’s unique five petals in a funnel shape.  Once the flowers wither and fall, long, slender fruit takes its place, which can be from 15-30 cms long, with a diameter of 1 to 1.5cms.  The brown pod splits horizontally to release plenty of seeds.  The milky sap from this plant can cause irritation and rashes to the skin.

The flowers can be found in a variety of colours – pure white with pale yellow, bright orange, pink red, violet and a mix of these.  The colourful Frangipani flowers can be eaten, as long as they are not treated with pesticides.  By sun-drying out the Frangipani flowers, they can be used to make tea.   Ingesting the tea encourages deep internal cleansing which refreshes the body and mind. It can help clear the lungs, aid detoxification, bring relief from fever and stomach concerns.

Gallery: Various Colours of Frangipani. Hawaiian Lei, Bali Frangipani, Unsplash Christian Hume Frangipani oil.

” Frangipani flowers are used as leis in Hawaii,
and for making Hindu temple offerings in Bali.”

The Benefits for using Frangipani oil:

  • For Aromatherapy, Frangipani Essential oil offers a stimulating and romantic fragrance , enhancing one’s mind and body;
  • The essential oil has an aphrodisiac nature, which encourages the relaxation of nerves and muscles;
  • It can ease and bring relief for inflammation, headaches and back pain;
  • The hydrating properties of the Frangipani oil keeps one’s skin supple, enabling the relief to dry and cracked skin. </p>
  • Best described as exotic and tropical, Frangipani scent is sweet. It has a wonderful aroma of fresh floral, fruity, green and berry-like top notes.  The mid-notes smell like gardenia, Jasmine, rose with hints of peach, apricot and lemon, whilst the base notes are coconut and musk;
  • Some of the other essential oils it blends well with includes Bergamot, Grapefruit, Mandarin, Neroil (Orange Blossom), Palmarosa, Patchouli, Rose, Sandalwood and Ylang Ylang;
  • The essential oil can be used to sooth your hands, nails and cuticles;
  • Apply the Frangipani oil to your skin after showering to encourages maximum absorption and hold the moisture. Use the oil whilst massaging and hydrating your skin;
  • Added to soaps, it can provide a wonderfully fragrant and nourishing feel to your skin.

BLOG PARTICIPATION:

  • Have you ever tried using Frangipani oil in your beauty routine? If yes, what products?
  • If you could have a product including Frangipani oil, what would it be?
  • What historical aspect about the Frangipani flower do you find the most interesting?

    “Why I love to make Essentially Lili Products.”

    About Lili & Essentially Lili Range of Products:

    My Health Studies include from 2016-2019 Diplomas in Aromatherapy, Holistic Skincare Products, Clinical Nutrition, Stress Management, Reflexology, Holistic Pain Management, and a Member of International College of Holistic Medicine.I’m currently studying Clinical Nutrition for Over 50s.

    My aim is to help you get the results you want as I have already been on that hard journey to overcome the autoimmune disorder. If you wish to know more about Clinical Nutrition and how to kick start your health, book a private Consultation. Please send an email to  info@essentiallylili.com should you need further assistance.At Essentially Lili, the products made are all using 100% Natural Ingredients. See the wide variety of Products available on the webpage.

    Should you need help in deciding, start by reading the Reviews & Testimonials about other Customers who have enjoyed using the products.We have had some amazing Before & After results from Clients using the All-Natural Skincare products.  Please don’t forget to write your comments and reviews on our pages to share the love with others.

    See the Blog Library for previous writings about Face Mapping, Dry Skin in Winter, Keratosis Pilaris Tips, Understanding Your Body. Your feedback allows us to improve the content and information provided and products made.

    We look forward to hearing from you, With Love Essentially Lili.

When Stress Overwhelms Your Mind

When Stress Overwhelms Your Mind Feb2020

When Stress Overwhelms Your mind

Stepping out of one’s comfort zone can cause
a staggering effect on our thought process.

QR BLOGFEB20

The topic of overwhelming stress has been cropping up in my personal and business feeds quite a lot lately.I had been reflecting on what life was like when I was single in the 90s. I used to travel a lot solo or with work, to various locations around the globe, with confidence and a little bit of angst about the unknown.I would research the places I was about to discover, collating as much information about what I wanted to see and do.

In 1999, whilst based for work in Houston Texas for 3 months, I used my 12 weekends to explore surrounding areas, both near and far, making the most of my limited stay in the US.Grabbing a small bag, I’d drive to various places in Texas, or catch a flight to New Orleans for my 30th, Miami or head to the Mexican border .I had very little fear and almost everything was so much fun!

From 2000 to the beginning of 2003, I was based in the UK. I spent many weekends exploring not only the UK but headed off with my ‘Lonely Planet Europe Book’ to discover different cities on the mainland.Enjoying the history and so much of what Australia didn’t have, I spent time locating long-lost family members who I reconnected with their cousins back in Melbourne! I was often asked, ‘What’s in that city you’re going to visit?’… My reply was, ‘Tell you on Monday when I get back!’ These were the days of city maps, internet cafes and 36mm film in your camera!

It might sound really dumb, but lately, this aspect of planning and booking has become something my husband has done since we got married in 2004. I can’t believe how ‘lost’ I feel, trying to find the right deal, or plan ahead. Whilst I have loads of ideas, I am often overwhelmed by doing it all myself for the family.

As mentioned in the newsletter, I recently went to secretly visit my Uncle for his 90th birthday in Sicily. I was about to book the trip when my husband found a better deal than I would have otherwise missed. But once it was reserved, I suddenly realised that there was no public transport on a Sunday morning, and the panic set in. As stupid as it sounds, the logistics became my stress – and it consumed my mind, thoughts and sleep.
Totally crazy, right?

The reality is that often something that seems so silly or insignificant to others is what throws you off your own game.It makes you feel weak, incapable, unsure and questioning your inner strength. Should I accept th e role as ‘guest speaker’?What would people think of me at an Exhibition or event that I’ve been asked to attend? How do we overcome these feelings, step out of our comfort zone into our fears and take the ultimate plunge?

Whilst I was having my moment about the trip, I reached out to my Sicilian friend and another connected with Sicily, asking for their advice and help. I felt bad imposing myself on my relatives to take me on the 2+ hour journey back to Palermo airport. I considered driving a car, but again my fear of being alone and behind the wheel in Italy was so consuming that my brain went into overdrive: ‘What if they have snow, what if there’s no snow-tyres on the car, what if I get lost, what if …?’

My husband found a ‘Get Transfer Service’ and booked the trip back on a Sunday morning, and suddenly my fears of being lost, stranded and driving alone all vanished.

Image: Rocks of Love, Breathe Easy & Blissful Minds Products, Lesley Calvo, Pots of Magic.

“Sometimes we just have to be brave enough to ask for help and admit that we are scared in order to be reassured, encouraged or find an alternative solution”

I recently spoke to a dear friend of mine who shared this story with me. Lesley was invited to guest speak in the USA to over 400 women.She explained how anxious she became, to the point of not wanting to step onto the plane in the first place.She just wanted to turn around and go back home, but instead, she proceeded.At her UK stopover, the fear came back, and Lesley tried to convince herself that remaining was better than completing the flight to LA, as this apprehension increased.She went and succeeded in delivering her speech to the 400+ women!! This feeling of fear can be also used as a sign that you are ready to move, and as a sign to take action. It becomes your body’s way of telling you to push outside your comfort zone and expand your limit line.

Quoting from Lesley’s Instagram page:
‘When you feel the chaos and overwhelm, know that your next move is still a choice you get to make. The darkness inside is not to be avoided or hated. That within it there is a gift.It is your soul calling you to courage. Through it there is a strength in you that you haven’t even met yet. A desire for greatness that is pulling you through.Breathe. You Will Make it!’

What powerful encouragement – we need to be in tune and listen to our own inner voice and gut instinct. It is usually right and steers us where we should be heading.

“Trust Yourself, You Know More than You Think You Do” – Lesley Calvo

Lesley mentioned that the concept of stepping out of our comfort zones can make us feel uncomfortable, self-doubt and scared. It can cause hidden feelings from our past to resurface. This overwhelming nervousness can cripple us into non-action, provoking and deceiving us into thinking that ‘we’re ok to stay put or make no alterations to what is necessary for change’.

If we take our health as an example: When we know we are not well, our body will constantly tell us we have pain or discomfort. Instead, we pretend, make excuses, ignore the warning signs that stop us from changing old habits which could eventually have longer-term and detrimental effects. Imagine if we all made small changes that could actually improve and extend our Healthy Life Expectancy? Here are some words of advice:
1. Be honest with yourself and admit you are unable to do certain things on your own;
2. Seek out those who can genuinely help you reach your goals, even if it’s one small step at a time;
3. Be kind enough to give yourself the time and space to reach what you’re capable of doing; and
4. Notice how much stronger, braver and capable you are of becoming.

What other techniques can we apply to help us overcome the stress that consumes our mind? There are a few things we can do to assist the improvement of our overall well-being:
1. Take on a relaxing form of exercise, like Yoga or Pilates. This can help release endorphins in the brain which not only lift our mood but act as natural pain-killers.
2. If you’re able to take on more, do dance-related exercise which will increase your heart rate and improve your overall fitness;
3. Some find meditation and prayer their personal choice for a peaceful mind, as well as dealing with anxiety and stress;
4. For those willing to try Acupuncture, this technique can free blockages to the energy flow in your body;
5. Having regular massage can assist with releasing knots and built-up tension, particularly the neck, shoulders and lower back;
6. Ensure your diet is full of the necessary nutrients, which will help your brain deal with stress, and assist your body’s total functionality;
7. Seek techniques like Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) to help deal with stress and depression that can have a negative effect on your body;
8. Write your thoughts and feelings in a diary to keep track of what is causing stress;
9. Connect with people, friends, nature, taking time out to be around and with those that make you happy;
10. Use your blends and essential oils to improve your overall well-being, reduce the feeling of anxiety and stress on the body.
11. Stress can affect our whole body, from digestion, skin and hair loss too.

Writing lists is something I have been doing for a long time, and I found that it frees my mind from stressing or over-thinking particularly whilst I sleep. Eating healthier and slower, being more conscious of what is consumed can also prevent your body from overworking and becoming sluggish. The food awareness tends to go out the window whilst we’re socialising, travelling and in company with others, enjoying what life and adventures have to offer, though the reconnecting element can be a wonderful key element to overcoming stress.

Pampering yourself with deep tissue massage can release built-up tension and relieve knotted areas. Speaking to friends who know you, offering words of encouragement and support during your time of anxiousness can be a huge step towards a peaceful mind.

Be aware that stress affects our bodies. Our hormones can become imbalanced as the blood flow to our skin, hair, teeth and throughout the body is hindered. A common reaction to stress is Eczema, Acne, Hives, Psoriasis, Rosacea, gum disease and hair loss. Trying to get our body back in control will help overcome this. Often, simply controlling the foods we eat can have a tremendous result for our body’s recovery process.

And for those that enjoy the natural things in life, there are the Essential oil blends I make, that can clear a congested nose and aid with breathing to allow a decent night’s rest. For the children, there’s the Kids Breathe Easy Concentrate, whilst for grown-ups, Adults Breathe Easy Concentrate. For headache sufferers, there’s the Blissful Minds concentrated serum, together with the Anxiety Pick Me Up inhalers. All of these products are made using 100% natural ingredients, containing no hidden nasties or chemicals in the blends.

This year I have decided to do some things differently. I will update you in the coming months, but for now, I’m writing my lists, seeking the help of those who know better than me, asking for advice, and taking one day at a time. I hope that 2020 becomes a different kind of year and that you all get to be part of it, right here! It’s time for me to overcome those fears and just go with it. Watch this space and keep you posted.

Should you need help with finding your feet, don’t ever hesitate to book the Consultation session to fast track your steps to wellness.

Should you wish to contact Lesley Calvo, please message me  support@essentiallylili.com

Images: Healthy Living Chart & Concentrated Serums Blissful Minds & Congestion for Adults/Kids

Health Flowchart

BLOG PARTICIPATION:

  • What part of this blog resonates with you?
  • Has your stress overwhelmed you so much that you stopped following an activity or event through?
  • What technique do you find is the best stress reliever for you and your family?

“Why I make Essentially Lili all-natural Products.”

About Lili & Essentially Lili
My 40 years of personal experience is the foundation of Why and What I do at Essentially Lili.
My aim is to help you get the results you want as I have already been on that hard journey to overcome the autoimmune disorder.If you wish to know more about Clinical Nutrition and how to kick start your health, book a Private Confidential Paid Consultation.
Please send an email to <a” href=”mailto:info@essentiallylili.com”>info@essentiallylili.com should you need further assistance.

My Health Studies include from 2016-2019 Diplomas in Aromatherapy, Holistic Skincare Products, Clinical Nutrition, Stress Management, Reflexology, Holistic Pain Management, Member of International College of Holistic Medicine.Currently studying Clinical Nutrition for Over 50s.

At Essentially Lili, the Products made are all using 100% Natural <a” href=”https://essentiallylili.com/ingredients/”>Ingredients. See the wide variety of Help Skin Assistance available on the webpage.

Should you need help in deciding, start by reading the Reviews & Testimonials about other Customers who have dared to try them out. We have had some amazing Before & After results with their using the All-Natural Skincare products. Please don’t forget to write your comments and reviews on our pages to share the love with others.

See the Blog Library for previous writings about how to deal with Anguish of Acne/Rosacea, How to deal with Cystic Acne and Understanding Your Body. Your feedback allows us to improve the content and information provided and products made. We look forward to hearing from you, With Much Love Essentially Lili.