What is Niaouli Oil? What are the Benefits of Niaouli Oil?

Essential oils obtained from plants are concentrated products used in public health since ancient times. Essential oils, which can be defined as the liquefied form of plant roots, leaves, stems, and flowers with their unique scent and aroma, are used today in the cosmetics, pharmaceutical, and food industries. Niaouli oil, also known as orange blossom oil, is one of the most commonly used essential oils. We have compiled detailed information about niaouli oil and its effects on health for you.

What is Niaouli Oil?

Niaouli oil is a type of essential oil obtained by distillation from the flowers of the bitter orange tree, scientifically known as Citrus aurantium. This oil, with citrus tones, is commonly used in skin and hair products such as perfumes, soaps, and moisturizers. Native to Southeast Asia, the bitter orange tree is known for its relaxing effects on mood. Niaouli oil contains phenolic compounds called protoalkaloids, which possess strong antioxidant activity. The oil, rich in antioxidants like synephrine, limonene, and octopamine, can help prevent inflammation and infections.

Niaouli oil can also contribute to various body functions, including weight loss, enhanced athletic performance, skin health, appetite control, and brain function regulation. Rich in vitamin C, a potent antioxidant, niaouli oil can prevent free radicals from damaging body cells. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can oxidize healthy body cells, increasing the risk of inflammation and infections. They can also elevate the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and metabolic syndrome by increasing oxidative stress in the body.

What are the Benefits of Niaouli Oil?

Scientific studies on the health effects of niaouli oil are limited, but it may have benefits for certain conditions:

May Reduce Muscle Cramps and Seizures: Research suggests that phenolic compounds in niaouli oil, such as linalool, linalyl acetate, nerolidol, farnesol, limonene, and alpha-terpineol, may have beneficial effects on seizures and cramps. Inhaling the oil during childbirth may also reduce anxiety, cramps, and pain.

May Alleviate Menopausal Symptoms: Niaouli oil may help alleviate symptoms associated with menopause, such as high blood pressure, low libido, and increased stress. It may also have positive effects on pain, bloating, and depressive moods commonly experienced during menstrual periods.

May Help Lower Blood Pressure: Niaouli oil can lower cortisol hormone levels that rise under stress. Reduced cortisol levels can help prevent high blood pressure. Additionally, the limonene component in the oil can support the regulation of the autonomic nervous system, helping to normalize heart rate.

May Reduce Inflammation: Thanks to the anti-inflammatory activity of the phenolic compounds in niaouli oil, both topically applied and orally taken oil can help maintain overall body health.

May Help Reduce Stress and Anxiety: Plant compounds in niaouli oil can stimulate the release of serotonin hormone from the brain when inhaled. Known as the happiness hormone, serotonin can help reduce cortisol levels that rise during stress, potentially preventing symptoms of depression that develop due to stress and anxiety.

May Support Weight Loss: Studies suggest that the synephrine component in niaouli oil can increase fat burning, boost metabolism, and suppress appetite. However, human studies on these effects are insufficient, and there is no scientific consensus on the safe dosage.

What are the Uses of Niaouli Oil?

Niaouli oil is commonly used in aromatherapy applications by inhalation or direct application to the skin. It can be used alone or combined with other essential oils. Due to its high concentration of phenolic compounds, care should be taken when consuming it orally. It can be added to bath water or a steam machine for inhalation.

You can add niaouli oil to a cotton ball and place it under your pillow before going to bed to enjoy a restful sleep throughout the night. You can also put a few drops of oil on a handkerchief and smell it periodically throughout the day.

Thanks to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory compounds, niaouli oil is widely used in oral and skin care products. It can be added to wound and burn ointments due to its effects on collagen synthesis. Additionally, it can be used as a flavoring or additive in the processed food industry.

Side Effects of Niaouli Oil

One of the active components in niaouli oil, synephrine, works similarly to hormones such as epinephrine and norepinephrine, which increase metabolism and heart rate. Consuming it orally in amounts above the recommended levels or with high-caffeine ingredients can lead to serious health problems such as high blood pressure, fainting, heart attack, and stroke. Some studies also suggest that niaouli oil may trigger headaches.

For individuals with allergic tendencies, niaouli oil can cause respiratory tract blockage, digestive disorders such as nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. When applied to the skin, it can cause symptoms such as itching, burning, swelling, and peeling. It may be risky to use on the delicate skin of babies, as it can irritate their skin and cause sores.

Precautions When Using Niaouli Oil

As with all essential oils, it is recommended to consult a doctor before consuming niaouli oil orally. Its use may cause serious side effects, especially in conditions such as pregnancy, diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart diseases. It should be diluted with oils such as olive oil or coconut oil before applying it to the skin. If you have an allergic skin type, you should first apply the oil to a small skin area and observe its effects for 24 hours. If you experience symptoms such as itching, burning, rash, or redness in the applied area, you should wash the oily area with plenty of water and stop using the oil.

Niaouli oil can be affected by the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun. It may be more appropriate to apply it to the skin surface at night. After daytime application, you should definitely use a sunscreen with a high protection factor. The oil, which has antibacterial and antifungal properties, is often used in the treatment of vaginal yeast infections. However, direct application to the vagina can cause irritation, leading to redness and itching. Adding a few drops of oil to underwear or laundry detergent can support the treatment of vaginal yeast infections.

Last Updated Date: 17 April 2024

Publication Date: 17 April 2024

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