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Rosalina, Nerolina, Niaouli – What’s the Difference?

Rosalina, Nerolina, Niaouli - What's the Difference header

What is the difference between rosalina and nerolina essential oils? Are nerolina and neroli the same oil? I was asked these questions last week and thought I would answer them in this blog post.

Nerolina and niaouli
Melaleuca quinuenervia tree Firstly its important to understand that both nerolina and niaouli are two chemotypes of the broad-leaved paperbark tree Melaleuca quinquenervia. Nerolina is Melaleuca quinquenervia CT nerolidol/linalool while niaouli is Melaleuca quinquenervia CT cineole.

The aroma of nerolina has been described as fresh, green and fruity while the aroma of niaouli has been described as strong, fresh and similar to that of eucalyptus.

Nerolina essential oil is a clear to amber yellow colour while niaouli is an almost clear, pale yellow to greenish colour.
Both essential oils are obtained by steam distillation of the leaves and twigs.

Chemical constituents in nerolina and niaouli vary but generally nerolina is high in nerolidol and linalool while niaouli is high in 1.8 cineole. Both contain alpha-terpineol, alpha-pinene and limonene in varying amounts.

Nerolina has been reported to help in cases of adrenal fatigue, shingles, cold sores and wound healing. Mark Webb has found nerolina ideal for small children with persistent dry, non-productive cough when applied as part of a chest rub formula.

Niaouli because of her high 1.8 cineole is beneficial for coughs, colds, bronchitis, sinusitis, muscular aches and pains.

Nerolina is calming, soothing and uplifting. Both are helpful for mental fatigue and exhaustion, confusion, poor focus, anxiety and stress.

Both oils are considered nontoxic, non-irritant and non-sensitising. If using on children nerolina may be the better choice because of her low cineole content and aroma.

Note: nerolina may be marketed as niaouli so it’s important to check the botanical name and chemotype so you know what you are purchasing.

Rosalina
Rosalina (Melaleuca ericifolia) is also known as lavender tea tree.
The aroma has been described as soft and medicinal with a slightly piney scent.

Rosalina essential oil is a clear, pale straw to golden yellow colour. An oil darker in colour may indicate inappropriate distillation.

Rosalina essential oil is obtained by steam distillation of the leaves and twigs.

The main chemical constituent in rosalina is linalool, with smaller amounts of 1.8 cineole, limonene, aromadendrene, alpha-terpinene and terpinene-4-ol.

Rosalina is useful for a sore throat, sinus infections, respiratory congestion, coughs, colds, flu, cold sores, insect bites, muscular aches and pains.

On an emotional level rosalina is very calming, nurturing, relaxing and uplifting so useful for stress, insomnia, nervous tension, irritability and anxiety.

Battaglia writes that the chemical profile of rosalina oil suggests that it would have properties similar to a blend of tea tree, lavender and eucalyptus essential oils.

This is another oil that can safely be used on children as she is considered nontoxic, non-irritant and non-sensitising.

Nerolina, niaouli and rosalina are all Australian essential oils from the genus Melaleuca and they all share similar properties. They are all helpful for respiratory issues, muscular aches and pains. All are helpful for anxiety, stress and nervous tension and all are calming and uplifting. They are all considered nontoxic, non-irritant and non-sensitising. They vary in their major chemical constituents which contributes to their varying aromas and some differences in their therapeutics.

Both nerolina and rosalina are considered safe oils to use on children and may be better received than the stronger smelling oils of niaouli, tea tree and eucalyptus.

Neroli and Nerolina
Those new to aromatherapy sometimes confuse neroli and nerolina. I think this is due to the similarity in the names but they are very different oils, used for different purposes.

Neroli flower Neroli (Citrus aurantium var.amara) is distilled from the blossoms of the bitter orange tree and is used for more emotional issues such as depression, stress, anxiety, and shock. Although nerolina can also be used for emotional issues she is more often used for respiratory and other physical issues.

Neroli is also a very expensive oil compared to nerolina. As was seen above nerolina is a Melaleuca from the Myrtle family whereas neroli belongs to the Rutaceae family.

For more information on neroli click on the link to be taken to my post on neroli.

Sources:
Battaglia S, The Complete Guide To Aromatherapy. Third Edition. Black pepper Creative Pty Ltd, Australia (2018)
Rosalina photo Melburnian / CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)
Tisserand R and Young R, Essential Oil Safety Second Edition, Churchill Livingstone Elsevier, 2014
Webb M, Australian Essential Oil Profile – Nerolina, Aromatherapy Today, Vol.18 (2001)
Webb M, Australian Essential Oil Profile – Rosalina, Aromatherapy Today, Vol.17 (2001)
Webb M, Bush Scents. Griffin Press, Adelaide (2000)

Neroli (Citrus aurantium var.amara)

Neroli offers the gift of strength and courage that helps us to see life’s beauty.
Susanne Fischer-Rizzi

Family: Rutaceae

Synonyms: Orange flower, neroli bigarade.

Aroma: Bitter sweet floral

Colour: Pale yellow

Plant: An evergreen tree up to 10 metres high with glossy leaves and fragrant white flowers.

Main Growing Areas: Italy, Morocco, France, Egypt.

Major Constituents: a-pinene, a-terpinene, nerol, neryl acetate, farnesol, geraniol, linalool, nerolidol.

Interesting snippets:
Neroli is named after Anna Maria de La Trémoille, Princess of Nerola who in the 17th century used the oil to perfume her gloves, shawls, ribbons and stationery as well as in her bath.

In Sicily sprigs of orange tree are used to decorate images of the virgin Mary while in the past prostitutes in Madrid used neroli as their standard perfume.

In the south of France using orange blossoms in bridal wreaths or bouquets was associated with purity, virginity and fertility.

Part of Plant used /Extraction: Blossoms of the bitter orange tree picked by hand on spring mornings. The best oil is obtained from blossoms where the bud is just beginning to open on a warm sunny day. The blossoms are then stored overnight and turned frequently to prevent heating and fermenting. Steam distillation of 1 kg of flowers produces 1 litre of orange flower water from which 1 gram of essential oil is obtained. The extraction process takes about 3 hours. Neroli is also available as an absolute.

Therapeutic actions: Relieves muscle spasms of the smooth muscles especially the small intestines and so may be useful in cases of chronic diarrhoea due to nervous tension.

Emotional and Spiritual: Emotional depression, stress, anxiety, and shock. Instils a sense of peace and aids in spiritual work. Promotes self-confidence and assists in reconnecting with one’s higher self.

Susanne Fischer-Rizzi writes that for people who have become thin-skinned, neroli can strengthen their inner being and build a protective shield. When we are easily angered, the oil helps us shift our mood to a relaxed state that allows us to experience life with joy and calm.

Gabriel Mojay states that neroli may always be considered for deep emotional pain that robs us of hope and joy.

Aromatherapy Insight Card:

(Courtesy of J.Jefferies & K. Osborn)

CHOICES
Neroli helps you to make choices in life, calming and soothing the mind giving reassurance and harmony to the soul.
Life is one grand bundle of choices that we make every second of the day. It is time for you to make some choices in life. Stop waiting for the right time to come, as it never does. Hindsight is wonderful but useless, you can only make a choice with the information that you have at any given time and we all have different information after the event. Grab onto life and take charge, make choices and move forward now. Trust your intuition, listen to your gut instincts. Honour your choices and take action. If you wait for the right time to do something perfect, you may miss out on what you are after.

Fragrant Change Healing Card: I consider all my options and make a choice knowing I can always choose differently next time.

Contemplations for the Soul:

Is there some decision you are putting off because you can’t decide what to do?
Are you getting stressed, exhausted and depressed by some difficult choice you must make?
Are you feeling resentful and angry at having to be the one to make the decision?
Every moment in life you are making decisions and choices so make a decision now.
Not sure which decision is the right one? Sit quietly and listen to your inner voice or go with your gut instinct.
You maybe stressing over what the consequences of your decision will be but remember there will be consequences whether you act or do nothing.

Safety: Non-irritating, non-sensitising

Sources: Kerr J, Neroli, Petitgrain, Bitter Orange Oil Profile. Aromatherapy Today, Vol.5 (1998)
Battaglia S, The Complete Guide To Aromatherapy. The Perfect Potion, Australia (1995)
Hodges C. Contemplations for the Soul (2016)
Hodges C, Fragrant change Healing Cards (2015)
Fischer-Rizzi S, Complete Aromatherapy Handbook. Essential Oils for Radiant Health Sterling Publishing Company (1990)
Jefferies J, Osborn. K, Aromatherapy Insight Cards. Living Energy, Aust. (2nd Ed. 2005)
Mojay G, Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit. Hodder and Stoughton (1996)

Essential Oils and Anxiety

Anxiety is a mild form of fear where we react to a perceived threat. Fear is a necessary aspect of our lives as it alerts us to real danger and gives us a sense of self-preservation.

On the other hand anxiety is a reaction to an emotional threat that we don’t want to face such as grief, anger, embarrassment, perceived failure or guilt. Anxiety is our reaction to these emotions we believe will cause us harm and can manifest as a lack of self-confidence, a sense of apprehension or a feeling of insecurity or emotional unease. Some short term anxiety is natural as in the case of exam nerves or going for a job interview. Anxiety is only an issue when it becomes chronic or escalates into an acute state such as panic attacks where there is no real physical danger in most cases.

For many people anxiety is a future-oriented mood state in which they imagine all the negative scenarios and how they will react to them. For many this is a coping mechanism to deal with upcoming difficult situations or events. We don’t usually feel anxious if we are envisioning a positive outcome.

Anxiety may manifest physically as an elevated heart rate, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, upset stomach, diarrhoea, muscle tension, headaches, tiredness and difficulty falling or staying asleep.

STRATEGIES FOR DEALING WITH ANXIETY
Meditation is a no cost or low cost strategy that allows your body to relax, release the fear and anxiety and repair and heal itself. Meditation can be as simple as going outdoors, taking off your shoes and socks allowing your feet or body to rest on the grass, sand or other natural surface and breathing slowing and deeply for 5 or 10 minutes

Tap into your wise all-knowing self. Sit quietly and ask if this is a situation you really need to worry about or can you trust that all will be fine.

Nourish yourself by eating well, exercising, getting enough sleep, maintaining healthy relationships, spending time in nature or the outdoors and doing the things that bring you joy.

Essential oils help you to relax as they go straight to the limbic brain the centre of our basic emotions and calm it down. They ground and calm you bringing you back to your body. You can try meditating with essential oils, vaporising them, using them in the bath or as a spray mist in your aura or on your physical body.

ESSENTIAL OILS FOR ANXIETY
Frankincense (Boswellia carterii) deepens and slows the breath calming and centring the mind. She is particularly useful when the mind is overwhelmed by thoughts of what can go wrong. Frankincense will help you to access your wise all- knowing self allowing insight into your anxiety.

Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) is a balancing oil useful for anxiety and panic attacks. Overachievers and perfectionists who worry about the outcome or not being good enough can benefit from this oil.

Jasmine flowers

Jasmine (Jasminum officinalis) calms the nerves, releases tension and uplifts the mind. Jasmine can be of particular benefit when anxiety alternates with depression.

Lavender (Lavandula officinalis/angustifolia/vera) is an oil that is readily available and is known as an aromatic “Rescue Remedy”. She eases nervous tension and can help ally feelings of panic as well as calm any strong emotions that threaten to overwhelm the mind.

Marjoram (Origanum marjorana) calms the mind when thoughts are going round and round in circles. She offers a sense of self nurturing especially when you are thinking that nobody cares.

Neroli (Citrus aurantium var. amara) reminds us that we always have a choice. She helps us to face painful emotions such as guilt, shame, hurt and anger and to find peace of mind once we have done so.

Rose (Rosa damascena) can assist those who suffer from deep anxiety caused by insecurity and a fear of losing control. Rose helps to heal deep emotional wounding and despair.

Essential Oils and Overwhelm

essential oils and overwhelm

Many people today are in a state of overwhelm. How many times do you hear someone say, “I have so much to do, I don’t know where to start.” or “I’m so overwhelmed, I can’t cope.” and perhaps burst into tears?

Overwhelm occurs when you are stressed, stuck and afraid to tackle something that is unknown, difficult or scares you. It is the fear that you have too much to do, too little time or energy, don’t know where to start and will never get it all done. It is a form of procrastination especially for the perfectionist and those who feel responsible for everything and everyone. For those who have poor self-esteem and lack personal boundaries, the inability to say no can result in overwhelm when they realize they can’t fulfil all their commitments.

Overwhelm manifests on both physical and emotional levels and can show up as tight neck and shoulders, a knot in your stomach, tiredness, stress, confusion, anxiety, helplessness, lack of motivation, short-temper and panic attacks. Each person is unique and so your way of manifesting overwhelm will be unique to you.

Burnout occurs when overwhelm has been present for an extended period of time without being addressed.

Here are a few tips and essential oils to help you get out of overwhelm and back on track.
1. Admit you are overwhelmed and ask for help.

2. Make a to-do list of all that needs to be done. Choose 3 to 5 tasks to do each day. These may be the most pressing, or will help you breathe easier and give you a sense of accomplishment once they are completed. Also consider choosing tasks that once done will eliminate the need to do other tasks on your list. Only plan to finish these tasks so they can be crossed off your list. Should you finish these quickly you then have the choice to add another 3 to 5 tasks or give yourself time for you and your own self-nourishment.

3. Learn to say no. This can be difficult when you have low self-esteem or difficulty setting boundaries. Pine essential oil (along with an affirmation or mantra such as I am worthy and I can say no) used on your solar plexus can be helpful here.

4. Delegate and let others help you. You don’t have to do it all. If you feel responsible for everyone and everything try using black pepper essential oil in your diffuser or on your solar plexus or sacral chakras.

5. If there seem to be too many tasks and you don’t know which to choose first try meditating with neroli or sandalwood. Meditation can be as simple as taking 5 minutes to inhale the oil and savouring the aroma or of going into the garden and really seeing a flower or looking out the window and really concentrating on an object. After taking this time out look at your list again and choose.

6. Get grounded. When you are overwhelmed your energy is scattered. Try grounding yourself by going outside, taking off your shoes and socks and putting your feet on the grass or some other natural surface. Take a barefoot walk, lie on the grass and look at the clouds, sit on the ground and do some deep breathing. Breathe in vetiver, a very grounding oil, if you don’t have access to the outdoors.

7. Consider what you are avoiding and what the fear is behind it. Once you are clear about what’s stopping you, face the fear and go and do the task. Use nutmeg to help you over that feeling that it’s all too hard, ginger to help stop procrastinating, geranium to bring balance and grapefruit to remove those heavy negative feelings.

8. Use sweet fennel in your diffuser to help you complete your tasks.

9. Once you have completed the 3-5 tasks you set yourself for the day, take some time out to nourish yourself. Have a fragrant bath, eat a nourishing meal, spend a little time outdoors, have a massage or do something you really enjoy.

Before you know it you will have completed your to-do list and have a sense of accomplishment. Continue to use the tips and essential oils above to stop you getting into overwhelm and possible burnout again.

Essential Oils For Valentine’s Day

Essential oils for Valentine's day header

February 14th is Valentine’s Day when many couples plan some special time together and may even give gifts to each other to express their love. Whether you do or don’t have someone special to share the day with remember to send some love to the most important person in your life – you.

Here are some oils you might like to try for that special Valentine’s evening. All except elemi, lavender and neroli have been said to have aphrodisiac properties.

Elemi (Canarium luzonicum) is very calming, centring and grounding, offering support and strength when you need to reconnect with yourself and others.

Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) brings balance to all areas of your life.

Jasmine (Jasminum officinalis) harmonises your sensual self with your emotional self allowing passion to flow.

Lavender (Lavendula angustifolia) is nurturing

Neroli (Citrus aurantium var.amara) is both sensual and spiritual. She is helpful if you are feeling tired and stressed.

Rose (Rosa damascena) is the oil for unconditional love.

Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata) helps to reunite your sensual and emotional self. Eases the fear of intimacy, especially if you experienced rejection in the past and calms jealousy by helping you to feel more lovable. Strong perfume so you don’t need much.

You can either vaporize 4-6 drops of one or a combination of oils in a diffuser or add up to 10 drops of one or a combination of oils to 20 mls of vegetable oil to make a relaxing massage oil with aphrodisiac properties.

Not Just A Pretty Smell - Explore new Ways of Using Essential Oils