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The spring light accompanies us like these orange blossoms, which deliciously perfume our sense of smell in the cloister of the Pedralbes monastery in Barcelona. I have portrayed them, interpreted with reflections, to symbolize the sedative effect they have.
But why are orange blossoms sedative?... The answer was given to us by a group of chemists from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), who studied the different parts of Citrus sinensis, such as the leaves and flowers. , in search of the compound responsible for this relaxing effect.
So much so that they managed to identify the active ingredient: hesperidin. According to the conclusions of their study, this molecule contains sugars where the sedative effect of the orange blossom resides. They were also able to describe the mechanism of action of the compound in the body.
Hesperidin is a molecule with commercial applications. It is not in vain that there are products on the market with this active ingredient, to reduce hair fragility.
Orange blossom is an essential ingredient in various infusions precisely because of these sedative properties. Essential oil, orange blossom oil or neroli is also distilled from the orange blossom flower.
In general, its calming effects help eliminate discomfort caused by nerves. Orange blossom water (an infusion of dried orange blossom petals) has been used for centuries as a home remedy.
