Petitgrain Citrus aurantium

Extraction Method:

Steam Distilled - exp Jan 2022

Part of Plant: 

Leaves and Twigs

Country of Origin: 

India

Growing Method:

Cultivated

Description:

Petitgrain bigarde is native to Southeast Asia. The tree now grows throughout the Mediterranean and sub-tropic areas worldwide. The bitter orange tree that provides the Petitgrain Essential Oil is also the source of Bitter Orange Oil and Neroli Oil.

Colour: 

Pale yellow to Amber

Aromatic Description: 

The relaxing aroma of this essential oil, sometimes described as like 'apples and straw' is an exotic and rich scent. It is commonly accepted as the best smelling of the three Chamomiles

Strength of Aroma:

Medium

Blends well with:

Bergamot, Cedarwood, Clary sage, Geranium, Lavender, Lime, Jasmine, Neroli, Orange, Palmarosa, Rosemary, Rosewood, Sandalwood and Ylang Ylang.

Aromatic Note:

Top

Consistency:

Thin

Common Uses: 

Petitgrain resembles neroli, but is harsher, sharper and less expensive. 

An antidepressant, petitgrain also increases perception and awareness, and re-establishes trust and self-confidence. Aromatherapists have long used it to calm anger and stress. 

It has been used in the skin care industry for acne, oily skin, and as a deodorizing agent.

Therapeutic Actions: 

Antidepressant, antispasmodic, deodorant, digestive, sedative, stomachic.

Works with the following Body Systems:

Digestive, Nervous, Respiratory, Skin care

Best form of Application:

To skin - Massage, compress, bath, ointment, skin care

Inhalation – direct inhalation, diffuser, oil vaporiser

Shelf life: 

Users can expect a shelf life of 6 Months to 1 Year with proper storage conditions (cool, out of direct sunlight).

Cautions: 

None known

History:

Originally the oil was produced in distilleries from the unripe oranges when they were the size of cherries.  This explains why it is named petitgrain – which in French means little grains.  Nonetheless, this proved to be uneconomical and so the oil began being extracted from the leaves and twigs of the orange tree instead.