Petitgrain Essential Oil: A Guide to Benefits, Uses and Side Effects

Petitgrain essential oil is extracted from the leaves and twigs of the bitter orange tree. This oil has a fresh, floral, and slightly bitter aroma. Petitgrain essential oil has many benefits. Some of these benefits include reducing anxiety and stress, promoting sleep, relieving headaches and migraines, regulating emotions and aphrodisiac properties.

Essential Oil Profile / Monograph

Botanical Name: Citrus aurantium var. amara

Common Names: Bitter orange, Seville orange, Sour orange

Plant Family: Rutaceae

Countries of Origin: Spain, Italy, Morocco

Extraction Method: Cold press

Parts Used: Leaves and twigs

Essential Oil Smell: Fresh, floral, slightly bitter

Essential Oil Color: Yellow to greenish yellow

Viscosity: Thin

Perfumery Note: Middle

Strength of Aroma: Medium

Blends Well With: Bergamot, black pepper, cardamom, clary sage, geranium, jasmine, lavender, neroli, palmarosa, rose, sandalwood

Therapeutic Properties: Anxiolytic, antidepressant, antispasmodic, carminative, deodorant, digestive, sedative, stomachic

Uses: Anxiety, depression, stress relief, insomnia, headaches and migraines, regulating emotions

Contraindications: Petitgrain essential oil can interact with certain medications, so it is important to speak to a healthcare professional before using it if you are taking any medication.

Side Effects: Petitgrain essential oil is generally considered safe to use. However, as with any essential oil, it is possible to have an allergic reaction. If you experience any irritation or discomfort after using petitgrain essential oil, discontinue use and speak to a healthcare professional.

Pregnant women and young children should avoid using petitgrain essential oil. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, speak to a healthcare professional before using any essential oils.

Chemical Constituents:

Petitgrain – Linalool (24-48%), Limonene (12-28%), Beta-Pinene (6-12%), Gamma-Terpinene (4-8%), Alpha-Terpinene (2-4%), Citronellal (1-3%), Nerol (trace-2%), Geraniol (trace-1.5%)

What is Petitgrain?

Petitgrain is an essential oil derived from the leaves and twigs of the bitter orange tree. The name petitgrain comes from the French word for “little grain”, referring to the small, green fruits that grow on the tree.

Difference between Petitgrain, Neroli and bitter orange essential oil:

While petitgrain and neroli essential oils both come from the bitter orange tree, they are each derived from different parts of the plant. Petitgrain oil is extracted from the leaves and twigs, while neroli oil is produced from the flowers. As a result, petitgrain oil has a more woody and earthy aroma, while neroli oil is sweeter and more floral. Bitter orange oil is extracted from the rinds of fruit of the same tree.

Benefits

Petitgrain essential oil is said to offer a variety of benefits for health and wellbeing. Some of these potential benefits include:

– Soothing anxiety and tension

– Reducing inflammation

– Boosting immune function

– Enhancing digestion

– Regulating hormones

– Reducing fever

Petitgrain essential oil is also commonly used in skincare products due to its ability to balance oil production and soothe inflammation. It is also said to be helpful for treating acne, eczema and other skin conditions.

Uses

Petitgrain essential oil can be used in a number of ways. Some of the most common uses for this oil include:

-Diffusing it into the air

-Inhaling it directly from the bottle

-Massaging it into the skin

-Adding it to a bath

Historical use of Petitgrain as a herbal medicine

Petitgrain has been used medicinally for centuries. In traditional Chinese medicine, it was prescribed for a range of conditions including fever, headaches and digestive issues. In Europe, it was commonly used to treat anxiety and insomnia.

Topical use

Petitgrain essential oil can be applied directly to the skin or added to lotions,creams and other products. When used topically, it is said to be helpful for treating acne, eczema and other skin conditions. It can also be used to soothe muscle tension and reduce inflammation.

Petitgrain Essential Oil benefits for skin:

Petitgrain essential oil is said to be beneficial for the skin due to its ability to balance oil production and soothe inflammation. It is also said to be helpful for treating acne, eczema and other skin conditions.

Petitgrain Essential Oil benefits for hair:

Petitgrain essential oil is said to be beneficial for the hair due to its ability to balance oil production and soothe inflammation. It is also said to be helpful for treating scalp conditions such as dandruff and psoriasis.

Aromatherapy

Petitgrain essential oil can be used in diffusers and inhalers to fill the air with its woody, earthy aroma. It is said to be helpful for reducing anxiety and tension.

Diffuser blends for aromatherapy with Petitgrain Essential Oil

1. Petitgrain and Lavender: This blend is said to be helpful for promoting relaxation and combating anxiety.

2. Petitgrain and Bergamot: This blend is said to be uplifting and refreshing. It is also said to be helpful for reducing stress and tension.

3. Petitgrain and Peppermint: This blend is said to be invigorating and refreshing. It is also said to be helpful for alleviating headaches and fatigue.

4. Petitgrain and Rosemary: This blend is said to be energizing and uplifting. It is also said to be helpful for improving concentration and memory.

5. Petitgrain and Grapefruit: This blend is said to be uplifting and refreshing. It is also said to be helpful for reducing stress and tension.

6. Petitgrain and Lemon: This blend is said to be energizing and uplifting. It is also said to be helpful for improving concentration and memory.

7. Petitgrain and Frankincense: This blend is said to be calming and relaxing. It is also said to be helpful for reducing anxiety and stress.

DIY recipes using Petitgrain Essential Oil

1. Sleep Aid Spray: CombinePetitgrain essential oil with lavender essential oil and water in a small spray bottle. Shake well and mist your pillow before bedtime.

2. Stress Relief Diffuser Blend: CombinePetitgrain essential oil with Bergamot essential oil and Lemon essential oil in a diffuser. Run the diffuser throughout the day to help reduce stress and tension.

3. Muscle Soothing Massage Oil: CombinePetitgrain essential oil with grapeseed oil and peppermint essential oil in a small bottle. Massage into sore muscles to help reduce inflammation and pain.

4. Skin Balancing Facial Toner: CombinePetitgrain essential oil with water and witch hazel in a small spray bottle. Shake well and mist your face after cleansing to help balance oil production and soothe inflammation.

5. Concentration Booster Inhaler: CombinePetitgrain essential oil with rosemary essential oil and peppermint essential oil in an inhaler. Inhale as needed to help improve concentration and memory.

Frequently Asked Questions

References:

Volatile Constituents and Antioxidant Activity of Peel, Flowers and Leaf Oils of Citrus aurantium L. Growing in Greece

Aromatherapy Improves Work Performance Through Balancing the Autonomic Nervous System