A Comprehensive Guide to Petitgrain Essential Oil: Therapeutic Uses and Important Facts
Petitgrain Essential Oil
Petitgrain oil has been described as one of the most important essential oils in aromatherapy. The oil is one of three oils that come from the bitter orange tree (Citrus aurantium). The other oils are neroli, which comes from the orange blossoms and bergamot which is extracted from the fruit peel. The bitter orange tree is native to southern China, northeast India, France, North Africa, Paraguay and Haiti.
The name Petitgrain means “little grain” because the oil was once extracted from the small, green, unripe oranges. This was not cost effective, so the oil is now extracted from the fresh leaves and small twigs of the tree. The extraction method is by steam distillation and yields 0.5-1.0% oil. Petitgrain essential oil is one of classic ingredients of eu-de-cologne and is used extensively in perfumes and cosmetics.
Characteristics and Composition
Petitgrain oil is pale yellow to amber in color. Viscosity is watery. The odor is a bright orange floral scent with woody undertones. The oil is composed of geraniol, nerol, linalyl acetate, myrcene, linalool, y-terpineol, and trans-ocimene.
Petitgrain oil blends well with many other essential oils, especially with lavender, palmarosa, rosewood, bergamot, sandalwood, lemon, cinnamon, clove, clary sage, and myrrh.
Therapeutic Properties
Petitgrain oil has been used therapeutically for many ailments and conditions. It has been used both internally and externally as a:
- Sedative- As a sedative, petitgrain oil is good for any nervous crisis, stress, panic and anxiety. It can help heart palpitations, insomnia and hypertension.
- Nervine- Petitgrain oil is well known as a nerve tonic. It soothes and relaxes both the mind and the body. It protects the body from the effects of anger, fear and shock. It has a calming affect on epileptic and convulsion attacks, as well as hysteria. It also helps to strengthen nerves.
- Antidepressant- Due to its relaxing effect, petitgrain oil is good for depression, anxiety and stress. It helps lift the mood and induces positive thinking.
- Antispasmodic- Petitgrain oil helps relieve muscle spasms and stomach cramps. It also helps with excessive coughing and congestion. It is widely used in massage oils.
- Antiseptic- Petitgrain oil inhibits the growth of bacteria and protects the body from infection.
- Deodorant- The fragrance of the oil erases any lingering trace of body odor. The chemical components of the oil protect the body from bacterial grown in places where sweat is a problem. It also works against acne.
Safety and Efficacy
Petitgrain oil is non-toxic, non-sensitizing, non-irritant, and non-phototoxic. As with any oil, always test a small amount for an allergic reaction. If pregnant or nursing, consult with physician before using. It is listed by the FDA as GRAS (generally recognized as safe).
If you are looking for an essential oil that will calm your nerves, lift your spirit and relax your body, look no further than Petitgrain oil. You will be pleased with the many ways you can use it.
References
https://www.ageless.co.za/herb-orange-seville.htm#petitgrain
Disclaimer
Please read this disclaimer regarding the information contained within this article.