Petitgrain Essential Oil

THE PLANT

Family name: Rutaceae - Citrus Family
Botanical name: Citrus aurantium L. ssp. amara
Other names: Bitter orange petitgrain, Bitter orange leaf, Petit grain bigarade (Fr)
Parts used: The leaves, twigs and small branches
Extraction: Steam distillation of the leaves, twigs and small branches in March, April or May when the harvest of the flowers for Neroli oil is over and the trees are pruned. Also in October after the fruits appear.
Yield of essential oil: 1 kg oil yield from 150 - 200 kg of the leafy twigs (a good yield)
Chance of adulteration in essential oils: Fairly good, with both natural and synthetic materials.
INCI-name on cosmetic products: Citrus aurantium amara leaf/twig oil

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The oil of Petitgrain is produced from the leaves and twigs of the same tree that produces Bitter orange oil and Neroli oil.

DISTRIBUTION

Petitgrain is native to southern China and north east India. The best Petitgrain oil quality wise comes from France, but good quality oil is also produced in North Africa, Paraguay and Haiti from semi-wild trees. Petitgrain distillation was brought from South France to Paraguay by French botanist Benjamin Balansa in the 1870´s. Paraquay eventually became the main production area.

HERBAL & FOLK TRADITION

At one time Petitgrain oil used to be extracted from the green unripe oranges when they were the size of a cherry – hence the name petitgrains or “little grains”. One of the classic ingredients of eau-de-cologne.

SENSORY

Appearance: A pale yellow to amber liquid
Taste: Bittersweet 
Aroma: Fruity-sweet, warm-spicy odour with mild earthly-rooty base notes
Perfumery status: A head note of medium intensity and poor persistence
FruFloRa Principle: Flo-note (Heart note)

 

AROMATHERAPY - HOME USE

Skin Care: Acne, excessive perspiration, greasy skin and hair, toning. 

Digestive system: Dyspepsia, flatulence. 

Nervous system: Convalenscence, insomnia, nevous exhaustion and stress-related conditions. Adrenaline overproduction.

Other uses: Extensively used as a fragrance component in soaps, detergents, cosmetics and perfumes, especially colognes. Employed as a flavor component in many foods, especially confectionery, as well as alcoholic and soft drinks.

BLENDS WELL WITH

Petitgrain blends well with Rosemary, Lavender, Geranium, Bergamot, Bitter Orange, Labdanum, Neroli, Oakmoss, Clary Sage, Jasmine, Benzoin, Palmarosa, Clove and Balsams.

OTHER INTERESTING INFORMATION

Chakra: Throat Chakra
Astrological sign: Cancer
Planet: Moon
Element: Air
Quality: Yang
Dosha effect: P K-, Vo


CHINESE MEDICINE FUNCTIONS AND INDICATIONS

Aroma energy: Sweet, rooty
Movement: Circulating
Warmth: Neutral
Meridian tropism: Heart, Liver, Lung
Five-Element affinity: Wood, Fire
Essential function: To regulate the Qi, settle the Heart and harmonize the Shen

 

SAFETY DATA

Safety summary: Non-toxic, non-irritant, non-sensitizing, non-phototoxic
Contraindications: None known
Maximum dermal use level: No maximum level %.

ALLERGENS

Citral, Geraniol, Limonene, Limonene (D-(+)-limonene), Linalool


USED IN PRODUCTS

Just Chillin´ - Therapeutic evening scent

 

RESOURCES

Aromatica vol 2. - Peter Holmes LAc, Mh
Essential Oil Safety - Tisserand and Young
The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils - Julia Lawless
Ayurveda & Aromatherapy - Dr. Light Miller, ND and Dr. Bryan Miller, DC
Aromainfo Database - www.aroma-database.com
Tisserand Institute - Essential Oil Education