Petitgrain is native to Southeast Asia. The tree now grows throughout the
Mediterranean and sub-tropic areas worldwide. This is one of the three oils
obtained from the orange tree, the others are neroli from the flowers and
orange from the rind of the fruit. Petitgrain oil is extracted from the
leaves of the tree but was once extracted from the green unripe oranges,
when they were still the size of cherries, hence the name Petitgrain or
'little grains.'
Description of Petitgrain essential
oil:
A small tree 10 m tall with large spines. Leaves alternate with
winged-petioles blunty toothed, emitting strong citrus odour due to the
presence of copious oil glands. Petitgrain which means small grains (or
fruits) is distilled from the fresh leaves and young branches of the tree.
This crisp and clear essential oil is most useful to boost the conscious
intellectual side of one's mind, while calming anger and panic. This oil is
pale yellow or amber and has a fresh and sweet fragrance with a woody
undertone. It has also been described as floral and citrus.
Appearance : Viscous transparent liquid
Aroma : Fresh, Floral, Citrusy, Lighter in fragrance than
neroli and slightly woody.
Color : Clear to a yellow tinge
Chemical constituents: Petitgrain oil has various chemical
compounds that include Linalyl Acetate, Linalol, Nerol, Alpha-Terpineol,
Geranyl Acetate, Limonene and Myrcene.
Extraction: It is extracted by the steam distillation of
leaves.
Aromatherapy uses:
Petitgrain essential oil will help to calm anger and reduce panic. It has a
relaxing effect on the nervous system and helps to calm a racing heart and
relax muscles. The therapeutic properties of petitgrain are antiseptic,
anti-spasmodic, anti-depressant, deodorant, sedative and nervine. It has a
toning effect on the skin and helps to clear pimples and skin blemishes. It
has antidepressant, antispasmodic, deodorant and sedative vitalizing,
refreshing and cooling properties.
It blends with Lavender, Lemon, Eucalyptus or other mints.
It act as a sedative to the nervous system, petitgrain also reestablishes
nerve equilibrium. Its relaxing properties can calm a rapid heart beat and
slow the body down, relaxing muscle spasms and easing breathing. As a mild
stimulant to the immune system, it encourages general resistance to illness,
making it useful if convalescing or just need effective preventative
medicine. Its deodorizing properties revive and refresh the body and it is
believed to calm the muscles of the stomach, thereby aiding digestion..
Pharmaceutical uses :
Petitgrain oil can help in situations like nervous exhaustion, stress,
anger and panic. It calms and soothes the mind while relaxing the body,
easing breathing, reducing rapid heart beat, relaxing muscle spasms and
stomach pains. It is great oil to use for convalescing after an illness and
also for insomnia and helps to clear up a greasy skin, acne and excessive
perspiration while toning the skin. A strong, cool, minty flavor. Has been
used to treat impotence, mental fatigue, colic, indigestion, nausea,
diarrhea, fainting, vertigo, halitosis and many respiratory conditions. It
is perfect for stress, tiredness, lack of energy and nervousness. In a
massage it may help muscular tension or backaches. To relive stress and
tiredness from a long day try petitgrain in a warm bath.
Cosmetics and Toiletries :
Petitgrain is used in manufacture of superior quality skin care and
cosmetic products. The oil is extracted from the leaves of bitter orange
tree . It has antiseptic and tonic properties and is helpful to acne,
pimples, scars and other skin related problems. It has antiseptic and tonic
properties and is helpful in toning skin.
A mixture of neroli and petitgrain produces a fragrant blend. Not only do
their respective aromas meld perfectly, but the benefits they inspire are
reinforced through their bond. Individuals who are sad and lacking
confidence will find it helpful to focus on a combination of pleasantly
reassuring neroli and strengthening petitgrain. Combine 20 drops of neroli
and 20 drops of petitgrain with 8 ounces of distilled water. Place the
mixture in a bottle with a spray atomizer attachment. In times of stress
shake the bottle, then lightly mist the face and inhale the aroma.
Disinfectant, ear infections, fainting, febrifuge, frostbite, gingivitis,
hay fever, headaches, heartburn, hiccups, immunity stimulant, influenza,
insect bites, insect repellent, insomnia, itching, laryngitis, lumbago,
muscular aches, nervine, neuralgia, normalizes skin, palpitations, rashes,
scalds, scars, scrapes, sedative, shock, sinusitis, sties and sunburns.
