Home » Essential Oils » Petitgrain oilPetitgrain oil (Citrus aurantium)
Origin of Petitgrain essential oil:
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, and nervine. It has a toning effect on the skin and helps to clear pimples and skin blemishes. It has antidepressant, antispasmodic, deodorant and vitalizing, refreshing and cooling properties.