Petitgrain is an essential oil obtained by steam distillation from the bitter orange tree, from the leaves and twigs of the tree. It will drive stress away from you and enchant you with its refreshing and pleasantly woody, yet still floral scent. It will turn your room into an oasis of calm.
About this oil
Petitgrain is another in the series of orange essential oils of aromatherapy. For some perhaps a completely unknown term, yet in traditional medicine it has a long history — it was used internally to support the immune system and the proper function of the nervous system.
You may be confused by the name Petitgrain (from French, small grain). Initially, the oil was extracted from green and young, not yet ripe oranges that had the size of a pea.
Key benefits
- An oasis of calm in your room
Petitgrain will turn your room into an oasis of calm and drive stress away from you.
- Relaxing effect
It helps to overcome depression and other emotional problems, such as anxiety, stress, anger and fear. It improves mood and induces positive thinking.
- Deodorising properties
It limits the growth of bacteria in those parts of the body that are always exposed to heat and sweat and remain covered with clothing — in this way it prevents body odour as well as various skin infections.
- Popular in perfumery
It gives sprays, perfumes, lotions or colognes a pleasant herbal tone and is a popular ingredient in women’s and men’s facial and hair care cosmetics.
- Suitable even during pregnancy
It belongs to the group of essential oils that can be used even during pregnancy and is even recommended, because it alleviates nausea and removes the urge to vomit.
- Seasonal use
In summer it induces a cooling and refreshing sensation; in autumn it lifts a melancholic mood.
Properties of the oil
Three oils from one tree
Petitgrain is obtained from the bitter orange tree. There are three types of essential oils that are obtained from this tree.
Petitgrain is the result of steam distillation of the leaves and twigs of the tree.
Neroli is distilled from the flowers.
Bitter Orange is produced by cold pressing from the seeds of the fruit.
How and where can you use Petitgrain
Petitgrain is used mainly in perfumery, where it gives sprays, perfumes, lotions or colognes a pleasant herbal tone, and it is a popular ingredient in women’s and men’s facial and hair care cosmetics.
It also has deodorising properties — it limits the growth of bacteria in those parts of the body that are always exposed to heat and sweat and remain covered with clothing. In this way it prevents body odour and ultimately also various skin infections.
Last but not least, you can use it in aromatherapy. The relaxing effect of Petitgrain essential oil helps to overcome depression and other emotional problems, such as anxiety, stress, anger and fear. It improves mood and induces positive thinking. It is equally effective in calming nervous disorders, cramps and epileptic and hysterical seizures. These properties and effects also predestine it for the treatment of problems such as abnormal heart palpitations, hypertension and insomnia.
Petitgrain belongs to the group of essential oils that can be used even during pregnancy and is even recommended, because it alleviates nausea and removes the urge to vomit.
In summer it induces a cooling and refreshing sensation, in autumn you will use it to lift a melancholic mood.
Frequently asked questions about Petitgrain oil
Practical questions about Petitgrain — the origin of the oil, the difference from Neroli and Bitter Orange, its scent, use during pregnancy and its deodorising effects.
What is Petitgrain essential oil obtained from?
Petitgrain is the result of steam distillation of the leaves and twigs of the bitter orange tree.
What is the difference between Petitgrain, Neroli and Bitter Orange oils?
All three are obtained from the same tree — the bitter orange. Petitgrain is the result of steam distillation of the leaves and twigs of the tree, Neroli is distilled from the flowers and Bitter Orange is produced by cold pressing from the seeds of the fruit.
Why is the oil called Petitgrain?
The name comes from French and means small grain. Initially, the oil was extracted from green and young, not yet ripe oranges that had the size of a pea.
What does Petitgrain smell like?
Its scent is refreshing and pleasantly woody, yet still floral. In perfumery it gives sprays, perfumes, lotions or colognes a pleasant herbal tone.
Can I use Petitgrain during pregnancy?
Petitgrain belongs to the group of essential oils that can be used even during pregnancy and is even recommended, because it alleviates nausea and removes the urge to vomit.
Does Petitgrain help against body odour?
It has deodorising properties — it limits the growth of bacteria in those parts of the body that are always exposed to heat and sweat and remain covered with clothing. In this way it prevents body odour and ultimately also various skin infections.
Where to next
You can read about the practical use of Petitgrain essential oil in our post Petitgrain – effects and recipes.
You will find Petitgrain essential oil and the other oils from the bitter orange tree in the Handymade range of essential oils.
