PETITGRAIN ESSENTIAL OIL
A fresh and uplifting citrus essential oil traditionally valued for emotional balance, relaxation, and nervous system support.
Botanical Information
Botanical Name: Citrus aurantium
Family: Rutaceae
Origin: Native to Asia, now cultivated in France, Italy, Paraguay, Spain, and Brazil
Method of Extraction: Steam distilled from the leaves and twigs
Note: Top
Colour: Very pale yellow
Aroma: Fresh, floral, sweet
About This Essential Oil
Petitgrain Essential Oil is a refreshing citrus oil traditionally valued for supporting emotional wellbeing, relaxation, and nervous system balance. Distilled from the leaves and twigs of the Bitter Orange tree, it shares many qualities with Neroli and Sweet Orange, yet has a fresher, greener aroma that makes it unique among citrus oils.
Key Benefits
• Traditionally supports emotional balance
• Popular for stress and nervous tension
• Refreshing and uplifting citrus aroma
• Traditionally valued for healthy skin
• Supports relaxation and restful sleep
• Traditionally used to calm digestive discomfort
History
The name Petitgrain means 'little grains', referring to the fact that the oil was originally distilled from the small unripe fruits of the Bitter Orange tree rather than the leaves.
Petitgrain comes from the same botanical family as Neroli, Sweet Orange, and Bitter Orange, sharing many of their therapeutic characteristics. It became one of the principal ingredients in the original Eau de Cologne and remains widely used in perfumery today for its fresh, elegant fragrance.
Main Chemical Components
55% Esters, 30% Alcohols, 10% Monoterpenes
Properties
• Antidepressant
• Antispasmodic
• Deodorant
• Digestive
• Sedative
• Stomachic
Traditional Uses
• Skin – Traditionally used for acne, oily skin, dandruff, excessive perspiration, and as a natural deodorant.
• Nervous System – Traditionally valued for stress, depression, sadness, anger, panic, nervous exhaustion, insomnia, PMS, and emotional fatigue. It may help ease breathing associated with nervous tension and relax muscular tension.
• Respiratory System – Traditionally used for asthma and breathing difficulties associated with nervousness, anxiety, and irritability.
• Digestive System – Traditionally valued for dyspepsia, flatulence, digestive discomfort, and relaxing stomach tension.
Psychological & Emotional Uses
• Refreshing and uplifting
• Balancing and restoring
• Clarifies the mind
• Comforting and reassuring
• Traditionally valued for depression, anger, trauma, burnout, and emotional overwhelm
• Helpful during disappointment, betrayal, confusion, and post-natal emotional challenges
• Encourages emotional resilience and inner calm
Blends Well With
Bergamot, Orange, Neroli, Clary Sage, Geranium, Lavender, Rosemary, Jasmine, Sandalwood, Cedarwood, and Ylang Ylang.
Health & Safety
• Phototoxic.
• Avoid direct sunlight or UV exposure after topical application.
• Always dilute appropriately before topical use.
• Avoid contact with eyes and sensitive areas.
• For external use only.
• Keep out of reach of children.
• Store below 25°C away from direct sunlight.
