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Guide to Petitgrain Essential Oil Benefits and Uses

"The spirit of petitgrain is embodied in gentle strength, encouraging positive resolutions and outcomes at difficult times," writes aromatherapist Valerie Ann Worwood in Aromatherapy For the Soul. She also says the emotional benefits of petitgrain essential oil (Citrus aurantium var. amara) are to encourage harmony, upliftment, joy, inner vision, strength, self-confidence, and expressiveness.

Basic Petitgrain Facts

You may also hear this oil called petitgrain bigarade or bitter orange leaf.

Plant family: Rutaceae

Production: Steam distilled from leaves, stems, and sometimes the unripe fruit of the bitter orange tree. (The oil is also available as an absolute.) Two other oils also come from the bitter orange tree: neroli, distilled from the orange blossoms, and bitter orange oil expressed from rind of the ripe fruit.

Aroma: Fresh, sweet, tart with subtle floral and woody tones.

Perfume/Aromatic note: Top.

System affinities: Skin, nervous, and psyche/emotions, according to The Ultimate Guide to Aromatherapy.

Is petitgrain safe to use during pregnancy? Yes, according to Aromatherapy and Massage For Mother and Baby.

Is petitgrain essential oil safe for children? Do not use with babies.

Main components:

linalyl acetate
linalol
(+)-limonene
a-terpineol

Source: Essential Oil Safety, 2nd Edition

Petitgrain Aromatherapy Benefits

Aromatherapy: A Complete Guide to the Healing Art: Petitgrain helps relieve depression by increasing perception and awareness and reestablishing trust and self-confidence.

The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy: Petitgrain may help relieve stress-related conditions, nervous spasm, muscle spasm, general aches, high blood pressure, insomnia, depression, stress, tension, and irritability.

The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (updated edition): Uses of petitgrain essential oil include as a skin toner and to help relieve acne, excessive perspiration, and greasy skin and hair. The oil may also help relieve indigestion, flatulence, insomnia, nervous exhaustion, and stress-related conditions.

Aromatica: A Clinical Guide to Essential Oil Therapeutics, Volume I: Psychologically, petitgrain promotes emotional stability and strength. Physically, the essential oil relaxes hypertonic/tense and regulates dysregulated conditions. In Traditional Chinese Medicine the essential function of the oil is to regulate the Qi, settle the heart, and harmonize the Shen. Suggested essential oils to blend with petitgrain:

To relax the nervous system in many stress-related conditions: lavender.
To relieve nervous tension, anxiety, or insomnia: mandarin or bergamot.
As a nervous system restorative for ADD, ADHD, or nervous burnout: angelica root.

Ayurveda and Aromatherapy:

The rasa (taste) of petitgrain is bitter and sweet, the vipaka (aftertaste) is sweet, and the virya (energy) is warming.
The oil decreases pitta and kapha and has no effect on vata.
Tissues most affected by the oil are skin, nerve, and digestive.
Indications for this essential oil include poor memory, confusion, anxiety, digestive problems, flatulence, joint problems, pain, and circulation problems.

Subtle Aromatherapy: Petitgrain relates to the conscious, intellectual mind. Inhale the scent for mental clarity.

The Essential Guide to Aromatherapy and Vibrational Healing: Spiritually, petitgrain promotes uplifting, peaceful, and calm meditation and helps reduce mind chatter. The essential oil is emotionally calming and uplifting. Mentally, use the oil for manifestation and to help create your own reality.

Aromatherapy and Subtle Energy Techniques: Petitgrain brings in positive energy, promotes optimism, calms, and revitalizes. The oil is especially useful for the third chakra to promote self-esteem, self-control, self-confidence, and an optimistic attitude.

Mixing Essential Oils for Magic: Petitgrain promotes confidence and trust in self and others, sharpens the mind, and helps awaken deep memories that lead to personal growth and well-being.

Petitgrain Essential Oil Uses and Blends

Citrus Perfume Balm

Apply this balm to your wrist and neck pulse points for a gentle, natural perfume.

1 ounce (2 tablespoons) beeswax
6 tablespoons jojoba oil
4 drops petitgrain
5 drops sweet orange essential oil
6 drops neroli essential oil
4 one-ounce tins with lids

In a double boiler, melt and combine the beeswax and jojoba oil.
Remove the mixture from the heat.
Add the essential oils and stir.
Pour the mixture into tins. Add lids. Let fully cool and harden before using (at least an hour).

Source: Essential Living

Aftershave Gel

Splash on this blend after shaving:

1/4 cup aloe vera gel
1/4 cup witch hazel
1 tablespoon glycerin
6 drops petitgrain essential oil
12 drops patchouli essential oil
Distilled water to thin, if needed (2–4 tablespoons)

Combine aloe vera gel, witch hazel, and glycerine in a bowl and whisk until combined.
Add essential oils. Whisk again to combine.
If it’s thicker than you’d like, add some water, a little at a time, mixing as you go until you reach the desired consistency.
Using a funnel if desired to reduce spillage, pour the mixture into a clean bottle.

Refrigeration suggested for a longer shelf life.
Source: Aloe Vera Beauty Tips and Recipes from Seven Minerals