Petitgrain essential oil at one time was disilled from small, green unripe Bergamot oranges the size of a cherry - hence the name 'peititgrain' or 'little grain'. This soon proved to be uneconomical as the production of this oil diminished the yield of bitter orange oil from the mature fruit later in the season. Today the essential oil is is distilled from the fresh leaves and young branches of the tree.

We carry three types of petigrain: 'Bigarade' is the classic, from the same tree producing Bergamot and Neroli essential oils, a 'Neroli'-Petitgrain (found on the Neroli page) distilled from blooming branches of the same tree, and finally, Mandarin Petitgrain, distilled from the leaves and branches of trees producing Mandarin fruit.

Petitgrain oil is a pale yellow liquid with a wonderful bright floral orange scent, with a woody undertone - though not as sweet, for example, as Sweet Orange essential oil. Petitgrain aroma is uplifting and helps to refresh the senses, clear confusion and reduce mental fatigue. The most important aromatic use of the oils is for their anti-anxiety, stress relieving actions. Both are wonderful in diffusers for this application.

Petitgrain essential oil has been traditionally used in aromatherapy for acne, excessive perspiration, greasy skin and hair, and general toning of the skin. It is non-photosensitising like other citrus oils can be. Petitgrain essential oil may also help dyspepsia and flatulence; further, it may support the nervous system in cases of insomnia, nervous exhaustion and other stress-related conditions.

Oils from the bitter orange tree are generally relaxing and strengthening. With Neroli, the fresh, comforting floral aroma inspires courage, quiet resolve and happiness. Petitgrain inspires strength and commitment. Its fresh, woody aroma is stabilizing and reassuring.

Neroli and petitgrain together make a wonderful blend; the neroli adds the quintessential floral note to the already lovely petitgrain aroma -- and the Neroli Petitgrain offers this same formula. Individuals who are sad and lacking confidence may find this blend to be gently inspiring. For a mister, combine 20 drops of neroli and 20 drops of petitgrain with 4-8 ounces of water. Place the mix in a bottle with a spray bottle. Shake the bottle, then lightly mist the face or your surroundings and inhale the aroma. This blend can also be used in a diffuser, or diluted in a carrier oil and used as an uplifting massage blend.

Petitgrain essential oil is one of the classic ingredients in 'eau-de-cologne', and is often employed as a fragrance component in perfumes, colognes, cosmetics and the like, and can be used to add an orange flavor to many foods. In some cases, the aroma is used instead of its more expensive partner Neroli.

To learn more about the use of all our essential oils, we encourage you to visit The Ananda Apothecary Forums, where you can post questions regarding specific applications of each oil. Questions in the forums are regularly answered by Ananda Apothecary staff, and other experienced aromatherapy practitioners.