Petitgrain Orange leaves, Citrus aurantium
Latin: Citrus aurantium L. ssp. aurantium
French: Oranger bigaradier (fe.), “petit grain bigarade”
English: Petitgrain orange, leaves
Family: Rutaceae
Source: Paraguay
History and Origin
From the family of Rutaceaes and originally from South-East Asia and Europe, petitgrain is the name given to essential oils extracted by steam distilling the leaves of lemon, mandarin and bitter orange trees. Each of these trees provides three different essential oils depending on the part used. The leaves produce petitgrain, the flower, neroli and the peel, the zest oil. Petitgrain is used in high grade Colognes.
| Part Used |
Leaves and undeveloped fruits |
| Extraction |
Steam Distillation |
| Main Components |
Monoterpenes : myrcene, cis and trans ß-ocimenes, paracymene. Monoterpenic esters: linalol, alpha terpineol, nerol, geraniol. Terpenic esters: linalyl, neryl, terpenyl and geranyl acetates. Nitrogen compounds: methyl methylanthranylate.
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| Oil Characteristics |
Clear and fluid liquid, colorless to pale yellow with a fresh citrus smell reminding orange blossom. |
| Properties |
Nervous re-equilibrator++, relaxant, cardiac regulator, antiseptic and
digestive, antispasmodic+++, anti-inflammatory+, anti-infectious and
antibacterial (pneumococcus and staphylococcus aureus)+. |
| Indications |
Neurovegetative dystonia+++, infected acne++, chronic hepatitis, rheumatisms (nervous), respiratory infections, furuncles.
External Use: For vertebral and solar plexus massage, 5 to 20 drops of essential oil one or three times a day.
Internal Use: 1 or 2 drops taken three to four times a day. |
| Energetic and Emotional Effect |
The energy of that oil allows us to recognize dependency or obsession behaviors and conditionings and overcome it. It enhances grounding in the reality and reinforces the will to live. Using the oil on the crown and frontal chakras enhances the clarity of mental energy.
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| Type Chromatography |
to be added |
Aromatherapy: See “Aromatherapy Data Sheet” tab
Culinary: It is used in cuisine for pastries, jams and jellies.
Cosmetics: Widely used in skin and facial care and to treat acne problems and age spots. Non irritating and pleasant in smell, it is a good deodorant.
Environment: You can use petitgrain in a diffuser to calm and relax as well as to give a pleasant aroma to an environment.
Perfumery: It is used in the preparation of Colognes.
Safety data: None known under physiological dosages. This oil is not photosensitizing like citruses zest oils are, so it is a good oil to use in massage.
Discharge: In case of health concern, Aliksir strongly recommends that you consult with a physician or aromatherapist. You must get accurate information concerning contraindications and interactions with other substances. Essential oils are powerful, and they must be used in respect of the physiological doses.
L'AROMATHÉRAPIE EXACTEMENT, Pierre Franchomme et Daniel Pénoël
LA GUÉRISON VIBRATOIRE, Deborah Eidson
CUISINER AVEC LES HUILES ESSENTIELLES ET LES EAUX FLORALES, Emmanuel et Valérie Cupillard