Petitgrain Oil Health Benefits – Nutritional Value, Side Effects

Petitgrain essential oil, Citrus aurantium, has a fresh, floral, citrus scent with some woodsy notes. Petitgrain is often called the “poor man’s neroli” since it is much less expensive but provides many of the same health benefits. Although today Petitgrain oil is steam distilled from the fresh leaves and small twigs, it was once extracted from the green unripe oranges when they were still the size of cherries, hence the name Petitgrain or “little grains.” Originally from Southern China, the bitter orange tree was brought to Paraguay in the 19th century and now flourishes easily in this part of the world. The essential oil is extracted from the leaves and twigs of the bitter orange tree. The tree reaches about 3 meters high when cultivated, but can attain up to about 6 meters when growing in the wild. It has stout branches with a smooth brown trunk. When compared to the sweet orange tree it has a more erect stature and tighter crown of leaves. It has flexible twigs with blunt thorns. The leaves are glossy and highly aromatic.

There are three essential oils derived from the bitter orange tree. Petitgrain is distilled from the leaves and twigs of the tree, Neroli essential oil is distilled from the blossoms, and Bitter Orange oil is produced by cold pressing the rinds of the fruits. Since Petitgrain essential oil is distilled from the leaves and twigs, it is less floral and less citrusy than Neroli or Orange essential oil. It has a beautiful, fresh, woody, citrusy and a bit floral aroma that blends well with Bergamot, Geranium, Lavender, Palmarosa, Rosewood, Sandalwood, Basil, Benzoin, Clary sage, Cypress, Lemon, Lime, Linaloe wood, Mandarin, Neroli, Orange Sweet, Rosemary, Ylang-ylang, Clove, Geranium, Jasmine, Cassia, Cinnamon, Citronella, Lemongrass, Lime, Sage, Spikenard, Tangerine, Eucalyptus, Frankincense, Marjoram, and Oakmoss essential oil. Petitgrain is widely used in the perfume industry, giving body sprays, fragrances, lotions, and colognes a fresh, herbaceous note that is popular among both women and men.

Derived from the bitter orange tree, Petitgrain oil has long been used in traditional health practices, for cleaning purposes, and for its various internal benefits. Extensively used in the perfume industry, Petitgrain oil offers a fresh, floral, and often herbaceous aroma that makes it unique and useful in a variety of settings. From promoting restful sleep to supporting healthy immune function, Petitgrain oil uses and benefits are certainly far-reaching and effective.

History

Petitgrain essential oil comes from bitter orange (Citrus aurantium), a hybrid between pomelo and mandarin orange. It is also commonly referred to as sour orange or marmalade orange. They are commercially grown in many countries, with France and Paraguay as its major producers. Bitter orange has so many uses. It is popular in the perfume industry for its woody, greenish citrusy aroma that is used in perfumes. In the food industry, it is used as flavoring and is made into a delicious marmalade that is a great accompaniment to bread.

The oil is extensively used in alternative medicine such as herbal healing and Ayurveda as it contains substances that can treat a plethora of health disorders and boost general well-being. Its uplifting and energizing smell makes it favorite oil for aromatherapy.

Plant Description

Petitgrain oil comes from the bitter orange tree, Citrus aurantium. Originally from Southern China, the bitter orange tree was brought to Paraguay in the 19th century and now flourishes easily in this part of the world. The bitter orange tree produces three different essential oils. Petitgrain oil is taken from the tree’s twigs and leaves and steam distilled to produce a refreshing, floral, and herbaceous essential oil. Neroli essential oil is derived from the blossoms of the bitter orange tree, and bitter orange essential oil comes from the rinds of the fruit through the process of expression. Petitgrain oil has been used historically for traditional health practices and has been a popular ingredient for the perfume industry since the 18th century.

Chemistry of Petitgrain Oil

Main Chemical Components: Linalyl acetate, linalool, alpha-terpineol

The chemical structure of Petitgrain oil contributes to its ability to provide calming and relaxing benefits. Essential oils with linalyl acetate and linalool, like Petitgrain, Lavender, and Bergamot are known for their relaxing properties. These chemical compounds contribute to a calming and peaceful environment, which is why Petitgrain can be helpful for promoting restful sleep.*

Sourcing

doTERRA sources Petitgrain from Paraguay as part of a Co-Impact Sourcing initiative designed to support small-scale farmers in rural areas. By promoting community development projects and offering farmers fair compensation, doTERRA is able to responsibly source a high-quality oil that benefits users while simultaneously helping sustain the livelihood of growers in Paraguay.

Not only does the Petitgrain oil Co-Impact Sourcing initiative benefit the lives of those who plant, grow, and harvest bitter orange trees, it also provides a more environmentally friendly alternative to other uses for the land in this area. By providing this option, doTERRA is helping protect the Atlantic Rainforest of eastern Paraguay.

Oils that Blend Well with Petitgrain Oil

As a citrus essential oil, Petitgrain oil will blend well with other citrus-based oils like Bergamot or Lemongrass. In addition, it blends well with warm essential oils such as Cinnamon Bark or Cassia oil. The fresh, floral notes of Petitgrain oil also make it a perfect companion for essential oils like Geranium or Eucalyptus.

Health benefits of Petitgrain essential oil

The health benefits of Petitgrain Essential Oil could be related to its properties just as one antiseptic, anti-spasmodic, antidepressant, deodorant, nervine as well as sedative substance. Aside from being used in aromatherapy, the Petitgrain oil has several utilizes in herbal medicine. Its therapeutic uses are listed as well as explained below.

1. Heals Wounds

Petitgrain essential oil is popular for its antiseptic properties. This oil limits the growth of bacteria and various other distressing microorganisms from damaging the skin. The oil remarkably helps in effectively healing all types of painful wounds, scrapes, and cuts. On application of this oil at the infected area of the skin prevents the formation of septic and heals the wound efficiently and rapidly.

2. Sedative

Petitgrain essential oil is a good sedative and cures insomnia. This feature makes petitgrain good for treating sudden anger, irritations, afflictions, anxiety, stress, and inflammations. You can use this oil to treat abnormal palpitations, hypertension, and insomnia.(1)

3. Skin Benefits

Petitgrain essential oil is good for your skin. It helps to maintain the oil-moisture balance of your skin and reduces traces of acne, pimples, abnormal sweating, and dry and cracked skin.(2)

4. Antidepressant

Petitgrain essential oil is a wonderful antidepressant. Its soothing aroma and calming effect helps to overcome depression and relax your body. So, next time when you feel depressed, a few drops of petitgrain essential oil will help you become positive.(3)

5. Deodorant

Petitgrain has a delightfully calming aroma, which is floral but effective and covers most traces of body odor. Petitgrain helps curb bacteria growth in parts of the body that are hot, covered, or tend to be sweaty. A few drops of petitgrain oil can help you overcome body odor and prevent skin infections that lead to bacterial growth.(4)

6. Healthy Nervous System

Petitgrain essential oil is a powerful nervine or nerve tonic. The soothing and relaxant properties of this oil help to overcome feelings of anger, anxiety, dejection, fear, and shock. Petitgrain essential oil calms nervous afflictions, epileptic attacks, convulsions, and seizures. The oil helps boost your nervous system health and is good for the central nervous system.(5)

7. Relieves Spasms

Petitgrain essential oil is an antispasmodic agent which helps in decreasing convulsion related to muscular cramps, etc. Spasms are unwanted, involuntary, and excessive contractions in the muscles, tissues, and nerves. This essential oil, being anti-spasmodic in nature, encourages relaxation in the muscles and blood vessels, thus helping in treating spasms. (6)

8. Memory Enhancer

Petitgrain essential oil is useful for people who have lost memory with age. This oil helps in enhancing the memory of a person and restores it to the best possible levels. Along with this it also promotes mental clarity and sharpening of the mind.

9. Beneficial For Oily Skin

Petitgrain essential oil is quite beneficial for oily skin. Application of this oil on your skin makes it free from common skin issues like pimples, acne, scars, blemishes, whiteheads, and blackheads. If you have oily skin use this oil to balance oil secretion in the body and keep it under control. Regular usage of this oil helps in protecting your skin by minimizing these issues to a large extent and preventing its recurrence.

10. Supports Cardiovascular Health

As soon as the blood vessels narrow, blood flow is decreased and blood pressure goes up. However, when something assists the blood vessels in opening or expanding, the flow of blood increases and blood pressure will normalize. Petitgrain help to lower high blood pressure by increasing dilation and healthy circulation. It is also full of heart-protective antioxidants while calming the emotions and soothing the nervous to ease the stress so commonly associated with heart troubles. Apply topically (diluted) directly over the heart daily.

11. Reduces Stress

Stress and anxiety have become common nowadays. In this busy and competitive world, everyone works hard by sacrificing mental and physical relaxation. This leads to the development of stress and anxiety in a person. This oil has antidepressant qualities that uplift the spirit of the person calms the body and mind. Its soothing smell relieves one from sadness, fear, and depression as well.

12. Overcome Addictions

Consumption of this oil is very beneficial for those who have any sort of addiction or bad habits. It helps in strengthening the willpower of a person which makes it easy to give up simple to difficult addictions as well as compulsions.

13. Mood Enhancer

Petitgrain essential oil has been found to show relaxing effects. This property of this essential oil helps overcome depression and other problems such as anxiety, stress, anger, and fear. Along with reducing anxiety, it also promotes the betterment of mood and induces positive thinking.

14. Improves Productivity

This oil helps in treating a wide range of simple to severe health issues and boosts wellbeing in a person. A person feels rejuvenated and enthusiastic which gets clearly visible in their work.

15. Maintains Emotional Balance

Petitgrain essential oil helps to promote emotional and mental health. It helps relinquish self-control and encourages self-acceptance, making it an excellent mix for maintaining emotional health. Essentially used to overcome addictions and regain self-control and good judgment, this oil is excellent in maintaining an emotional balance.

16. Natural Coolant

Petitgrain essential oil, when applied on skin has excellent cooling properties. Due to the fact that most essential oils are well known for their coolant properties, this essential does not fail to deliver. When it is used to massage the scalp, it cools and soothes the scalp.

17. Treats Hypertension

Petitgrain essential oil has the main health benefit of acting as a relaxant which makes its use in treating hypertension. It promotes blood vessel health by showing its relaxant properties and thus helping in the suggestive treatment of hypertension.

18. Antispasmodic

Sometimes, we suffer from continuous exhausting coughs, abdominal and muscular cramps, congestion, intestinal pulls, and convulsions but are unable to detect the reason behind them. There is always the possibility that these are being caused by spasms. Spasms are unwanted, involuntary, and excessive contractions of the muscles, tissues, and nerves. Spasms in respiratory organs such as lungs and respiratory tracts can result in congestion, breathing troubles and coughs, while in the muscles and intestines, it can give painful cramps and abdominal aches. Similarly, spasms of the nerves can result in afflictions, convulsions, and can even trigger hysteric attacks. The treatment relaxes the affected parts of the body. An anti-spasmodic substance does precisely this. The essential oil of petitgrain, being anti-spasmodic in nature, induces relaxation in the tissues, muscles, nerves, and blood vessels, thereby helping to cure spasms.

19. Nervine Tonic

This oil has a very good reputation as a nerve tonic. It has a soothing and relaxing effect on the nerves and protects them from the adverse effects of shock, anger, anxiety, and fear. Petitgrain essential oil is equally efficient in calming nervous afflictions, convulsions, and epileptic and hysteric attacks. Finally, it strengthens the nerves and the nervous system as a whole.

20. Petitgrain Essential Oil For Athlete’s Foot

The same chemical compounds that make petitgrain essential oil so effective as a natural antibiotic also make it effective as treatment for skin irritations and fungal infections. The chemicals contained in petitgrain oil can kill and ward off unwanted bacteria helping remove and ultimately prevent infections such as athlete’s foot.

So if you’re a keen runner, or workout at the gym on a regular basis, keeping a vial of petitgrain essential oil in your car or gym bag is essential to healthy and infection free skin. Simply rub a bit of the oil into your feet after showering (or even directly after exercising) to kill off any bacteria that may cause infection and to treat an infection that may already be forming. It’s cheap, healthy and very effective – so definitely worth a try.

21. Petitgrain Essential Oil For Acne

The same antimicrobial and antibacterial qualities that make petitgrain essential oil suitable for treating wounds and insect bites (as I mentioned in the opening paragraph) make it highly effective as an acne treatment. The oil cuts through any excess sebum oil that may form on the surface of your skin and helps to remove any dead skin cells that occur on a daily basis due to free radical damage and the natural regeneration process of how our skin grows.

Free-radicals are molecules that our skin comes into contact with on daily basis. Whether it’s through exposure to the sun, fatty foods we might eat or even a particular medication we might be on, they all have a degenerative effect on the quality of our health and skin. The strong antioxidants contained in petitgrain oil help to capture and remove the free-radicals before they can do any damage to your skin (so long as you use the oil regularly as a form of treatment).

The oil also has a low comedogenic rating, so it won’t clog your pores and cause further blemishes to form which makes it a wonderful natural conditioner. To use the oil, I recommend washing your face with warm water first and (if you have a predominantly oily skin type), use an antibacterial face scrub (simply mixing a teaspoon of sugar, with a teaspoon of tea tree, argan or eucalyptus oil will also do the trick) and then rinse your face with warm water. Once this is done, apply the petitgrain oil to your face with a clean cotton swab and wipe it over the affected areas on your face.

Traditional uses of Petitgrain essential oil

Petitgrain Oil Uses

• Perhaps one of the greatest benefits of Petitgrain oil is its ability to promote relaxing feelings. Due to its chemical makeup, Petitgrain essential oil can be helpful in creating a calm, relaxed environment to promote feelings of relaxation. Consider placing a few drops of Petitgrain on your pillows and bedding before going to bed in order to enjoy its aromatic benefits. You can also combine other relaxing oils like Lavender or Bergamot with Petitgrain on the bedding to promote a more relaxing atmosphere.
• Petitgrain oil has long been known for its benefits to the body when taken internally. Taking Petitgrain internally can help benefit internal systems like the cardiovascular, nervous, digestive, and immune systems.* To enjoy the internal benefits of Petitgrain oil for the body’s systems, add one to two drops of the oil to water or other beverages.* Not only will this allow you to reap the internal benefits of the oil, but you’ll simultaneously get to enjoy the fresh taste that Petitgrain has to offer.
• The relaxing properties of Petitgrain essential oil can also be beneficial for massage. When you want a relaxing foot massage, dilute a few drops of Petitgrain oil with doTERRA Fractionated Coconut Oil before rubbing the combination on the bottoms of the feet. As you breathe in the calming scent of Petitgrain oil and massage the feet, you’ll feel relaxed in no time.
• While the internal use of Petitgrain oil can be helpful for promoting the health of body systems, it can also help further promote relaxation and calm feelings.* Consider taking Petitgrain essential oil internally when you want to ease tense feelings, calm the nervous system, or promote a restful night’s sleep.*
• Similar to other citrus essential oils, Petitgrain oil makes a great addition to hot beverages. If you enjoy drinking herbal tea or other hot drinks, consider adding a few drops of Petitgrain oil to help enhance the flavor. Not only will you enjoy the unique flavor of Petitgrain oil, but you’ll also benefit from the calming properties it provides.
• To help reduce the appearance of skin imperfections, consider adding a couple of drops of Petitgrain oil to Fractionated Coconut Oil and applying it to skin blemishes or imperfections. When using a new essential oil topically, it can be helpful to test a small dose of the oil on your skin to ensure that it doesn’t cause any skin sensitivity or irritation. Due to their potency, it is also important to dilute essential oils with a carrier oil before using them on the skin to help minimize skin irritation.
• Want to create a calming atmosphere in your home, office, or classroom? Diffuse Petitgrain oil in the essential oil diffuser of your choice when you want to create a relaxing, calming environment. You can also combine Petitgrain with other calming oils like Bergamot, Lavender, or Eucalyptus to further promote relaxation.
• Along with benefits for the systems of the body, Petitgrain oil may also provide antioxidant support when taken internally. To enjoy the antioxidant benefits that Petitgrain oil has to offer, consider taking one to two drops in a doTERRA Veggie Cap for a dietary supplement.
• Place a few drops of Petitgrain on your pillows and bedding before going to bed in order to enjoy its aromatic benefits.
• To help reduce the appearance of skin imperfections, consider adding a couple of drops of Petitgrain oil to Fractionated Coconut Oil and applying it to skin blemishes or imperfections.
• Petitgrain essential oil has been used in Ayurveda as an excellent massage oil for treating inflamed tissues, muscular spasms, and lymphatic damage. Few drops of this oil in water when used to rinse your hairs helps in relieving hair and scalp from all kinds of infections, dryness, oiliness, etc. Inhaling the oil is said to be strengthening – promoting mental clarity and helping to sharpen the memory. It is also beneficial in controlling excessive perspiration.
• For an invigorating diffuser blend, add 6 drops of Petitgrain, 6 drops Lime, and 2 drops of Cypress to a diffuser for 15-20 minutes.

Different methods of using Petitgrain essential oil

• Oily Skin: Combine 3 drops of Petitgrain, 2 drops of Ylang Ylang, and 4 drops of Sandalwood in a base of coconut oil or add to your favorite facial moisturizer. Apply to your face nightly.
• Soothe Sensitive Skin: Apply 2 drops of Petitgrain and 2 drops of Geranium in a carrier oil over the face at night to relieve and soothe sensitive skin.
• Emotional Relief Bath: To relieve nervous exhaustion and uplift the mood, take a bath with 4 drops Petitgrain and 2 drops Ylang Ylang in a cup of Epsom salts.
• Sleep Long: Add 4 drops of Petitgrain and 4 drops of Lavender to your diffuser to help fall asleep quickly and sleep longer and more restful.
• Reduce Blood Pressure: Mix 3 drops of Petitgrain and 3 drops of Ylang Ylang in a carrier oil and apply over the heart in a circular motion. Use this daily for long-term effects.
• Manly Lavender: If your man doesn’t like the smell of Lavender, but would like to enjoy the benefits, simply substitute Petitgrain. Its chemistry is very similar to lavender, but with a more manly smell.
• Tummy Blend: Add to a 2-ounce squeeze bottle: 4 drops of Petitgrain, 4 drops of Ginger, 3 drops of Peppermint, and 9 drops of Sweet Orange, then fill with Sweet Almond oil. Shake to mix well. Apply a teaspoon over the abdomen and massage. (2% dilution)
• Natural Deodorant: Apply Petitgrain with a carrier oil to the underarms to help reduce excessive perspiration and reduce odor.
• Greasy Hair: Apply 2 drops of Petitgrain and 2 drops Basil to your shampoo to help balance the oil production of the scalp.
• Problem skin: Add to a 2-ounce bottle: 3 drops of Petitgrain 2 drops of Geranium, 2 drops of Cypress, and 3 drops of Orange, then fill with witch hazel. Shake well before applying a couple of drops to a water-damp cotton ball and wiping oily areas around the nose, chin, and forehead. Add a teaspoon of this blend to a small basin of water and soak a face cloth for larger areas. Relax and keep your eyes closed, as you apply the cloth to your entire face for a refreshing mask!
• Citrus Blossom Diffuser Blend: Combine 3 drops Petitgrain, 3 drops Tangerine or Wild Orange, 2 drops Bergamot, 2 drops Lime, and 2 drops Lavender. Add to your favorite diffuser for a mood-brightening aroma!
• Refresh & Get Grounded Diffuser Blend: Combine 4 drops Balance, 3 drops Petitgrain, and 2 drops Eucalyptus. Add to your favorite diffuser for a refreshing and grounding aroma.
• Shampoo: Add to 1 tablespoon of your shampoo: 1 drop of Petitgrain and 2 drops of Tea Tree. Massage well into the scalp; rinse well before using conditioner.

Extraction of Petitgrain Essential Oil

Petitgrain essential oil is obtained from the fresh leaves as well as young and tender twigs by steam distillation. In this particular method, the volatile compounds contained in the oil are completely taken out, leaving just the health-boosting substances within the oil. The yield is oil that is watery in viscosity, along with colors that vary from pale yellow to amber. It releases a woody, citrusy along with a bit floral aroma.

Dosage of Petitgrain Essential Oil

No suitable dosage has been set for the usage of petitgrain essential oil because of insufficient clinical research. Just before use, the oil should be diluted in the carrier oil to reduce its concentration. It blends well together with the essential oils of geranium, lavender, sandalwood, bergamot, and rosewood.

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References

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