Exclusive Guide to Petitgrain Essential Oil
Citrus aurantium
Origin: Paraguay
Distilled part: Leaf twigs
Extraction method: Steam distillation
Cultivation: Certified Organic farming
Botanically and Biochemically Defined Essential Oil (HEBBD), chemotyped (HECT)
Color: Pale yellow to yellow orange
Scent: Fresh, invigorating, and slightly floral, with a bitter note.
Note: Top note
Plant Family: Rutaceae
SUPER POWERS
Antidepressant
- lifts the symptoms of depression such as low moods and sadness.
Anti-inflammatory
- reduces inflammation and swelling
Antiseptic
- prevents or combats bacterial infection
Antispasmodic
- prevents or relieves spasms
Calmative
- sedative calming effect
Cicatrizing
- heals a wound by the formation of scar tissue
Cytophylactic
- a cell regenerator and a protector of the cells of an organism.
Nervine
- strengthens and tones the nerves and the nervous system
Relaxant
- promotes relaxation or reduces tension
Sedative
- reduces mental excitement or irritability, and reduces physical activity
Tonic
- refreshes, revitalizes and invigorates body functions
USAGE TIPS
Insomnia
Place 2 drops on your pillow before bedtime, or diffuse 4-6 drops about 15 minutes before you go to bed. Petitgrain promotes relaxation and sedating the mind and emotions.
Anger & bad temper
Add 10 drops of Petitgrain essential oil in a 300 ml spray bottle filled with water. Shake thoroughly, pour through an unbleached paper coffee filter, and place in a spray bottle. Cool before using.
Shake before each use.
Keep eyes closed when spraying the face, during times of stress.
Cuts & wounds
Clean cuts & wounds with petitgrain which has excellent antiseptic properties, preventing them from becoming infected. Mix 2 drops with 1/2 teaspoon (2,5ml) of coconut oil and massage over the area of concern twice per day.
Addiction
If you have an addiction you would like to overcome, petitgrain can help you to restore emotional balance. Add 10 drops to a spray mist, and lightly spray over the face when you feel the need. You can also diffuse petitgrain in a diffuser, add 5-10 drops according to the size of the room you are diffusing in.
PMS
Petitgrain can help ease symptoms of PMS such as irritability, restlessness, mood swings, and anxiety because of its calming effect on the body. Mix 4 drops of petitgrain in 1 teaspoon (5ml) of carrier oil and massage into the feet. To clear the air of any negativity, diffuse 5-10 drops.
Vomiting
Petitgrain restores balance to the digestive system by reducing spasms in the stomach, and will therefore ease the urge to vomit. Mix 3 drops with 1 teaspoon (5ml) of carrier oil, and massage into the abdomen in a clockwise direction.
Air Freshener
Diffuse 5-10 drops in an aroma diffuser, and it will fill your home with a beautiful fresh smell. Petitgrain oil makes a wonderful natural air freshener due to its light, fresh, citrus scent.
Acne
Mix 3 drops of petitgrain oil with 1/2 teaspoon (2,5ml) of cocount oil, and massage into the face and neck. Petitgrain oil has a cleansing effect on acne and helps to control the production of oil in the skin.
Rapid Heartbeat
Diffuse 5 drops of petitgrain to instil calm and peacefulness in your home. When you have a racing heart, you can mix 3 drops of petitgrain with 1 teaspoon (5ml) of carrier oil, and massage over the heart area.
Food
Indicative dosages for 100 grams of preparation: 1 to 2 drops are enough to flavor your preparations (fruits, cakes, fish, cocktails, etc.)
Always use essential oil diluted in a suitable medium (example: vegetable oil, honey, etc.)
Skin type
Petitgrain can be used alone or in blends for these skin types:
- Balanced/Normal
- Aging
- Oily
Skincare
Petitgrain essential oil, derived from the leaves and twigs of the bitter orange tree, is celebrated for its calming, soothing properties and is often used in skincare for its ability to balance sebum production.
1. Petitgrain Facial Toner
Ingredients:
- 100 ml witch hazel
- 10 drops Petitgrain essential oil
- 5 drops Lavender essential oil
- 5 drops Geranium essential oil
Instructions:
- Combine all the essential oils with witch hazel in a clean bottle.
- Shake well to blend the ingredients.
- After cleansing, apply the toner to your face using a cotton pad, avoiding the eye area. This toner can help refine pores and restore balance to the skin’s oils.
2. Petitgrain Night Serum
Ingredients:
- 30 ml jojoba oil (a carrier oil that closely mimics the skin's natural oils)
- 7 drops Petitgrain essential oil
- 5 drops Frankincense essential oil
- 5 drops Rosehip oil (optional, for added hydration and anti-aging properties)
Instructions:
- In a small bottle, mix the jojoba oil with Petitgrain and Frankincense essential oils.
- If using, add the rosehip oil for its nourishing benefits.
- Each night, after cleansing, massage a few drops of the serum onto your face and neck. This serum aids in calming the mind and skin, promoting regeneration during sleep.
3. Soothing Skin Blend for Irritation
Ingredients:
- 30 ml sweet almond oil
- 5 drops Petitgrain essential oil
- 5 drops Chamomile essential oil
- 2 drops Tea Tree essential oil
Instructions:
- Blend the essential oils with sweet almond oil in a glass bottle.
- Apply to irritated or inflamed skin as needed, avoiding broken skin. This blend is great for easing redness and soothing irritation due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
Method of use & Amount to use
Aroma diffusers
Use 5-15 drops in your diffuser or the amount suggested with your diffuser.
Baths, Hot tubs, Jacuzzis
Bath: Diluted 3-8 drops
Start by running your bath as you normally would and keep the bathroom door closed to retain the aroma. Essential oils can be applied directly in their concentrated form or diluted.
For dilution, use a carrier oil, milk, milk powder, vegetable glycerin, seaweed powder, herbal powder, baking soda, salt, or Epsom salts to prevent skin sensitivity.
Add the essential oil to the bathwater, either neat or diluted, then stir the water with your hand to disperse the oil evenly before entering the tub. This method helps distribute the essential oil throughout the bath for a more enjoyable experience.
Hot tubs & Jacuzzis: up to 8 drops
Mix the essential oil into the water thoroughly using your hand. Since essential oils do not dissolve in water, they may leave residues in or around your pipes.
Compresses
3-10 drops in 120 ml of water
Learn more
Face masks, oils, and tonic
Face masks: 1 or 2 drops per 2 tbs. (15ml) of natural facemask.
Face oils: 12 drops in 30ml of carrier oil. For elderly and children use 6 drops per 30ml of carrier oil.
Use a dark-colored glass bottle, which helps protect your oils from light degradation. First, pour in the carrier oil. If you’re using a single essential oil or a premixed blend, add it directly to the carrier oil. If you’re crafting your own unique blend, mix your essential oils together first, then integrate the desired number of drops into the carrier oil. Remember, a little goes a long way, so only use a small amount for each application. Click here to read more about which carrier oil to choose.
Face tonic: 8-15 drops in 100ml of spring or distilled water or hydrosol.
Combine the oil and water before filtering through an unbleached paper coffee filter.
Our 100% organic and natural hydrosols can be used directly as a tonic. Shut your eyes and spray your face. Or spray a cotton pad and wipe your face with it.
Inhalation from bowl
3-5 drops per bowl of steaming hot water.
To use essential oils in steam inhalation, start by bringing a pot of water to a boil and then removing it from the heat. Add a few drops (typically 3-5 drops) of your chosen essential oil to the hot water.
Carefully lean over the pot, drape a towel over your head and the pot to trap the steam, and breathe deeply for several minutes to inhale the aromatic vapors, which can help relieve nasal congestion and other respiratory issues.
Lotions & Creams
12 drops to each 30 ml of natural, unfragranced lotion or cream.
You can make your own face cream with our neutral face cream as a base. For a 2% (adults) dilution use 40 drops in this 100 ml cream base.
For elderly and children use 20 drops (1%) in 100ml of cream.
Massage oil (for body)
12 drops to each 30 ml of carrier oil.
For elderly and children use 6 drops per 30ml of carrier oil.
Pillows
Place 1-3 drops of essential oil on the corner or underside of a pillow away from the eyes.
Room sprays
As room purifier: 10-20 drops per 475 ml of water.
As a general fragrance: 8-10 drops per 475 ml of water.
Scalp treatments
Add 6 drops in 15 ml of Jojoba oil or aloe vera gel. Shake well. Use 2-3 drops of your prepared blend for each application. Massage into your scalp. Alternatively, simply add the essential oil to a bottle of final rinse water after washing the hair.
Shampoos
5-10 drops in 100ml.
Essential oils can be added to any unscented shampoo that is composed of organic natural ingredients.
Showers
1-5 drops.
First, complete your usual washing routine. After that, apply a few drops of essential oil onto a washcloth or sponge and briskly rub it over your body while standing under the shower's running water. Inhale deeply through your nose to enjoy the aromatic steam, being careful to avoid applying the oil on your face and sensitive areas.
Sprays & Mists for Face and Body
For body: 10-20 drops to each 475 ml of water or hydrosol.
For face: 2-5 drops to each 240 ml of water or hydrosol.
Add the essential oil to warm water or hydrosol. Shake thoroughly, pour through an unbleached paper coffee filter, and place in a spray bottle. Cool before using.
Shake before each use.
Keep eyes closed when spraying the face.
Washes
15-32 drops in 240 ml of warm water.
A wash is a prepared mixture for washing infected areas such as cuts, grazes, and wounds.
Mix the essential oils and water together in a bottle and shake well. Keep it stored in the fridge for no longer than 14 days. Shake before each use.
Aromatherapy's top notes:
Aromas categorized as top notes are typically fresh and light with a sharp scent. They evaporate very quickly and possess antiseptic properties. These qualities make them uplifting for the mood and emotions, ideal for times when you need a quick energy boost. Top notes are also excellent for purification, such as when you're dealing with a cold. Consider each oil's unique properties when selecting which ones to use in a blend.
Examples of typical top notes include:
Citrus oils:
- Bergamot
- Lemon
- Lemongrass
- Orange
- Neroli
- Petitgrain
Mint oils:
- Peppermint
- Spearmint
Fresh woody oils:
- Eucalyptus
- Tea Tree
- Pine
These top notes are perfect for enhancing your blends with their vibrant and cleansing effects.
Understand the Notes of Scents
In aromatherapy, the scent of an oil is often referred to as a "note." The secret behind a truly great fragrance is finding the perfect balance between the notes. Aromatherapy is about scents, and with practice, you will be able to recognize an oil's fragrance even if you might not know which plant the oil comes from. For example, you will be able to distinguish between citrus and floral scents or woody and minty fragrances. The scent is determined by the chemicals an oil contains. Because oils that smell alike often contain the same chemicals, they typically have similar properties.
Oils are categorized into so-called base, middle, and top notes. Knowing an oil's note is important when blending oils. A good blend—like most perfumes—normally contains a mix of all three notes, where the ratio between them varies depending on what the blend is used for. Additionally, an oil can contain more than one note—for example, ylang-ylang contains traces of all three notes and is often considered the perfect fragrance.
When creating a new fragrance, whether it's for a perfume or an aroma diffuser, you should use between 4-7 oils per blend. First, decide what type of blend you want to create, such as a refreshing one, and then choose notes with these characteristics to make up the main content of the blend. Dissolve the mixture in a carrier oil if you want to use it on the skin (12 drops in 30 ml of carrier oil).
| Blend | Top note | Middle note | Base note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Refreshing | 5 drops | 4 drops | 1 drop |
| Relaxing | 1 drop | 6 drops | 3 drops |
| Sensual | 1 drop | 4 drops | 5 drops |
| Balancing | 2 drops | 5 drops | 3 drops |
| Energizing | 8 drops | 1 drop | 1 drop |
RUTACEAE PLANT FAMILY
The essential oils from the Rutaceae family, such as bergamot, grapefruit, lemon, lime, neroli, orange, petitgrain, and tangerine, are derived from small, thorny trees native to tropical regions. These trees are known for their hard, often resinous wood and firm, green leaves that release a fresh, slightly bitter scent. Their symmetrical, star-shaped flowers bloom beautifully, emitting a sweet and subtly exhilarating fragrance. The fruits of these trees range from juicy, acidic citrus to small, spicy hot berries.
In terms of therapeutic benefits, Rutaceae essential oils are pivotal in balancing warmth and fluid within the body. They effectively address conditions like inflammations, distensions, and general looseness while fortifying the astral body. The transformative power of these oils is enhanced by warmth and air. For instance, neroli oil is distilled from the flowers of the bitter orange, while petitgrain is derived from its leaves. The essential oils of bergamot, grapefruit, lemon, lime, orange, and tangerine are meticulously extracted from the fruit peels through a process of cold pressing, ensuring the vibrant essence of the tropics is captured in every drop.
Petitgrain Blends Well With These Essential Oils
Bergamot, black pepper, cananga, cardamom, cedarwood, chamomile roman, cypress, clary sage, coriander seed, frankincense, geranium, ginger, grapefruit, jasmin, lavender, lemon, linden blossom, marjoram sweet, mimosa, myrtle, nutmeg, orange sweet, neroli, patchouli, rose absolut, rosemary, rose otto, rosewood, patchouli, sandalwood, vetiver, ylang ylang
The Main Chemical Composition of Petitgrain Essential Oil
Petitgrain essential oil, primarily extracted from the leaves and the twigs of the bitter orange tree (Citrus aurantium), has a complex chemical composition with several key constituents. The primary component of Petitgrain essential oil is linalyl acetate, which typically comprises around 30-40% of the oil. Linalyl acetate is an ester that contributes to the oil’s calming and relaxing properties.
Additionally, Petitgrain oil contains significant amounts of linalool, another major component, which adds to the oil's soothing effects on the nervous system and aids in skin healing and relaxation. Other constituents include myrcene, geraniol, neryl acetate, and limonene, which collectively enhance its antispasmodic, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties.
This blend of components makes Petitgrain essential oil versatile in aromatherapy, particularly for promoting calmness, reducing stress and anxiety, and supporting skin health.
What is a Chemotype in Essential Oils?
Chemotypes in essential oils refer to the different chemical compositions that can occur in the same plant species due to variations in their growing conditions, harvest times, or geographical locations. These variations lead to the production of essential oils with distinct chemical profiles, each possessing unique therapeutic properties. Understanding chemotypes is crucial for aromatherapy and medicinal applications, as the efficacy and safety of the oils can vary significantly based on their chemical makeup.
Here's a breakdown of what defines a chemotype and why it matters:
1. Genetic and Environmental Influences: A chemotype is often influenced by the plant's environment, such as altitude, climate, and soil composition, as well as genetic factors. These variables can affect which chemical compounds are predominant in the oil.
2. Chemical Composition: Each chemotype of an essential oil will have a dominant chemical compound or set of compounds that characterize it. For example, Rosemary essential oil can be found in several chemotypes, such as cineole, camphor, and verbenone, each named after its principal component, which dictates its therapeutic properties and uses.
3. Therapeutic Properties: The presence of different chemical compounds means that each chemotype can be more effective for different health concerns. For instance, the cineole chemotype of Rosemary is excellent for respiratory issues due to its expectorant properties, whereas the camphor chemotype is more suited for pain relief and circulatory problems.
4. Safety and Application: Some chemotypes may be safer or more appropriate for certain applications than others. For example, an essential oil chemotype high in ketones might be more neurotoxic and thus used with more caution, particularly around children or pregnant women.
Understanding chemotypes allows us to choose the most appropriate and effective essential oil for specific therapeutic outcomes, ensuring both safety and efficacy in their applications.
Petitgrain is Safe to Diffuse around Dogs
Pet Safe
If you have dogs in the house, these are the recommendations on how to diffuse your essential oils in a safe way: only use 3-4 drops of a particular essential oil in a water based aroma diffuser (UltraSonic).
Use no more than 4-6 drops total if using more than one essential oil, or use the amount in the diffuser recipes.
Be sure your aroma diffuser is in an area where your pet cannot knock it over. Always diffuse in an open area with the door open so your dog can leave the room if desired.
If your dog is sensitive to an oil you are diffusing, stop diffusing and get your dog outside for some fresh air. Contact your veterinarian if you are concerned.
Storage
Essential oils are sensitive to UV: always keep them in their original bottles (amber glass with codigoutte).
We advise you to store them in a cool place without light after opening.
For your mixtures, cosmetic and culinary preparations, always use a new bottle to avoid interactions.
Disclaimer
This information is intended to educate and inform, and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. It is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional or veterinarian before starting any regime with Essential Oils.
