Petitgrain Essential Oil

BOTANICAL NAME: citrus aurantium

ORIGIN: Africa, Europe, France, Italy, Morocco, Paraguay, South America

PARTS USED: leaves, stem

DISTILLATION METHOD: steam

FRAGRANCE: citrus, strong, sweet, woodsy

BLENDS WELL WITH: clary sage, geranium, lavender, nutmeg, orange, rosemary

AROMATIC BENEFITS: calming, inspiring, invigorating, refreshing, relaxing, soothing, uplifting

MAGICAL USES: conscious mind (stimulates), protection

PHYSICAL USES: antibacterial, antidepressant, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antispasmodic, convalescence, deodorant, insomnia, nervine, scars, shock

Petitgrain Information:

The Essential Oil of Orange is extracted from the peels of oranges by cold compression, Neroli Essential Oil is distilled from the orange blossoms, and Petitgrain is extracted from the fresh leaves and the young and tender twigs. No part of this citrus plant is wasted. This oil was previously extracted from the green and young oranges which were the sizes of the peas and hence the name Petit Grain. This oil is extensively used in the perfume and cosmetics industries as well as in food and beverages as a flavoring agent. The chief constituents of Petitgrain are gamma terpineol, geraniol, geranyl acetate, linalool, linalyl acetate, myrcene, neryl acetate and trans ocimene.

Definitions:

Antiseptic: a substance that inhibits the growth and reproduction of microorganisms.

Antispasmodic: referring to something that suppresses spasms.

Antisdepressant: relieves deression and feelings of anxiety.

Deodorant: Any agent acting to eliminate, reduce, mask, or control odor.

Nervine: acts upon or affects the nerves; quiets nervous excitement.

Sedative: Calming, soothing, inducing sleep, tranquilizing.

Other Benefits: It is good for maintaining the moisture and oil balance of the skin and in treating acne, pimples, abnormal sweating (those who suffer from nervousness have this problem), dryness and cracking of the skin, ring worm etc. It also ends nausea and tendency to vomit, being an anti emetic. When used in summer, it gives a cool and refreshing feeling.

Safety Warning: Never ingest essential oils without a prescription. Use carrier oil when applying to skin.