Petitgrain (Citrus aurantium var. amara) Paraguay

Petitgrain is distilled from the leaves and twigs of the Bitter Orange tree, which also gives us essential oil of Bergamot from its fruit peels and Neroli from its flowers. In the past, the small, unripe fruit was often mixed in with the leaves, giving the oil its name of ‘small grains.’

Chemical constituents of Petitgrain essential oil include geraniol, linalool, nerol, y-terpineol, geranyl acetate, linalyl acetate, and myrcene. This combination of naturally occurring chemicals makes Petitgrain a natural deodorant.

Petitgrain is antispasmodic. It can be combined with Orange and Black Pepper in a massage oil to stop muscle spasms, as well as stimulate circulation and drain lymph.

The skin also benefits from Petitgrain. Twenty drops of Petitgrain combined with 10 drops of Lemon diluted in one ounce of Grapeseed carrier oil can be used for acne and oily skin. Fifty drops of Petitgrain added to a 4 oz. bottle of liquid castile soap helps to tighten and tone skin all over the body.

Petitgrain is most often used for its effects on the conscious mind. It is balancing and relaxing, relieving the symptoms of stress, clearing the mind, and sharpening the intellect. It allows us to release panic and anger to gain a more objective approach to the situation at hand. Petitgrain enhances memory and clears confusion, allowing us to communicate clearly with our loved ones. It encourages us to rise out of apathy and depression, find our inner strength, and use it to navigate rough transitions. When irrational reactions are replaced by balanced, creative consciousness, we are capable of shedding the rigidity and pessimism which can accompany depression.

Here at Kamala's Own, you will find Petitgrain as an ingredient in our perfume blend Avalon, our aromatherapy blend Lucid Dreaming, our astrological blend Aries, and our chakra blend Crown Chakra, among others.

Always dilute your essential oils in an unscented carrier oil like Sesame or Jojoba. Do not take essential oils internally. Always store essential oils out of heat and sunlight. Keep essential oils away from children and pregnant women.

All information in this description is copyright Kamala’s Own LLC. Please ask for permission to reprint it. This description is not medical advice and the information herein comes from personal experience, research, and folklore. If you believe you are ill, consult an M.D. Nothing here is meant to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any medical condition. Nothing here has been evaluated by the FDA.