Petitgrain (Citrus aurantium var. amara) essential oil is very similar to Orange Blossom (Neroli) essential oil; this is because they are both obtained from the bitter Orange tree. There are a couple of theories surrounding the derivation of the name Petitgrain; in the French language, petit grain means little grain, a possible reference to the visible essential oil sacs in the leaves of the tree, when held to the light.
Another theory is that Petitgrain owes its name to the tiny, green unripe Orange fruit from which Petitgrain essential oil was originally extracted, until this proved to be too uneconomical. Today, true Petitgrain essential oil is obtained through steam distillation of the leaves of the bitter Orange tree, whereas Orange Blossom essential oil is taken from the flowers.
Origin of Petitgrain
Petitgrain is a member of the Rutaceae plant family; the bitter Orange tree is native to the Far East, but is now distributed widely throughout the world with the best Petitgrain essential oil being produced by France. Good, quality essential oil is also produced by Paraguay, Haiti and North Africa. An absolute known as petitgrain sur fleurs is produced, which is made from Orange leaves and flowers.
Properties of Petitgrain Essential Oil
Petitgrain oil is anti-inflammatory, anti-infectious, anti-bacterial, balancing, anti-septic, digestive and a deodorant. In aromatherapy, it is used to help skin conditions such as oily skin, acne and infectious skin diseases; Petitgrain essential oil is also used to calm the nervous system, in respiratory infections, for anxiety and panic attacks and depression. It can help ease insomnia, indigestion, constipation and emotional stomach ache symptoms.
Other Uses of Petitgrain
Petitgrain is a classic ingredient of the eau-de-cologne fragrance and has been used extensively in the perfumery industry since the 18th century. It is often used to replace the more expensive Orange Blossom oil. Petitgrain is also used to fragrance soaps, cosmetics and detergents; it is used as a flavoring agent in foods (especially in confectionery) and beverages (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic).
Other Varieties of Petitgrain
Different varieties of the common Petitgrain from the bitter Orange tree are also available; the fruit and leaves of the Lemon (Citrus limon), Bergamot (Citrus bergamia), Mandarin (Citrus reticulata) and sweet Orange (Citrus sinensis) trees all produce a variety of Petitgrain essential oil. Therefore, it is important to identify the type of Petitgrain essential oil being used for aromatherapy purposes in order to know how to use it.
References:
Davis, Patricia 1999 Aromatherapy An A-Z UK: Vermilion
Lawless, Julia 1995 The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils UK: Thorsons
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