Petitgrain essential oil, also known as orange leaf oil, is part of the citrus family and it comes from the orange tree. However, this oil is not harvested from the fruit or flower part of the tree like orange oil. It comes from the leaves and young twigs instead through the process of steam distillation.
Petitgrain oil is clear with a light yellowish tent. It has a unique but fresh woodsy aroma mixed with a light floral and citrus scent. It’s used to flavor certain foods and beverages but it has many other uses, too.
Petitgrain Essential Oil Uses
Petitgrain 100% Pure, Best Therapeutic Grade Essential Oil – 10mlIf you’re not familiar with petitgrain oil, it may be because this particular oil is mostly used in perfumes, cosmetics and deodorants. The floral-citrus aroma is very appealing and works well in these products. It has balancing and cleansing properties that balance the skin’s moisture and oil production, which may be why some people have had excellent results when using it to treat acne. It’s also used to soothe dry, cracked skin.
Petitgrain oil has the following properties, which are associated with several health benefits:
- Antiseptic
- Anti-spasmodic
- Antidepressant
- Deodorant
- Tonic
- Nervine
- Sedative
Petitgrain essential oil may not be as popular as peppermint or lavender oils but it does have several health benefits that you may find interesting.
Petitgrain Oil Health Benefits
Some people find that petitgrain oil helps to relieve their symptoms of anxiety, stress, anger, fear and depression. In fact, according to Experience Essential Oils, it’s emotionally balancing and considered a natural stress remedy. This may be why many users say it helps them relax and feel calm, improves their mood and encourages positive thinking.
Its sedative properties also help people with insomnia relax and sleep more soundly and it’s used to treat hypertension and abnormal palpitations. Petitgrain oil is also used to treat nausea, vomiting, irritated skin and inflammation. Some users say it helps to calm small kids suffering from colic and stomach pain and that it helps them to fall asleep.
Other uses include treating ringworm, abnormal sweating and to clean cuts and scrapes to keep them from becoming infected. It also fights bacteria that causes body odor and helps to prevent or heal skin infections.
Petitgrain oil blends well with the following oils:
- Clary Sage
- Lavender
- Bergamot
- Sandalwood
- Geranium
- Palmarosa
- Eucalyptus
- Ylang Ylang
- Clove
- Frankincense
Most any oil with a citrus scent blends well with petitgrain. Before using this or any essential oil, be aware of the safety tips and precautions you need to follow.
Safety Tips and Precautions
In general, essential oils are considered safe because they are natural. However, they are highly concentrated and in most cases, should not be applied directly to the skin without diluting it first. Even diluted, perform a patch test to check for an allergic reaction. Keep essential oils away from the eyes and mucus membranes. If you’re new to using essential oils, consult with a qualified practitioner before ingesting or using on children.