Petitgrain Bigarade Organic Essential Oil

Petitgrain Bigarade Organic Essential Oil is both energizing and harmonizing, offering a unique blend of revitalization and calm.* Known for its ability to soothe the nervous system, ease anxiety, and uplift the spirit, this versatile oil also supports digestive wellness while serving as a gentle yet effective tonic for oily and acne-prone skin.* Please note: this is the only skin type Petitgrain Bigarade works with as it is not recommended for other skin types.*

The name Petitgrain, meaning "Little Seed" in French, reflects its historical cultivation — originally derived from the tiny unripe fruits of the Bitter Orange tree. Unlike essential oils extracted from the tree’s flowers (Neroli) or fruit (Bitter Orange), Petitgrain is distilled from its leaves, giving it a distinctive character. Egypt has become a notable producer of Petitgrain Bigarade, offering an oil with a beautifully balanced composition. Egyptian Petitgrain is known for its soft floral aroma with a fresh, green complexity, capturing the essence of the region’s sun-drenched citrus groves.

This pale-yellow to amber-colored oil exudes a sweet, floral fragrance with subtle herbaceous undertones, reminiscent of orange blossoms. Beyond its aromatic appeal, Petitgrain supports multiple bodily systems, including the digestive, nervous, respiratory, and integumentary systems.* It has also been recognized for its ability to stimulate mental clarity, helping to activate both conscious awareness and intellectual function.* This makes Petitgrain Bigarade Essential Oil a holistic choice for nurturing both body and mind in one powerful essence.*

About the Plant:

The Bitter Orange evergreen tree, adorned with highly fragrant flowers and long, yet not very sharp spines, has a rich history of essential oil production. The name "Petitgrain," meaning "little seed" in French, originates from the traditional practice of extracting oil from the tree’s tiny, unripe fruits.

Petitgrain Bigarade Essential Oil, however, is now distilled from the twigs and leaves of the Bitter Orange tree rather than its fruit. This shift in extraction methods has preserved the oil’s uniquely fresh, slightly floral, and herbaceous aroma while maintaining its well-known therapeutic benefits.

Interestingly, the same tree also produces Neroli Essential Oil, but instead of the leaves and twigs, Neroli is distilled from its fragrant orange blossoms, resulting in a sweeter, more floral scent. It's important to note that "Petitgrain" can also refer to essential oils distilled from the leaves of Lemon, Bergamot, or Mandarin trees. Always check the full botanical name to ensure you’re receiving the correct variety.

Where It Grows:

Native to southern China and northeastern India, Petitgrain is cultivated in many mild temperate, semitropical, and tropical regions worldwide, including Egypt, southern France, Italy, Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco, Spain, West Africa, and Paraguay. Among these, the most notable producers of Petitgrain are France, Paraguay, and Egypt.

Petitgrain Oil from France, also known as Petitgrain Bigarade, is reportedly more fragrant than that of Paraguay. Paraguayan Petitgrain has a slightly harsher aroma with lower ester content and higher alcohol levels. Egyptian Petitgrain, on the other hand, is known for its well-balanced composition, offering a softer floral scent with fresh, green undertones, making it a highly sought-after variety in aromatherapy and perfumery.

Traditional Uses and Lore:

The Bitter Orange plant was introduced to Paraguay in the 18th century by Spanish Jesuits, and today, Paraguay remains one of the largest producers of Petitgrain Bigarade Essential Oil. Traditionally, Petitgrain Bigarade has been valued not only for its refreshing aroma but also for its therapeutic properties, often used in herbal remedies to support relaxation and emotional balance.*

Historically, it played a key role in classic Eau de Cologne, prized for its crisp, citrusy notes that blended harmoniously with other botanicals. Petitgrain has also been widely used in perfumery, soaps, and various scented products, even making an unexpected appearance as an ingredient in Pepsi at one time.¹ Its enduring appeal in both fragrance and wellness traditions highlights its versatility and deep-rooted history.

Other Facts:

• • • Scent: Fresh, Citrus, Energizing, and Floral Aroma
    • Fragrance Note: Top Note
    • Composition: Linalyl Acetate, Linalool, D-Limonene, and ɑ-Terpineol
    • Family: Rutaceae Family

Thoughts from Dr. Streicher:

Petitgrain, with its myriad therapeutic benefits, emerges as a holistic elixir for both body and mind. Beyond alleviating physical discomfort, it nurtures mental well-being by activating the conscious and intellectual faculties of the brain, fostering clarity and focus.* Its soothing properties offer a tranquil refuge, easing stress and calming frayed nerves amidst the chaos of daily life.* Additionally, Petitgrain's ability to regulate overactive sebaceous glands promotes a clearer complexion while restoring a sense of inner harmony.* For those struggling with insomnia, it gently lulls the mind into restful slumber, embracing the weary in its tender embrace.*

Often referred to as "the poor man's Neroli," Petitgrain is distilled from the leaves of the same Bitter Orange tree that yields Neroli from its blossoms. However, this label only does it justice if the oil carries a pleasant floral note. Amrita searched extensively to source an exceptional Petitgrain Bigarade — one with a soft, sweet floral character reminiscent of Neroli's uplifting essence. While never identical to Neroli, Amrita’s Petitgrain Bigarade retains its own unique charm, blending freshness and tranquility into a single, beautifully aromatic oil. More than just an essential oil, Petitgrain stands as a steadfast ally in the pursuit of holistic wellness and inner peace.*

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

1.  https://digital.lib.ecu.edu/36323