What is petitgrain bigarade?

The bitter orange tree ( Citrus aurantium ) generously provides three different essential oils: petitgrain bigarade, neroli, and bitter orange. Neroli essential oil is distilled from the flowers, bitter orange from the peel of the fruit, and petitgrain from the leaves and twigs. Petitgrain is often referred to as the “poor man’s neroli”, since it is more cost-effective yet provides many of the same health benefits. When people first began to distill petitgrain bigarade essential oil, it was distilled from the small, unripe fruits. This gave it the name ‘petitgrain’, which is French for ‘little grain’. Because this reduced the fruit harvest, producers eventually stopped using the unripe fruits but kept the name.The essential oil is steam distilled, and the resulting oil is often clear with a slight yellow tint. Even though it is derived from the bitter orange tree, petitgrain is the least fruity of the three. Although the aroma is a bit citrusy, it also has woody and floral notes.

Petitgrain bigarade essential oil main chemical composition:Alpha-terpineol,Geraniol,Geranyl acetate,Linalool,Linalyl acetate,Myrcene,Neryl acetate,Trans ocimene.

Benefits for Petitgrain Bigarade Essential Oil

1. Spasms in the respiratory system cause coughs and trouble breathing, and spasms in the muscles or intestinal tract can cause painful cramps and aches. Petitgrain essential oil relaxes the muscles and tissues and reduces the pain.

To reduce symptoms, diffuse petitgrain essential oil throughout a room or add a drop or two to a glass of water and take internally.

2. The refreshing scent of petitgrain essential oil helps successfully mask any trace of body odor, making it the perfect oil to add to natural deodorants or simply dab a drop or two under the arms. Its antibacterial properties help to kill any unwanted bacteria that cause body odor in the first place.

3. Petitgrain Bigarade essential oil’s antibacterial properties also make it great for supporting your immune system and ridding your body of unwanted toxins and bacteria, keeping you healthier overall. To keep your immune system functioning properly, regularly diffuse petitgrain essential oil throughout your home, add a drop or two into a glass of water or add a couple of drops into a juice or a smoothie.

4. The same antibacterial properties that help heal wounds and support your immune system are also effective at fighting unwanted acne. Petitgrain essential oil helps fight the bacteria that causes acne in the first place, leading to clearer skin.

The oil also helps to cut through excess sebum produced by oil glands and can cleanse the skin of any dead skin cells. The oil has a low comedogenic rating, meaning it won’t clog pores and cause future breakouts.

For best results, apply topically to the affected areas after gently washing your face.