Petitgrain bigarade essential oil: the leaf for unwinding

Few trees are as generous as the bitter orange. Its flowers give neroli; the peel of its fruit gives bitter orange essence; its leaves give petitgrain. Three scents from a single tree. Petitgrain is the most accessible of the three, and probably the most versatile for relaxing moments at home.

What is petitgrain bigarade?

The bitter orange, Citrus aurantium, is a citrus tree of the rue family, grown for centuries around the Mediterranean for its fragrant blossom and its bitter fruit, the kind used in bitter orange marmalade. The name «petitgrain» («small grain») has a charming origin: in the past, the small green fruits that fell from the tree, no bigger than grains, were distilled. Today, the leaves and young twigs are distilled instead.

According to the product sheet, our petitgrain bigarade comes from Citrus aurantium var. amara; the distilled part is the leaf and the bottle holds 10 ml. The sheet points out that using this essential oil requires the advice of a specialist. The item Petitgrain bigarade EO is described as having a fresh, floral scent, relaxing and balancing. To understand how essential oils are grouped, read our guide to essential oil families.

How to use it

Our druggist recommends it for diffusion or diluted massage, for moments of relaxation and calm.

In the diffuser, in the evening

• A few drops in the diffuser for about twenty minutes, early in the evening.
• With mandarin or sweet orange it makes a soft, rounded blend; with lavender, a more floral accord.
• Switch off the device and air the room before bedtime.

As a massage, well diluted

• Mix two to three drops into a tablespoon of neutral vegetable oil, such as sweet almond or sunflower.
• Try it first in the crook of your elbow and wait 24 hours.
• Slowly massage the shoulders, the back of the neck or the soles of the feet, for a real break.
• Avoid the face, the eye area and mucous membranes.

Precautions

Read before first use. As its product sheet states, this oil calls for the advice of a specialist. Do not use it neat, do not swallow it and avoid any contact with the eyes. During pregnancy or breastfeeding, for children and if you are under medical care, seek advice before use. Avoid continuous diffusion. Close the bottle tightly and store it away from light, out of children's reach.

Our products

• Petitgrain bigarade (Citrus aurantium var. amara), 10 ml – distilled from the leaves.
• Petitgrain bigarade EO – fresh, floral scent.

Time for yourself?

Fresh, slightly woody and floral, petitgrain bigarade is a natural companion for the end of the day. To choose a massage oil or put together a diffuser blend to your taste, come and see us at Droguerie Perusset in Yverdon-les-Bains: we will help you find the right proportions.