The essential oil of the bitter orange tree is obtained by distillation of the young twigs with tiny, early fruits that resemble "little grains". The most renowned quality comes from Paraguay. The "organic" certification indicates that it is produced by the Amerindians of this country, who are thus able to live decently from their environment and maintain themselves in it. Petitgrain essential oil consists of monoterpenes, esters (mainly), monoterpenols, sesquiterpenes....
Petitgrain is an ester oil par excellence, its dominant biochemical constituent. In aromatic biochemistry, esters harmonize and refocus. It effectively regulates the respiratory and cardiac systems. In synergy, it contributes to calm spasmodic coughs. One can take advantage of the anti-inflammatory action of the EO of petitgrain by reserving it for articular problems of nervous and emotional origin. By its cleansing and anti-inflammatory action, the EO of petitgrain is a skin tonic that one will reserve rather for mixed and fatty skins.
It is far from the fruity sweetness and evocative of childhood of essences extracted from orange peels. The essential oil of petitgrain gives off a fresh, green, enveloping aroma, where a certain bitterness is perceived. The essential oil of petitgrain soothes, protects and reassures hearts that are wounded and affected by an unhappy solitude.
This summary is given for information purposes: it is a synthesis of the properties described in recognised aromatherapy books and/or in accordance with ancestral and popular traditions. The properties* presented are taken from the book ‘Aromathérapie Corps et Ame’ by André Bitsas, published by Amyris. It is in no way a medical information or a list of indications.
