PETITGRAIN
Botanical name: Citrus x aurantium L. amara (synonymous with Citrus aurantium, C. aurantium subsp. bigaradia, Citrus aurantium subsp. amara)

Also Known As (AKA):  Bitter Orange, Sour Orange, Bigarade Orange, Seville Orange, Petitgrain Paraguay, Petitgrain Bigarade

Therapeutic Benefit - Mind:  Petitgrain reduces anxiety, apathy, fatigue and panic. It refreshes the mind and is uplifting.

Therapeutic Benefit - Body:  Petitgrain is antiseptic, anti-fungal, antispasmodic, and antidepressant. It is good for acne, edema, puffiness, and dandruff. Petitgrain also slows rapid heartbeat, eases breathing, and relaxes muscles. It is also an immune system stimulant and a tonic for the digestive system. Other uses for Petitgrain include: candida, epilepsy, asthma, and chronic hepatitis.

Therapeutic Benefit - Spirit:  Petitgrain is used to stimulate the conscious, and to overcome obsessive and addictive behavioral patterns. It is also used in protection ceremonies.

Application Method:  Dilute 10 drops in 1 oz carrier oil, massage oil, or lotion and apply to skin or bath. Use 4 drops in 2 cups of hot water for a steam.

Action Word:  Easing

Color Energy:  Blue - Comforting

Fragrance:  Citrus, strong, sweet, woodsy, floral herbaceous

Note:  Top-Middle Note

Color of Oil:  Clear with a tinge of yellow

Major Chemical Constituents:  geraniol, geranyl acetate, linalool, linalyl acetate

Common Adulterants:  Sweet orange, citrus leaf oils, citrus leaf factions, orange terpenes, fatty aldehydes, linalool (synthetic or bioidentical), linalyl acetate (synthetic or bioidentical), alpha-terpineol (synthetic or bioidentical), neryl acetate (synthetic or bioidentical), geraniol (synthetic or bioidentical)

Blends well with:  Bergamot, Cardamom, Cedarwood, Cinnamon, Clary Sage, Clovebud, Frankincense, Geranium, Jasmine, Lavandin, Lavender, Lime, Melissa, Neroli, Nutmeg, Orange, Palmarosa, Rose, Rosemary, Rosewood, Sandalwood, Ylang Ylang

Botany:  A spiny evergreen tree with dark green glossy leaves, white flowers, and bitter orange fruit.

History:  Petitgrain and Neroli both come from the same plant. Petitgrain is from the leaf while Neroli is from the flower.