Petitgrain isn’t the only essential oil derived from the bitter orange tree, with the flower blossoms used to create neroli essential oil is. With a distinctive scent that manages to balance and boost the senses at the same time, petitgrain is a powerful essential oil.

Petitgrain essential oil uses

Various parts of the bitter orange tree have been used for their natural healing properties for generations. Petitgrain oil is no exception thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial qualities. That’s why one of petitgrain’s most traditional uses is as a natural remedy.

If you struggle to get a restful eight hours at night, try diffusing petitgrain at night time or popping a few drops on your pillow. The elevating scent helps to soothe anxiety and prepare the mind for undisturbed sleep. In fact, petitgrain works perfectly in essential oil blends for a good sleep. Blending petitgrain essential oil with fellow warming scents like cinnamon bark will encourage you to forget your cares and drift off to sleep.

For an energising blend, add the uplifting aroma of petitgrain to a blend with other citrus oils like bergamot or lemongrass. These fresh, zesty fragrances blend to create a calming, cheerful scent that will gently guide your mind to a positive place.

Petitgrain oil is often used in perfumes. Its unique, woody orange scent makes it ideal in masculine fragrances, and it helps to create a distinctive, pleasant aroma for day-to-day wear.

Petitgrain essential oil benefits

With antibacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities, petitgrain is perfect for use on our skin. It’s often used to reduce redness, calm acne breakouts, and soothe blemishes. When used as a natural remedy for acne, it helps to fight the bacteria while bringing down the inflammation beneath spots.

Petitgrain’s many benefits run more than skin deep. Its scent isn’t only soothing for humans but seems to calm our feline friends too. Try diffusing petitgrain at home if your cat is skittish, and you should notice it has a calming effect on their disposition. It’s perfect before a trip to the vets when you need your cat to keep their cool.

Said to keep lower energies at bay, petitgrain essential oil has a deep scent that can relieve feelings of depression and reduce anxiety. Use petitgrain in your home diffuser during periods of stress, as its bitter orange scent can bring peace to a troubled spirit.

Petitgrain essential oil facts

Botanical name	Petitgrain bigarde
Plant part	Leaves and twigs
Extraction method	Steam
Origin	Italy
Colour	Pale yellow to amber
Consistency	Thin
Note	Top
Strength of aroma	Medium
Aromatic scent	Petitgrain essential oil smells like orange blossom with a herbaceous, woody, bitter undertone