Essential oil - Organic bitter orange petitgrain

• INCI Name Citrus aurantium amara leaf/twig oil
• Botanical name: Citrus aurantium L. ssp. amara
• Part of the plant extracted: Fresh twigs and leaves
• Extraction method: Steam distillation

Cultivation & Origin

The bitter orange tree was first identified in India, before being imported to Syria in the 940s. Traces of its cultivation were then found in Sicily, and then in Spain, in Malaga and Granada.
The bitter orange tree was traditionally used as a highly prized ornamental tree due to its beautiful persistent green foliage and the very fragrant scent of its flowers. At that time, the medicinal properties of the bitter orange tree were also exploited, particularly for making liniment, deodorant, and for producing essential oil. The bitter orange tree continued its expansion worldwide, where it can now be found in the United States, Mexico, and Brazil.
The bitter orange flower is used for the production of orange blossom hydrosol and neroli essential oil. The fruit itself is generally cooked to make jam. Its zest is also used to make liqueurs.

Health Benefits

Helps fight respiratory infections:

• Like other linalool-rich essential oils, bitter orange petitgrain essential oil effectively fights viruses and bacteria. Diffused into the ambient air or applied as a massage diluted in a vegetable oil, it helps to regain comfort in case of respiratory tract infections. For this use, it can be used alone or in combination with other essential oils such as eucalyptus or ravintsara to optimize its properties.

Calms stress and anxiety:

• Like its cousin, sweet orange essential oil, organic bitter orange petitgrain essential oil has very powerful calming and relaxing properties. It is therefore very often found in the formulation of essential oil-based sprays to promote restful sleep.
  It effectively helps to rebalance the nervous system and naturally fight stress and anxiety. Its use before bedtime helps the body to relax, in combination with other essential oils such as true lavender, for example.

Helps relieve tension:

• The relatively high linalool concentration of bitter orange petitgrain essential oil also makes it a natural ally for helping to relieve muscle tension. By acting as a local anesthetic, it helps to regain comfort and limit inflammation. For this use, it is recommended to dilute it in a vegetable oil and apply it with light massages to the affected areas. It will also be recommended to improve well-being in cases of painful periods in women, by massaging it on the lower abdomen.

Cosmetic Properties

Purifies combination to oily skin:

• Antibacterial and anti-infectious, organic bitter orange petitgrain essential oil will also be an interesting essential oil to use in cosmetics.
  Applied to the skin diluted in a vegetable oil or incorporated into toners or creams, it helps to rebalance sebum production and purify the skin, especially combination, oily or blemish-prone skin.
  Its anti-inflammatory and healing properties will delight acne-prone skin, by stimulating skin regeneration in case of breakouts.

Regenerates and revitalizes dull skin:

• Repairing, regenerating and toning, organic bitter orange petitgrain essential oil can also be recommended for skin lacking radiance.
  It brings sensoriality to homemade cosmetic treatments, especially body care, and will help protect the skin from dryness and discomfort. In facial care, it helps to brighten the skin.

Fights dandruff:

• As on the skin, bitter orange petitgrain essential oil helps to purify the scalp. Its sebum-regulating properties make it an interesting oil to incorporate into hair care, particularly anti-dandruff shampoos or masks.
  For this use, you can use it as an oil bath, in combination with a vegetable oil and other essential oils such as tea tree or rose geranium, leaving it on for 30 minutes before proceeding with your usual shampoo.

Usage Tips

Antispasmodic and rebalancing, it is mainly used for its cosmetic properties and its exceptional anti-stress benefits. It is particularly recommended to facilitate sleep, reharmonize mood and fight muscle spasms of nervous origin.

In cosmetic use, it cares for all skin types, but especially combination to oily skin, as well as dull skin.
It can also be diffused into the air in combination with other essential oils to limit the proliferation of viruses and bacteria.
Finally, its very pleasant floral and fragrant scent makes it a highly appreciated essential oil for making natural perfumes, hair or body care products, and massage oils for relaxation purposes.

Organic bitter orange petitgrain essential oil blends wonderfully with sweet orange, true lavender, mandarin or marjoram essential oils to enhance its calming and relaxing benefits.
On the skin and hair, it can be combined with tea tree, palmarosa or cineole rosemary essential oils.