Petitgrain Bigarade

Botanical Name: Citrus aurantium subsp. amara

Botany and Origins: Petitgrain is produced from the leaves of the bitter orange. It is an evergreen tree with long but not very sharp spines and very fragrant flowers. It is a native of southern China and northern-eastern India. The tree is cultivated in mild temperature, semitropical and tropical areas of the world like south of France, Italy, Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco, Spain, West Africa and Paraguay. The word petitgrain is derived from the French word meaning 'little seed', referring to the small unripe fruits from which the oil was originally obtained. The name was retained when the leaves and twigs became the main source. Oils obtained from the leaves of other citrus species such as lemon, bergamot and mandarin may also be labelled petitgrain.

The oil produced from Paraguay is referred to as petitgrain Paraguay while the oil from France is referred to as petitgrain bigarade. It has been suggested that the oil from France is of a superior quality. This is because the French producers are careful to use only the leaf and not include any of the wooden branches, nor any small unripe fruit. During the distillation, it is important to ensure that the leaf matter is distilled rapidly with wet steam to prevent hydrolysis of linalyl acetate, the most important constituent of petitgrain.

Method of Extraction: Petitgrain is steam distilled from the leaves.

Cultivation: Certified Organic

Historical and Traditional Uses: Most of the petitgrain oil available today comes from Paraguay. The plant was introduced to Paraguay in the 18th century by Spanish Jesuits. Petitgrain is an important raw material for perfumery, especially for Eau de Cologne and for scenting soaps.

Pharmacology and Clinical Studies: Petitgrain has been found to be effective against certain classes of bacteria.

Indications:

• Digestive System: Petitgrain is a digestive and antispasmodic and is recommended for the treatment of dyspepsia.
• Nervous System: Petitgrain oil has a stabilising effect on the nervous system. It is uplifting and refreshing and is recommended for nervous exhaustion and stress related conditions. It is similar to neroli in its action though the latter is considered more effective with serious state of depression. It is relaxing and may be used for the treatment of insomnia. Petitgrain is recommended for people with insomnia stemming from anguish due to solitude, from a refusal of celibacy and from emotional shortcomings that generate increasing troubles.
• Respiratory System: Petitgrain may be used to control nervous asthma in people with irritability, anxiety and depression.
• Skin Care: Petitgrain has a tonic effect on the skin and is helpful for acne, skin blemishes and helps to reduce overactive sebaceous glands. It is used in bath preparations and has deodorising properties.

Safety: Petitgrain oil is non-toxic, non-irritating and non-sensitising.

Country of Origin: Paraguay

Size: 10ml, 30ml, 50ml (for 100ml and above, please contact us)