Petitgrain (Citrus aurantium var. amara) Paraguay

Petitgrain is distilled from the leaves and twigs of the Bitter Orange tree, which also gives us essential oil of Bergamot from its fruit peels and Neroli from its flowers. In the past, the small, unripe fruit was often mixed in with the leaves, giving the oil its name of ‘small grains.’   Chemical constituents of Petitgrain essential oil include geraniol, linalool, nerol, y-terpineol, geranyl acetate, linalyl acetate, and myrcene. This combination of naturally occurring chemicals makes Petitgrain a natural deodorant.   Petitgrain is antispasmodic. It can be combined with Orange and Black Pepper in a massage oil to stop muscle spasms, as well as stimulate circulation and drain lymph.   The skin also benefits from Petitgrain. Twenty drops of Petitgrain combined with 10 drops of Lemon diluted in one ounce of Grapeseed carrier oil can be used for acne and oily skin. Fifty drops of Petitgrain added to a 4 oz. bottle of liquid castile soap helps to tighten and tone skin all over the body.