Petitgrain the Hidden Treasure

With all the pictures of lovely green fruit you’d think Petitgrain came from the rind of the fruit like grapefruit or lemon but it actually comes from the leaves and twigs. Petitgrain is a hidden treasure that is often overshadowed by its beautiful sister Neroli and even called poor man’s Neroli. I’m stunned the versatility of this amazingly complex oil.

Petitgrain really is a game changer. For most moms, we reach for Lavender when we want to calm or soothe and encourage sleep. But try and give a boy a little and they make the sign of the cross and yell that they aren’t smelling ‘girly’; their dads aren’t much better. For some reason Lavender brings images of lady’s soap and perfume. So what is a mom to do? Reach for Petitgrain. It works very similarly and it doesn’t smell like it came from your special soap stash. You can diffuse it, spritz a little on their pillow or make a roller ball with Fractionated Coconut oil and swipe it on their feet.

So what does Petitgrain smell like? It is described as having a citrus, fresh, floral, woodsy and herbal scent. For me, I pick up a hint of lime and a touch of black pepper. The lightest brush of floral and it is without question a fresh scent. If it were a perfume I’d put it in the ‘green’ category. I don’t pick up a strong herbal note, which I’m glad since that isn’t one of my favorites.

Why do I think Petitgrain is such a hidden treasure? This oil is literally a head to toe oil. There is so much it can do I suspect we are just scratching the surface.

Primary Benefits:

Help support healthy cardiovascular function
Provide antioxidant support
Support healthy immune system
Promote restful sleep
Support Nervous System Function
Soothe digestive system
Ease tension
Cleansing properties

Emotions:

Uplifting
Calming
Soothing
Relaxing

How to use:

Diffuse 3-4 drops to help with emotions and mood.
Internal 1 drop per 4 ounce of liquid
Topical use 1 -2 drops diluted with carrier oil. I teaspoon for adults and 1 tablespoon for children. Petitgrain is on the lower range of oils that cause skin sensitivity so smaller amounts may work for adults.
Make a roller ball with 15 drops for adults, 6 drops for children and apply topically to support immune, digestive, cardiovascular systems.
Add 1 -2 drops to 4 ounce of water to help support immune, digestive, cardiovascular systems. Also helpful for flatulence. (Adults).
Make a spray with 6 drops of Petitgrain a couple drops of vodka and water for a night time spray for pillows and bedding.
Add a few drops to shampoo for greasy hair.
Add a few drops to your deodorant recipe (or to your deodorant) to help with excessive perspiration.
Apply diluted to abdomen for stomach cramps.
Add or use in place of other essential oils in homemade surface cleaner recipes.

Blending:

Blends well with Bergamot, Cassia, Cinnamon, Citronella, Geranium, Lemon, Lemongrass, Lime, Tangerine, Jasmine, Rosemary, Wild Orange, and Clary Sage.

So Petitgrain, I owe you an apology for ignoring you for so long. Trust me, that has changed and now you’ll be one of my go to oils.

Here are some recipes for you to diffuse and enjoy! Please let me know if you like them.

Need to diffuse something to knock the kiddos out? Try diffusing this (works for grownups too).

Some days you just need something to lift you up high! This diffuser blend will turn your day around.

When I’m getting wound up and need a reset my husband always tells me all I have to do is just take a deep breath and take a step back and decide how I want the day to go. It doesn’t work for me but this does. (Can you tell he is a psych major?)