When you experience a cut or wound, you probably just apply some antiseptics and a band-aid to it and move on. Don’t be surprised then if it turns yellow and becomes infected! You’ll have to make a trip to the doctor and get shots and antibiotics to kill off the infection. It may even lead to things like fever if not properly treated! For centuries, Petitgrain essential oil has been used to get rid of harmful and infectious bacteria. It could be the key to avoiding such unnecessary and uncomfortable situations in the future.
I feel petitgrain essential oil can also be a bit of a wildcard. I found that not everyone takes to it the same, but I am still learning how to use it in the best way. In the article below, I will attempt to transfer some of my experience with petitgrain essential oil over to you. Let’s start at the beginning, shall we?
What is Petitgrain Essential Oil? Where Does it Come From?
Petitgrain essential oil is created by steam distilling the young, green twigs
The origins of petitgrain essential oil are rooted in the bitter orange tree (aka Citrus × aurantium). This is a tree which is native to southeast Asia, but nowadays it is grown all over the world. It’s a hybrid form, a cross between pomelo and mandarin (Citrus maxima and Citrus reticulata, respectively). There are different varieties of bitter orange, and they are used extensively in the health, wellness, and fragrance industries.
The essential oil itself is produced by steam distillation of different parts of the tree, including the leaves, twigs, and branches. The oil is also called petitgrain bigarade, in order to differentiate it from other petitgrain oils with somewhat different chemical compositions.
This is a citrus oil which acts as an antiseptic, antibacterial, a mild sedative, and a deodorant. Unlike other citrus oils, which are usually produced by cold compression of peels and such, the essential oil of petitgrain is created by steam distilling the young, green twigs. This produces an oil which is unique, even among the long list of citrus oils.
Petitgrain Essential Oil Benefits For Hair Explained
As a citrus oil, it has a lot of well-known benefits for the hair and scalp
So, how can petitgrain oil help us out? First of all, let’s take a look at what it can do for our hair. As a citrus oil, it has a lot of well-known benefits for the hair and scalp. Use a few drops in water, or add some to your favorite natural hair care product, and it will give your scalp and hair follicles an extended break from dryness, itchiness, excess oils, and infection.
Our scalp produces its own oils, which is why it is best not to use products which interfere with that process. The body normally knows what’s good for it, and the scalp strives to exist in harmony and homeostasis with the rest of the body’s organs. But sometimes, we need a helping hand to manage the situation and bring back balance. This is where oils like petitgrain can seriously come in handy. It’s not meant to replace the body’s natural processes, but rather to aid the body in doing what it does best.
Petitgrain Essential Oil Benefits For Skin & Acne Explained
It can help your skin stay younger, smoother, tighter, and more gentle
Our skin, and our facial skin in particular, is tough, yet sensitive. In some ways, it acts as a wondrous barrier and protector for our bodies, keeping us safe from innumerable external threats. On the other hand, it is our largest and most regularly exposed organ, which means that it carries with it the burden of being inflicted with spots, scars, blemishes, and other such conditions. The facial skin is also quite high in glandular activity, which is why any kind of hormonal or pH imbalance can manifest itself clearly, in the form of acne of varying kinds.
Petitgrain can play a very active part in the protection and revitalization of the skin, and in particular the facial skin. Some types of skin are more prone to spots. Some are oilier than others. Some are more adept at fighting bacteria than others. This has to do with a person’s diet, lifestyle, state of health and genetic disposition. So, while it is true that some things are beyond our immediate control, using petitgrain oil could be part of your solution. It possesses cleansing properties, and when used in moderation, this oil can help to bring balance to a body which is otherwise unbalanced.
Many problems stem from the lack or excess of sebum, the body’s natural oil. Being able to clear up the excess oils, or stimulate the sebum-secreting glands to produce more sebum, is the key to a lot of solutions. This is not to say that this oil is a miracle worker. If you stuff your face with oily foods, don’t exercise, and basically let yourself go, don’t be surprised if these oils don’t seem to have an effect. They may not, if the situation demands for a more in-depth solution or treatment.
Plant medicine is great, but it will only take you so far. It is on you to change your habits and up your positive nutrient intake. Our skin reacts well to things which are agreeable to it. Give this oil a shot, in whatever form you choose, and see if it can help your skin stay younger, smoother, tighter, and more gentle.
Antibiotics are still something of a hot issue. Good for you, bad for you, whatever you feel about them, there usually isn’t someone without an opinion about it. Sometimes, there is no choice but to fight fire with fire, and use antibiotics. However – and this is also true as a preventive measure – there are more natural ways of stimulating the body’s defenses and building up its immune system.
Bitter oranges contain chemical compounds which make them strong natural antibiotics: flavonoids, limonoids, linalool, linalyl, geraniol and a natural form of acetate for instance. These can be employed to combat different illness which are more commonly treated with antibiotics. I am not here to state an opinion on the harmful or helpful nature of man-made antibiotics, but just to say that there can be other ways and other treatments which modern western medicine may not advocate.
Mainstream antibiotics have the tendency to demolish cells which they encounter. This leaves you cured of this specific illness or condition, but somewhat vulnerable to further attacks. This is why, whenever you go through a series of antibiotics, you may feel like you were beaten with sack of potatoes.
Again, we mustn’t ignore the preventive usefulness of this oil. It can be consumed, ingested, or inhaled on a daily basis, and this can help your body rid itself of toxins and bacteria. Our body’s immune system needs strengthening, just like any other part, function, or organ. A healthier and more vital immune system is more effective at driving off threats.
As mentioned before, a healthy, balanced diet and lifestyle should be maintained. Otherwise, you could use this oil every single day and still see no improvements. Remember, it is no miracle worker. It works alongside the body’s proper functions and not in their stead.
Petitgrain Essential Oil Scent Described
The scent of the petitgrain oil is mild and woody
The scent of the petitgrain oil is mild, woody, and citrus-like, but it is not as sweet and noticeable as similar scents of the same “orange” origin, like lemon and neroli. It is primarily used as a basis for more floral scents, and it can be used in any number of combinations. If you are looking for unique, subtle undertones to a certain scent, using petitgrain is one way to get that done. Sometimes you don’t want to have a scent which has an in-your-face quality, and this is where the oil of petitgrain becomes most useful.
How To Make Your Own DIY Petitgrain Essential Oil Infusion
Fill a glass jar with the oils, and leave it out in the sun for a few days
This DIY is an infusion of oil, and not a way to make the oil itself. If you want to produce the oil, it can help to have some steam distillation abilities. Alas, most of us do not possess the necessary know-how, nor the equipment, for such an endeavor.
What we do have, though, is a way to create an infusion which can lengthen your existing supply of petitgrain essential oil, and make it even milder, so that it can be used topically without too much concern. Obviously, everything should be in moderation. It stays effective, but is not as potent as pure essential oil.
Like other infusions, what is necessary is a carrier oil, such as olive oil or another vegetable oil. Fill a glass jar with the oils, and leave it out in the sun for a few days. The two will mix together, providing you with an olive oil-like substance with petitgrain-like properties. You may have to experiment with quantities and methods, but most infusions work this way. The difference is that with other infusions, you can usually take the necessary parts from the actual plant. If you can find some petitgrain and work it in such a way, go for it! Let me know the results!
This may be one of the lesser-known essential oils – at least when compared to its more popular citrus-family brothers – but that doesn’t make it any less valuable or effective. It is a kind of oil which can act as the perfect alternative for other, more potent, more pungent oils. In aromatherapy, it is used mainly for its calming effect on the nerves. Its qualities as a very mild sedative are part of its allure. Hybrid trees really are something, and their essential oils are just as special.
