Recognized by many aromatherapists, theessential oil of petit grain bigarade (Citrus aurantium var. amara) is extracted from the leafy branches of the sour orange tree. It belongs to the same botanical species as neroli or bitterorange, but its leaves give it a green, woody olfactory signature. A few drops in a warm bath or as a treatment cream are all it takes to soothe evening palpitations, promote deep mental relaxation or support difficult digestion. It can also be applied topically (taking the appropriate precautions) to soothe a cramp or accompany a temporary stiff neck. Thanks to its sedative and digestive properties, it is one of aromatherapy’s noble oils, often recommended by practitioners for mild hypertension or mood-related disorders.
Known for its relaxing, sedative and antispasmodic properties, it can be diffused in the air to create an atmosphere conducive to relaxation and sleep. Applied to the skin, diluted in a vegetable oil, it relieves muscular tension and promotes emotional balance.
Versatile, it can be combined with essential oil synergy with oils such asylang-ylang, roman chamomile Roman chamomile or lavender essential oil to reinforce its calming action.
This informative article guides you to discover its use, its indications in phytotherapy, the precautions to take, and why organic petit grain bigarade essential oil is a must-have for healthy, natural well-being.
What is petit grain bigarade essential oil?
Origin and extraction method
Petit grain bigaradier essential oil, also known as petit grain bigarade essential oil, comes from the bigaradier tree, a member of the Rutaceae or citrus family. This family also includes lemons and mandarins. Several distinct essential oils are extracted, depending on which part of the plant is distilled:
- Neroli essential oil, extracted from the flowers of the bitter orange tree (Citrus aurantium ssp amara).
- Bitter orange essential oil (not to be confused with sweet orange), obtained by pressing the zest of the fruit.
- Petitgrainessential oil, produced by distillation of leaves and young twigs.
Extraction is by complete steam distillation, a process that preserves the aromatic active ingredients and guarantees an Ecocert-certified extract of the highest organic quality.
Composition and main properties
L’petit grain bigarade essential oil contains several active compounds with recognized properties:
- Linalool (up to 50%): calming and anxiolytic, acts on the nervous system to reduce stress.
- Linalyl acetate: antispasmodic, muscle relaxant, recommended for nervous tension.
- Limonene: antibacterial and general tonic, improves skin regeneration.
Thanks to its chemical composition, it has sedative, soothing, antispasmodic and antibacterial properties, ideal for emotional, skin and muscle care.
It is chemically similar to True lavender essential oil.
Influence of terroir and distillation on the quality of petit grain bigarade essential oil
If theessential oil sour orange essential oil is often considered a standardized product, its quality in fact depends to a great extent on its geographical origin, the conditions under which the sour orange tree is grown (organic farming) and the methods used to obtain the oil. Boèmia selects a petit grain from Paraguay, for its high quality and olfactory subtlety.
Harvested leaves generally contain high concentrations of linalool and linalyl acetate, giving them a powerful relaxing effect.
The harvesting method and distillation period also play a key role: distillation at low pressure and over a long period of time better preserves volatile active ingredients and guarantees better therapeutic quality.
What are the benefits of petit grain bigarade essential oil?
Petit grain bigarade can easily be combined with other essential oils such as exotic basil or lemon, but on its own it offers an active, balancing palette of effects. It regulates sebum production, calms inflammatory acne and promotes regenerated skin. A few sprays of floral water or a neutral tablet applied internally (under medical supervision) can also complete a gentle protocol. This is a perfect example of synergy between science, tradition and simplicity of use, while respecting expert recommendations.
For emotional and mental well-being
- Soothes stress and nervousness by acting directly on the solar plexus.
- Sleep disorders: Helps you fall asleep, reduces insomnia and improves sleep quality.
- Helps manage emotions, ideal for people prone to mood swings.
- Acts on mental fatigue, promotes a feeling of general well-being.
For skin and hair
Rich in esters and monoterpene alcohols, petit grain bigarade essential oil both tones and repairs the skin. It has a gentle effect on skin problems, particularly those linked to stress, soothing skin tensions and rebalancing the emotions that may be present.
As a sebum regulator, it is ideal for combination to oily skin, purifying it while respecting its natural balance. Its healing and antiseptic properties promote skin regeneration and help reduce imperfections.
On the scalp, it supports balance while providing a gentle action, particularly in cases of stress or tension manifested by skin disorders or dull hair.
For muscle tension and body relaxation
- Anti-spasmodic, it relaxes contracted muscles and helps relieve muscular pain.
- Soothing when applied externally, especially for people prone to stress-related tension.
How do I use it?
Faced with all the information you can find in aromatherapy books or on websites, it’s easy to get lost. Here’s some information and advice on how to use this bewitchingly fragrant oil.
Atmospheric diffusion
Add 5 to 10 drops to a diffuser to create a relaxing atmosphere. In synergy, it goes well with :
- Ylang Ylang essential oil for a harmonizing effect.
- Roman chamomile essential oil for deep soothing.
For cutaneous application
Dilute 2 drops in a vegetable oil before applying to the solar plexus, wrists or nape of the neck for a calming effect. The cutaneous route is the most recommended use.
For use in the bath, use a solubol-type dispersant, or with milk.
Orally or internally (not for food use, under medical supervision)
This route can be taken under the supervision of a doctor of pharmacy or in consultation with a health professional trained in scientific aromatherapy, to help manage stress and anxiety. One drop of essential oil is placed in a teaspoon of honey or on a neutral tablet.
As a relaxing massage
In a vegetable oil 3 drops are enough for a relaxing massage, ideal after a stressful day. The cutaneous route is the benchmark for safe, effective use.
The influence of skin application on emotions: why the solar plexus is a key zone
We often recommend applying petit grain bigarade essential oil to the wrists or nape of the neck, but why is the solar plexus a particularly effective area?
The solar plexus is a highly innervated region linked to the autonomic nervous system. Its activation plays a role in managing emotions, stress and digestion.
When you apply a drop of an anxiolytic essential oil such as petit grain bigarade directly to the solar plexus, its absorption through the skin and its action on the parasympathetic nervous system create a rapid, deep relaxation effect.
Contraindications and precautions for use
Is petit grain bigarade essential oil safe for pregnant women?
- Its use is not recommended during the first three months of pregnancy.
- It can only be used from the fourth month onwards, diluted in a vegetable oil and under medical supervision. As with all oils, do not use during the first trimester.
- Diffusion, inhalation or olfaction are the routes of choice, in compliance with safety recommendations.
Who should avoid using it?
- Babies under 1 years of age. Diluted use is then possible for children.
- A skin test is recommended before use, even for allergy-free people. In fact, its chemical composition naturally contains linalool, a substance classified as allergenic.
- In the event of a reaction, side-effects or doubt, seek professional advice, such as a doctor’s consultation.
Where can I buy quality petit grain bigarade essential oil?
For optimum effectiveness, choose an organic essential oil, fully distilled by hand and packaged in a glass bottle to preserve its active ingredients.
Why choose Boèmia petit grain bigarade essential oil?
- Certified organic and responsibly grown.
- Complete distillation, guaranteeing maximum aromatic activity.
- Guaranteed traceability, with rigorous quality control.
Available for purchase at the point of sale, you can also order from our online store, with fast delivery. Stock availability is updated according to season.
Conclusion
L’petit grain bigarade essential oil is a precious ally, recommended for soothing stress, calming muscular tension and balancing the skin. Thanks to its sedative and antispasmodic properties, it can be easily integrated into a daily well-being routine.
A few well-used drops ofPetitgrain Bigarade essential oil, obtained by steaming the leaves of the organic Bitter Orange tree(Citrus aurantium var. amara), are a real ally in situations of nervous fatigue,anxiety or temporaryinsomnia. Its green, delicately rebalancing fragrance makes it an appropriate choice to supportmental equilibrium. Its relaxing action, often compared to that of true lavender, is particularly valuable at bedtime, diluted in a vegetable oil for a plexus massage or a few drops poured into a warm bath.
It can also complement a local treatment for acne-prone skin, thanks to its anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties. Unlike oils like tea tree, which are highly targeted, it offers a more global approach: digestive, spasmodic, soothing for cramps or even palpitations linked to stress.
Discover Boemia organicpetit grain bigarade essential oil in our online store and experience an exceptional product, designed with the utmost care for impeccable quality.
Camille Comet
Doctor of Pharmacy
