Health Benefits:

Unlike neroli, petitgrain does not have a long history of therapeutic use. Until recently it was used exclusively for perfumery purposes. Both neroli and petitgrain, however, are notable for their calming, centering, uplifting effect. Both are supportive to all body systems, and are known to promote musculoskeletal health and encourage a balanced monthly cycle for women when topically applied. Employed in direct inhalation, both can regulate digestive function and support the body to smooth and settle cramps and spasms. Similarly applied, both the emotional and physical heart may be soothed and supported by the use of neroli/petitgrain oil. This blend is well suited for use when convalescing after illness. Petitgrain and neroli co-distillation finds use for enhancing skin health and balance, improving tone, texture and clarity. 

The calming and settling effect of neroli/petitgrain renders it useful to promote calm and relaxation, uplift mood, reduce stress, and support the body to stabilized after shock or trauma. A tonic and restorative to the brain, diffused neroli/petitgrain soothes and uplifts the mind while relaxing the body.  Nerol/petitgrain can also promote deep, restful sleep. A well-known oil used to inspire sensual moods, neroli/petitgrain can be used in a bath or diluted in a massage oil to honor a loved one.

How to Use:

Neroli/petitgrain essential oil can be applied topically, as a compress, in the bath, through direct inhalation, or diffuser.

Mix several drops into your favorite unscented face cream to enhance skin health.

Use in direct palm inhalation to promote tranquility.

Add several drops in bathwater to assist with convalescence, and to calm and relax the mind and body.

Diffuse neroli/petitgrain to calm and center body, mind and spirit.

More Information:

Neroli and petitgrain both come from the bitter orange tree, whose blossoms are picked and must immediately be distilled to avoid decay to the delicate flowers which will become neroli oil. Typically the blossoms are distilled first, producing neroli essential oil. The water soluble component is bottled as orange blossom water. Next follows distillation of the leaves, resulting in petitgrain oil. The rind of the fruit, at maturity, is expeller pressed to produce bitter orange oil. One hundred kilograms of flowers produces a maximum of 1,000 grams (one kilo) of neroli oil, making it a very precious and costly oil. Owing to its high cost, neroli oil is very commonly adulterated, either with petitgrain or synthetics, which compromises both the therapeutic qualities and aromatic profile.

Petitgrain now refers to the distillation of leaves, and sometimes twigs, of a citrus tree. In earlier days petitgrain oil was extracted from the small, unripe green fruit of various citrus trees. This proved economically unviable, however, as it resulted in a much smaller harvest of ripe fruit, so the name was transferred to the distillation of leaves and twigs. Petitgrain oil may be produced from bergamot, lemon, mandarin, and sweet orange leaves. Petitgrain of neroli is a classic ingredient in traditional French eau de cologne and has been used extensively in the perfumery industry, particularly as a substitute for the more costly neroli oil.

David Crow on Neroli: "Neroli is the fragrance of orange trees blossoming under the Moroccan and Tunisian sun. It is the fragrance that greets farmers as they begin another spring day of harvesting, gently plucking the tiny golden gems that shine from inside green citrus foliage. Many factors will influence the quality of the neroli oil: each blossom must be plucked when it is just starting to open; the buds must be gathered only on warm sunny days; the flowers cannot be bruised; leaflets and petioles must not be mixed in. By the end of the day, the clothing and weather-aged hands of the dark-skinned harvesters will be saturated with an intoxicating aroma desired by queens and empresses, sheiks and maharajas." Read the full article Neroli-Sweet Sunlight.

Safety Guidelines:

Safety Considerations for Neroli/Petitgrain Oil:

Non-toxic, non-sensitizing, non-irritant. Do not take neroli/petitgrain essential oil internally.

Aromatic Profile & Blending:

Aromatic Profile and Blending of Neroli/Petitgrain Oil:

Perfumery Note: Top
Odor: Fresh, floral, woody, citrusy
Strength of Initial Aroma: Medium to strong
Blends well with: all citrus oils, especially bergamot and bitter orange; also wood oils such as frankincense, rosewood, and sandalwood; and florals like geranium, rose, and lavender

Product Details:

Botanical Name: Citrus aurantium var. amara 
Family: Rutaceae 
Composition: 100% Pure Neroli and Petitgrain oil
Origin: South Africa
Method of Extraction: Steam distilled
Cultivation/Harvesting: Certified Organic
Plant Part: Blossoms, leaves, and twigs of the bitter orange tree
Color: Clear to pale yellow
Consistency: Mobile
Yield: ~.5%

Bottle Size: 1 dram (3.75 ml)

Why Buy From Floracopeia:

Floracopeia was established to help preserve and promote the use of botanical medicines as solutions to the widespread ecological destruction taking place in the world, and the loss of medicinal plants on which traditional medical systems depend. We provide our customers with the highest quality essential oils and other botanical aromatic treasures through the promotion of ecological sustainability, organic agriculture, and agro-forestry projects.

Our products are acclaimed for their therapeutic-grade, high quality at affordable prices. We provide artisanal quality oils produced by small family-based distillers. We buy directly from farmers and distillers, thus supporting the local economies in which the plants are grown. We do not buy oils from the world-brokers. Floracopeia is founded with a strong medical orientation and is involved in a number of global eco-projects based in grass roots health care, spirituality, reforestation projects, and the preservation and restoration of ethno-botanical culture.