Neroli & Petitgrain

Neroli and petitgrain essential oil come from the bitter orange tree. Neroli oil is produced from bitter orange flowers while peel from the fruit yields bitter orange oil with a similar aroma to bergamot oil and lime oil. Petitgrain oil is produced from the fresh leaves and young branches of the bitter orange tree. Orange flower water is a by-product of neroli distillation. Take advantage of aromatherapy benefits with the fresh aroma of neroli used with orange pomanders studded with cloves to keep clothes smelling fresh and free of moths.

Neroli and petitgrain essential oil come from the bitter orange tree, an evergreen with shiny leaves, wiry greenish twigs, and very fragrant, waxy-white flowers. The bitter, sour fruit is rarely eaten. Often used in perfumery and flavoring, the peel of almost ripe fruit from the same tree yields bitter orange oil, similar in aroma to bergamot oil and lime oil.

Expensive neroli essential oil is steam distilled from freshly picked bitter orange flowers. Ideally, a large tree can yield up to 60 pounds of fresh flowers. Timing is critically important since once picked, flowers quickly lose their oil. Delicate care is also important since excessive handling immensely reduces oil quality and quantity.

Orange flower water, sold as a fragrant cosmetic ingredient, is a condensed water by-product of neroli distillation. This floral water is often available as a skin toning facial mist and is found in creams and lotions contributing astringency and aroma. Unfortunately, this fragrant water contains many unstable constituents prone to oxidation and rancidity. Unless immediately bottled and sealed in sterile containers or preserved with alcohol or other chemical preservatives, degradation occurs quickly. Be sure to read ingredient labels.

Originally Petitgrain, meaning small grains or fruits, was produced from the immature, hard green fruit of the tree. This is how it received its name, but today it is distilled from the fresh leaves and young branches, increasing the yield from mature fruit. Oil is sometimes distilled from unripe fruit that has fallen from the tree, but is not widely available or of reliably consistent quality.

Neroli and petitgrain oils may be produced simultaneously. The fully blooming trees are cut and the twigs and leaves separated from the blossoms. The yield of neroli may be extended by adding petitgrain, which is more easily obtained, adulterating the neroli and leaving a slightly bitter-woody nuance. Another adulterant is the more plentiful sweet orange flower oil, sometimes called neroli Portugal, which is thinner and less richly scented.

The bitter orange is thought to have originated as a wild tree in the Middle East. Today, a domesticated tree grows in countries surrounding the Mediterranean Sea with Italy and France being major producers of quality neroli and bitter orange oils. Tunisia, Morocco, and the U.S. produce these oils as well.

Although little historical medicinal use can be found, the aromas of the three oils (neroli, pettigrain, and bitter orange oil) have always been appreciated. English herbalist Gerard refers to an ancient book written by Theophrastus, who advised putting citrus fruits with clothes to scent fabric and repel moths. This practice remains today with the use of orange pomanders studded with cloves. Gerard also suggests the juice be used to treat worms and scorpion stings.

The fresh and comforting floral aroma of Neroli inspires relaxation, gentle strength, courage, quiet resolve, and happiness. Petitgrain’s fresh, stabilizing, reassuring, woody aroma inspires strength and commitment.

The perfect, fragrant blend of mixing neroli and petitgrain produces aromatherapy benefits that reinforce each other. Those experiencing sadness and lack of confidence find focus and reassurance with the use of neroli and strengthening petitgrain.

Combine 20 drops of neroli and 20 drops of petitgrain with 8 ounces of distilled water. Place the mixture in a bottle with a spray atomizer attachment. In times of stress shake the bottle, then lightly mist the face and inhale the aroma.

The blended oils can also be diffused using an aromatherapy lamp. Or try adding 3 drops of the mixture to a teaspoon of oil and use as a gently relaxing massage.

To learn more about aromatherapy, click Learn and view topics under Aromatherapy, Essential Oils, & Lavender. See items under Aromatherapy Oil Information & Recipes to learn more about individual essential oils and the plants from which they come with more aromatherapy recipes included.