Elegant Savage

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EO Spotlight: PETITGRAIN

The botanical name for the orange plant is Citrus Aurantium. The French name Petitgrain means ‘little grains’ or ‘little seeds’. It acquired this name because Petitgrain essential oil was initially extracted from unripe oranges that were just in the size of cherries. No part of the citrus plant goes to waste.

Typically essential oil of orange is cold pressed from the peels and if you have ever smelled the divine floral scent of neroli it is the flowers which are distilled from this same plant for a completely different aroma. Petitgrain is also from this same orange plant but it’s the leaves and twigs that are now distilled for yet another lovely aroma that can be described as fresh, floral, and slightly herbaceous.

Since the primordial times, this oil has been considered an aphrodisiac and important ingredient of the classic ‘Eau-de-Cologne’. It is still extensively used in the perfume and cosmetics industries due to its remarkable aroma. Numerous Complementary and Alternative Medical systems have recorded the traditional use of this oil for supporting digestion, nervous exhaustion and skin disorders. English herbalist Gerard suggests bitter juices of Citrus fruits for treating venomous bites, stings and worms. Theophrastus, the antique book talks about the use of oranges for scenting fabrics and warding off moths.

 

The chief constituents of this oil are gamma terpineol, geraniol, geranyl acetate, linalool, linalyl acetate, myrcene, neryl acetate and trans ocimene. Because of these therapeutic compounds Petitgrain has been used throughout time to promote health.

  • May help support healthy cardiovascular function*

  • May provide antioxidant support*

  • May support healthy immune function*

  • May help promote a restful sleep*

Three ways to use this oil include:

1. Health benefits as a massage oil or bath oil: Abhyanga or Ayurvedic massage is the ultimate therapy for relaxing the mind and comforting the body with the use of Ayurvedic essential oils. Skin is the best channel that aids the blood passage to absorb the therapeutic properties present in such essential oils and pass it on to the entire body and the psyche. A classic Ayurvedic massage is known to augment blood circulation, calm the mind, promote mental energy and enlighten the soul.

2. Benefits to the system when added to vaporizers or diffusers: Fragrance, scent, aroma, smell or odor, whatever form it may be has a strong impact on your sensory receptors  followed by the entire behavioral and emotional set-up. Adding 2 drops of Petitgrain essential oil to your air freshener, diffuser, vaporizer or burner will help you in attaining greater heights as it boosts the intellectual power, helps restore emotions, instills self- acceptance and self-love.

3. Nourishes your skin as a trusted topical application: Petitgrain essential oil is lighter and refreshing than Neroli or Bitter Orange oil, making it more suitable for skin problems when 3 to 4 drops of this oil are added to skin care creams and lotions. Petitgrain oil plays a vital role in skin care as it helps clear skin blemishes, acne and oily skin. When used after a bath it keeps your skin moisturized all through the day.

By sourcing this oil through my doTERRA store you are helping small farmers while protecting the environment. This is because doTERRA is sourcing their Petitgrain from Paraguay through their Co-Impact Sourcing® initiative. doTERRA is able to support needed rural community development projects and provide diversified income for small-scale farmers. This approach provides an economically viable alternative to clear-cutting land, dramatically helping to protect the remaining patches of the Atlantic Rainforest in eastern Paraguay.

To purchase this oil visit my oil store at my.doterra.com/elegantsavage

(*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.)