Bitter Orange (Petitgrain) Essential Oil (Citrus × junos)

Overview

Orange, Bitter (Petitgrain) may also be referred to as Sour Orange, Sevilla Orange, Petitgrain, Neroli, Citrus Aurantium, Neroli/Petitgrain co-distill, Citrus Aurantium Var Amara. It is typically processed in Spain, Italy, France, Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco, Uganda, Ivory Coast, Paraguay, Brazil, Argentina, and China using steam distilled as a method for extracting oil from the citrus rind (peel) or flower blossoms, leaves.

Summary

As the name implies, Bitter Orange Essential Oil possesses a bitter orange aroma reminiscent of a cross between the sweetness of Sweet Orange Essential Oil and the slight bitterness ofGrapefruit Essential Oil. Although it's favored by some individuals, I have less experience in use of this particular oil. I personally tend to lean towards using sweet orange, grapefruit and the other citrus oils.

Bitter Orange Essential Oil is phototoxic. Refer to the safety information mentioned below.

Bitter Orange (Petitgrain) Essential Oil

Essential Facts

Aroma Description:
Citrus Floral Fresh Fruity Slightly bitter Sweet
Common Name(s): Sour Orange, Sevilla Orange, Petitgrain, Neroli, Citrus Aurantium, Neroli/Petitgrain co-distill, Citrus Aurantium Var Amara
Synonyms(s) for Citrus × junos: Citrus aurantium subsp. junos, Citrus medica junos, Citrus medica subf. junos, Citrus sechen, Citrus sechen subsp. sjanchen, Citrus × aurantium junos, Citrus × hsiangyuan, Citrus × wilsonii
Botanical Family: Rutaceae
Botanical Genus: Citrus
Major Compounds: Linalool, (+)-Limonene, Linalyl Acetate, (E)-B-Ocimene, a-Terpineol, B-Pinene, Geranyl Acetate, (E)-Nerolidol, Geraniol
Perfumery Note: Middle
Consistency: Thin
Strength of Initial Aroma: Medium
Color: Yellowish Orange to Greenish Orange
Countries of Production: Spain, Italy, France, Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco, Uganda, Ivory Coast, Paraguay, Brazil, Argentina, and China
Indigenous Country: Southeast Asia
Processing Methods: Steam Distilled
Part Typically Used: Citrus Rind (Peel) or flower blossoms, leaves
Conservation Status: [NE] Not Evaluated

Ethically and sustainably sourced
Organic
Vegan

Essential Details

Benefits & Uses

Blends

Orange, Bitter (Petitgrain) Blends:

Cinnamon Clary Sage Clove Grapefruit Lemon Lime Myrrh Sandalwood Sandalwood - New Caledonia Tangerine

Cautions & Safety

Cautions when using Orange, Bitter (Petitgrain):

Bitter Orange Essential Oil isphototoxic. Tisserand and Young recommend a dermal maximum of 1.25% to avoid risk of phototoxic reaction. Avoid using Bitter Orange Oil that has oxidized due to a greater risk of skin sensitization. Reading Tisserand and Young's full profile is recommended. [Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young, Essential Oil Safety (Second Edition. United Kingdom: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier, 2014), 87, 371.]

Safety Precautions for Orange, Bitter (Petitgrain):

Do not take any oils internally and do not apply undiluted essential oils, absolutes, CO2s or other concentrated essences onto the skin without advanced essential oil knowledge or consultation from a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. If you are pregnant, epileptic, have liver damage, have cancer, or have any other medical problem, use oils only under the proper guidance of a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. Use extreme caution when using oils with children and be sure to first read the recommended dilution ratios for children. Consult a qualified aromatherapy practitioner before using oils with children, the elderly, if you have medical issues or are taking medications. For in-depth information on oil safety issues, read Essential Oil Safety by Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young.