PLANT OIL DU JOUR: PETITGRAIN
Petitgrain is my official essential oil du jour. I have made a special edition single note GrayFlores oil blend that celebrates it. The oil is distilled from the leaves of the Bitter Orange, an evergreen of which Neroli is also distilled from the blossoms. Neroli will always and forever be my most beloved essential oil. But lately Petitgrain is holding my attention.
It is softly orange, freshly green, with a hint of clean citrusy blossom and a woody undertone. It is at once relaxing and uplifting. There's a gentle liveliness about it that I find absolutely optimistic. It is said to activate the intellect and bring clarity, which all comes in very handy for those who get lost in dark clouds with the change in season.
Petitgrain (when used in safe dilutions) is beautifully tonic for your skin. It helps balance out oiliness and clear blemishes without drying.
We've been dousing ourselves in the new oil blend from head to toe and adding a couple dashes of straight Petitgrain to the burner. This house is all smiles. Productive and happy!
Rare stipple copper plate engraving from Joseph Risso & Pierre Poiteau's Histoire Naturelle des Orangers (Natural History of Oranges) available for purchase at Panteek.