Petitgrain

Citrus aurantium-var. amara—distilled from the leaves and twigs of the bitter orange tree.  Called Petitgrain Bigarade. Also known as "Orange Leaf."  Has a fresh floral, citrus scent with a woody, herbaceous undertone.  Used extensively as a fragrance component, especially colognes and as a flavoring in foods and confections.  There are several other petitgrains such as Mandarin, Lemon, Lime and Clementine, which have mostly the same attributes.

Generally considered non-toxic, non-sensitizing, non-irritating in low doses.  Dilute well for topical use. 

CHARACTER:  "Keeper of the Small Niceties" Revitalizing, Balancing, Restoring, Calm Clarity, Bright, but Grounded, Feels like “Breathe. Settle. Reset.”

ETHERIC COLORS: Greenish Saffron, Lemon-gold, Aqua-mist

NUMBER:  1       

CHAKRA:  Heart, Solar, Throat         

ELEMENT:  some say Air with Earth; others say Fire and Ether

NOTE:  Mid to Top 

MUSICAL: G, D; guitar, light classical strings, pastoral flute, calm instrumental pop           

ASTRO:  Jupiter, Mars, Venus, Sun, Gemini, Libra

GEM/CRYSTALS:  Chrysoprase, Iolite, Aventurine, Scolecite, Peridot, Rose Quartz, Blue Lace Agate, Fluorite, Citrine

ENERGY TYPE: Mostly 2, 4; Breezy 

CHEMICAL FAMILY:  Esters, Monoterpenols

USED FOR THESE POSITIVE ATTRIBUTES: Harmony, Uplifted, Joy, Relaxed, Inner vision, Self-confidence, Stability, Optimism, Expressive, Calm communication, Clear thinking

USED FOR THESE NEGATIVE STATES:  Disharmony, Confusion, Depression, Mental fatigue, Nervous exhaustion, Insomnia, Sadness, Disappointment, Rigidity, Betrayal, Anger, Irrational, Pessimism

USED FOR THESE PHYSICAL STATES: Skin and hair problems, digestive upsets, respiratory infections, arthritis, circulation, muscle spasms, hypertension, nervous disorders

PROPERTIES: antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic 

Blends well with ROSEMARY, LAVENDER, GERANIUM, BERGAMOT, ORANGE, ORANGE BLOSSOM, CLARY SAGE, JASMINE, PALMAROSA, CLOVE, and the BALSAMS.

BLENDS CONTAINING: Eucalyptus Grove,  Into The Woods,  Manipura, Obsidian, Princess Bride,  Timberline, Tree of Life,  Way of the Leaf,  Wood Badge, 

May Contain: 40-80% esters, mainly linalyl acetate, geranyl acetate, linalol, nerol, terpinol, geraniol, nerolidol, farnesol, limonene

ARCHETYPES:  COUNSELOR, HARMONIZER, PROVIDER, MEDIATOR, ADVOCATE, DIPLOMAT, STEADY COMPANION, HEALER

PERSONALITY:

+Similar to the firstborn of a family, often carrying the responsibility for the siblings. But, not overloaded, because they can have tremendous energy.

+Providers of comfort and emotional nourishment.

+Appears to be in control, capable, and never fazed, but are often underestimated and not given the recognition they deserve.

+They gently, guide, counsel, do all the work, while others take the credit.

+Respected at work and deemed responsible and steady.

+Make stimulating company and are good conversationalists if given the chance.

+They are interested  in other people’s opinions and polite.

+Appear contented and would never admit to being otherwise.

+”Keepers of the small niceties” that keep this world from getting out of control.

+Takes the time and effort to point out both the good and bad and try to present as many sides to the story as possible..

+Basically optimistic and can stimulate others to change. Can harmonize the most fraught situation.  Has a calm that transposes people, giving them confidence.

+A provider who makes sure there’s money in the bank for a rainy day.

+Not usually too well off, because the promotions at work are given to the “whiz kids.”

+Usually the anchors of the workplace and are just too valuable to move upward.

+Attracted to jobs such as government office or hospital administration that are not big moneymakers.  May dream of being an adventurer or film star, but wouldn’t try something so ambitious.

+Fall in love very deeply.  Have a warm nature, but not fiery or passionate.

+Complex characters with profound spirituality and wisdom.

-If negative, may become disillusioned, irritable, and their energy level drops.

This may happen if they want advancement, but the way is blocked.

(updated Feb. 26, 2026)