While the essence extracted from the tangerine peel is one of the greatest allies of the nervous system, the essential oil extracted from the tree's leaf is considered one of the most potent relaxants in aromatherapy. The main molecule in this essential oil (methyl N-methylanthranilate) is found in much higher concentrations here than in any other essential oil. It is credited with antidepressant properties, but it is also used in perfumery and to create food aromas. The scent of the essential oil is surprising and does not resemble the smell of tangerine at all.
Properties of Mandarin Petitgrain Essential Oil
Antispasmodic: Relieves muscle or digestive spasms.
Antiseptic: Eliminates pathogens from the environment.
Bactericidal: Useful against bacteria that affect our health.
Nervous tonic: Helps us regain nervous balance.
Digestive: Relieves digestive issues related to stress.
Practical Uses and Applications of Tangerine Petitgrain
The essential oil of tangerine petitgrain has traditionally been used to help in the following situations:
Digestive system: Helps eliminate gas and controls indigestion.
Skin: Acne, excessively oily hair, seborrhea.
Nervous system: Stress, insomnia, anxiety, panic.
Muscles: Relieves muscle contractures due to nerves, spasms, and pain.
Recipes with Tangerine Petitgrain Essential Oil
IN MASSAGE
- For muscle relaxation: Use a blend of 3-4 drops of Petitgrain EO with 3-4 drops of Lavender EO and 2 drops of Roman Chamomile EO, mixed with a teaspoon of Grape Seed Oil, and apply to the muscles.
- To balance the nervous system: Apply 3-4 drops of Petitgrain diluted in a teaspoon of Almond Oil along the spine and over the shoulders, twice a day.
- To regulate oily skin: Mix 5 drops of Petitgrain with 5 drops of Rosemary in 30ml of Jojoba oil. Apply at night as a serum.
IN DIFFUSION
- To relax the atmosphere and improve communication: Add 4 drops of Petitgrain, 2 drops of Ylang-Ylang, and 3 drops of Bergamot to 100ml of water in an ultrasonic diffuser.
IN COSMETICS
- For oily skin and acne: Combine two or three drops with a tablespoon of jojoba vegetable oil for an astringent, sebum-regulating blend.
OTHER RECIPES
Mandarin Petitgrain essential oil is an excellent addition to any personal care routine. Here are three cosmetic recipes where this essential oil brings its relaxing, antiseptic, and toning properties:
- Revitalizing Facial Toner for Combination Skin
Ingredients:
- 50 ml rose water
- 1 tablespoon vegetable glycerin
- 10 drops of mandarin petitgrain essential oil
- 5 drops of geranium essential oil
- 5 drops of vitamin E (optional)
Instructions:
- In a spray bottle, mix the rose water and vegetable glycerin.
- Add the mandarin petitgrain and geranium essential oils, along with the vitamin E if using.
- Shake well before each use.
- Spray on clean face morning and night, avoiding the eye area. This toner revitalizes and balances combination skin, adding freshness and radiance.
- Hydrating and Relaxing Body Cream
Ingredients:
- 100 ml shea butter
- 50 ml jojoba oil
- 15 drops of mandarin petitgrain essential oil
- 5 drops of lavender essential oil
- 5 drops of sweet orange essential oil
Instructions:
- Melt the shea butter in a double boiler until liquid.
- Add the jojoba oil and stir well.
- Remove from heat and let it cool slightly before adding the mandarin petitgrain, lavender, and sweet orange essential oils.
- Mix everything well and pour the cream into a dark jar.
- Apply to the skin after showering for deep hydration and a relaxing aroma that will last throughout the day.
- Nourishing Hair Mask for Dry Hair
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon argan oil
- 10 drops of mandarin petitgrain essential oil
- 5 drops of ylang-ylang essential oil
Instructions:
- Mix the coconut and argan oils in a bowl.
- Add the mandarin petitgrain and ylang-ylang essential oils.
- Apply the mixture to dry hair, massaging the scalp and working down to the ends.
- Leave on for 30 minutes to 1 hour, then wash with your usual shampoo. This mask deeply nourishes the hair, adding shine and softness.
Tangerine Petitgrain Essential Oil Pairs Well With:
- Bergamot
- Ylang-Ylang
- Cinnamon bark
- Ginger
- Tangerine
- Ravintsara
- Roman Chamomile
- Almond
- Jojoba
Recommended Dilutions for Tangerine Petitgrain Essential Oil
Maximum generic dilution for topical use in adults: 2%
Maximum generic dilution for topical use in children: 0.25% (over 6 years old)
Strictly avoid use in children under 3 years old.
Essential oils are highly concentrated substances and should be diluted in nearly all uses. Use our dilution chart to get a more detailed idea of the correct usage of essential oils:
ESSENTIAL OILS DILUTION GENERAL GUIDE
Expert Aromatherapists' Notes
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“Tangerine Petitgrain has a sweet, citrus scent that reminds you of candy. This sweetness hides properties that help our nervous system regain balance, even in situations of nervous shock. Additionally, it is very easy to use for diffusing or in perfumery, so it can help in multiple situations.”
Luis Rodero, Aromatherapy Expert
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Identification
Botanical name: Citrus reticulata
Origin: Spain
Extraction method: Steam distillation.
Distilled or extracted part: Leaves
INCI: Citrus Reticulata Leaf Oil
Safety
Do not use during pregnancy.
Keep out of reach of children.
Some of the natural components of this essential oil may pose an allergy risk for some people. Always perform a patch test before applying to larger areas of the body by applying a few drops inside the elbow.
Topical use: Suitable in dilution.
Diffuser: Suitable
Phototoxicity: Yes
Sensitizing: No
Irritant: No
Allergens Naturally Present in this Essential Oil:
Essential Oil Storage
It's equally important to know how to store essential oils to ensure they remain in good condition and do not become toxic or irritating due to oxidation or contamination. We recommend reading this short guide:
Storage of Essential Oils
Important
The information on essential oils provided by Essenciales comes from popular sources and is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The International Federation of Aromatherapists does not recommend the ingestion of essential oils unless under the strict supervision of a doctor or qualified aromatherapist in clinical aromatherapy and phytotherapy. Always dilute essential oils properly. If you are pregnant, suffer from epilepsy, liver failure, or have a health problem, use essential oils only under medical supervision. Never use essential oils on children without proper knowledge or professional guidance.
Never ignore professional medical advice.
Essenciales does not provide medical advice or engage in the practice of medicine.
