The bitter orange tree yields a variety of products, including essential oil cold pressed from the fruit peel, neroli distilled from the flowers, petitgrain distilled from the leaves and twigs.
 
The tree grows to be four to seven meters tall, with brilliant green foliage that is interlaced with an abundance of white, waxy blooms that hold the intoxicating aroma of orange blossom in the springtime.
 
The name “petitgrain” was first used to mean the small, green fruit of the bitter orange tree, then to name their essential oil. Later, the term was applied to the essential oil obtained from the leaves of the bitter orange.
 
Aromatherapy Applications:
Uplifting & energizing can be blended with lemon, geranium, peppermint, and basil 
Great for Insomnia can be  blended with lavender and marjoram 
 
 
Details:
Botanical Name: Citrus x aurantium amara. 
Family: Rutaceae
Country of Origin: Egypt
Extraction Method: Steam distilled 
Plant Part Used: leaves 
Note: Top note
Aroma: fresh, floral, sweet, orange-flower, woody, herbal, and zesty green
Color: Pale yellow 
Blends well with most essential oils   
Shelf Life: 4 – 5 Years 
 
Safety 
For topical application don’t use directly on the skin, dilute with a carrier oil 
A patch test should be performed before use for those with sensitive skin.
Discontinue use if skin sensitivity occurs 
Add 4-5 drops for Diffusing 
Don’t ingest 
Keep out of reach of children, Avoid using if pregnant or nursing
 
References:
Essential oil safety ( Tisserand and young ) second Edition 
Charles Fetrow & Julian Avila (2000) The Complete Guide to Herbal Medicine