Did you say "Petitgrain mandarin essential oil"?

Imagine! You know a bit about aroma, and I say to you "petitgrain mand...": you will proudly answer, interrupting me, "Ah yes, the bitter orange tree, the bitter orange tree, Citrus aurantium, but be careful, not the flower, but the leaf!" Superb, excellent even... except that here it is not the petitgrain bigarade, but the petitgrain mandarin tree...

Likewise, just by mentioning "mandarin", you will tell me about the beautiful essence of this magnificent citrus fruit, its relaxing properties, but above all its subtle, captivating fragrance... It's true, but I didn't want to talk to you about the essence of mandarin zest, but rather the essential oil obtained by distillation of the leaves of the mandarin tree , in short the essential oil of petitgrain mandarin (Citrus reticulata - leaf).

"What do you mean? Is there such a thing... I've never seen or smelled anything like it!?" Well no, all the more reason for it to be part of this fun series of short articles. So, petitgrain mandarin essential oil really does exist! And what does the expert say about it? You may know that mandarin essence is the only citrus essence that has a relaxing effect.

This is due to the presence - even in trace amounts - of very special molecules, nitro esters (such as methyl methylanthranylate). These esters have the same characteristics as classic aromatic esters, namely being relaxing and soothing (like the esters of lavender or chamomile). Well, while mandarin essence contains at most 1% of these famous esters, petitgrain mandarin essential oil contains no less than 40%.

If you feel like replacing one with the other: it is certainly possible, but where you used 2 drops of essence, you will have to consider only a fraction of a drop of petitgrain mandarin oil. The smell and taste are also very different: they are not bad at all, but they do not have the roundness and sweetness of a beautiful organic green mandarin essence.

That said, the fact remains that you should discover this essential oil if you want to sleep better, relax, better manage your temporary stress or free yourself from your anxieties or fears.

Relax and sleep better with the mandarin tree? Truly a wonderful discovery, and perhaps also a conversation starter that will surprise more than one person.