Description
Bergamot essential oil is extracted from the tree Citrus aurantium var. bergamia (also known as C. bergamia), of the Rutaceae family and is also known as Bergamot orange.
This fresh smelling essential oil is a favorite in aromatherapy and is great for creating a more relaxed and happy feeling, relieving urinary tract infections, boosting the liver, spleen and stomach, while fighting oily skin, acne, psoriasis, eczema, as well as cold sores.
Oil properties
The scent of the oil is basically citrus, yet fruity and sweet, with a warm spicy floral quality and is reminiscent of neroli as well as lavender oil. The color ranges from green to greenish-yellow and the oil has a watery viscosity.
Origin of bergamot oil
This tree is native to South East Asia, but was introduced to Europe, and particularly Italy and is also found in the Ivory Coast, Morocco, Tunisia and Algeria.
Bergamot oil is made from a tree that can grow up to four meters high, with star-shaped flowers and smooth leaves, bearing citrus fruit resembling a cross between an orange and a grapefruit, but in a pear-shape. The fruit ripens from green to yellow.
The oil is one of the most widely used in the perfumery and toiletry industry and forms, together with neroli and lavender, the main ingredient for the classical 4711 Eau-de-cologne fragrance. It is used to flavor Earl Grey tea.
The name is derived from the city Bergamo in Lombardy, Italy, where the oil was first sold.
Extraction
The rind of both ripe and unripe fruit is used to extract the oil by expression, which yields about 0.5 %.
Chemical composition
The essential oil is composed of various chemical constituents and includes a-pinene, myrcene, limonene, a-bergaptene, b-bisabolene, linalool, linalyl acetate, nerol, neryl acetate, geraniol, geraniol acetate and a-terpineol.
Precautions
Bergamot oil can cause burns when used on a sensitive skin which is then exposed to sunlight, as the high content of bergaptene can cause photo-toxicity. It is advisable to keep out of the sun if this oil is used on the skin.
Even when the ingredient Bergaptene (Furocoumarin) is removed from the oil and photo toxicity is therefore minimized, it is still advisable to keep treated skin out of the sun, and to use it in concentrations of less than 1 %.
Therapeutic properties
The therapeutic properties of bergamot oil include analgesic, antidepressant, antiseptic, antibiotic, anti-spasmodic, stomachic, calmative, cicatrisant, deodorant, digestive, febrifuge, vermifuge and vulnerary.
Uses
Bergamot oil can be used in the treatment of depression, stress, tension, fear, hysteria, infection (all types including skin), anorexia, psoriasis, eczema and general convalescence.
Summary
When you are looking for an oil to help with depression, SAD (Seasonal Affected Disorder) or generally feeling just a bit off, lacking in self-confidence or feeling shy, then consider bergamot oil. It also has superb antiseptic qualities that are useful for skin complaints, such as acne, oily skin conditions, eczema and psoriasis and can also be used on cold sores, chicken pox and wounds.
It has a powerful effect on stimulating the liver, stomach and spleen and has a superb antiseptic effect on urinary tract infections and inflammations such as cystitis.
- Burners and vaporizers
- In vapor therapy, bergamot oil can be used for depression, feeling fed-up, respiratory problems, colds and flu, PMS and SAD.
- Blended massage oil or in the bath
- It can be used in a blended massage oil, or diluted in a bath to assist with stress, tension, SAD, PMS, skin problems, compulsive eating, postnatal depression, colds and flu, anxiety, depression, feeling fed-up and anorexia nervosa.
- Blended in base cream
- As a constituent in a blended base cream bergamot oil can be used for wounds and cuts, psoriasis, oily skin, scabies, eczema, acne, cold sores as well as chicken pox.
More information about Bergamot
Skin & Hair Care ~ excellent to help heal oily skin types, wounds, herpes, eczema, psoriasis, scars, blemishes, acne, acne scars, cracks, itchiness ~ helps uneven skin tone ~ excellent deodorant
Digestive System ~ helps treat colic, flatulence, constipation indigestion, nervous indigestion, loss of appetite due to emotional stress
Immune System ~ helps heal cold sores, chicken pox & shingles ~ helps relieve headaches
Musculoskeletal System ~ helps relieve pain ~ muscular aches & pain, strains & sprains
Nervous System ~ relaxing, uplifting, restoring, calming & sedating, helps with nervous behaviour, anxiety, stress, tension, depression, irritability, neuralgic pain, palpitations, sleep disturbances ~ useful in times of grief ~ eating disorders (anorexia nervosa) ~ helpful when dealing with addictions or compulsive behaviors ~ help with smoking, drug & alcohol addiction especially when depression is a key element
Respiratory System ~ relieves congestion & respiratory problems, particularly during coughs & colds ~ an expectorant to loosen up phlegm & mucus ~ helps treat colic, halitosis, bronchitis & diptheria
Urinary System ~ Cystitis, thrush, urinary tract infections
Emotional ~ Spiritual ~ opens the heart ~ releases the need to be in complete control so that we can flow with life more easily ~ relax & trust the universe to handle details of any life situation, we release the fear of the unknown & become clear about our own mission
Blends Well With ~ Basil, Black Pepper, Cedarwood, German & Roman Chamomile, Clary Sage, Cypress, Eucalyptus, Eucalyptus Lemon, Eucalyptus Peppermint, Frankincense, Geranium, Grapefruit, Juniper, Jasmine, Lavender, Lemon, Lime, Mandarin Marjoram, Neroli, Nutmeg, Orange, Palmarosa, Patchouli, Peppermint, Petitgrain, Rose, Rose Geranium, Rosemary, Rosewood, Sage, Sandalwood, Vetiver, Ylang Ylang
Safety ~ non-toxic, non-irritant & non-sensitising ~ keep away from sunlight
