Bergamot

Species name: Bergamot essential oil is extracted from the tree Citrus aurantium var. bergamia (also known as C. bergamia), of the family, Rutaceae.

Also known as: Bergamot orange.

The bergamot tree was originally found in South East Asia, but has been cultivated in Europe, especially Italy, and can also be found in the Morocco and Algeria areas. 

Bergamot oil is made from a tree that bears flowers and smooth leaves, it produces a pear shaped citrus-type fruit that resembles an orange and a grapefruit cross. The fruit begins green and ripens to yellow and has a thin viscosity.

The name, Bergamot, is from the city Bergamo in Lombardy, Italy, the location in which the oil was first known to be sold.

This essential oil is made up of various chemical components such as a-pinene, myrcene, and limonene.

Home Remedies using Bergamot Essential Oil:

Bergamot essential oil is an extremely fresh smelling essential oil. The scent is basically fruit and citrus, yet has a warm quality similar to those of neroli and lavender oils. It is a favorite among many aromatherapy practitioners. It is very beneficial for creating a happy and relaxed atmosphere.

Bergamot essential oil is one of the most widely used in toiletries, perfumes, and colognes. Combined with neroli and lavender; bergamot is the main ingredient for the classical 4711 Eau-de-cologne fragrance. 

Bergamot essential oil also helps fight oily skin, clogged pores and resulting acne. It relieves urinary tract infections, boosts liver function, while aiding in spleen and stomach health. It has been effective in treating psoriasis, eczema, and herpes simplex type one as well.

Bergamot is also used to enhance the flavor in the popular Earl Grey tea.

Benefits of Bergamot Essential Oil:

The therapeutic properties of bergamot oil has been used as a pain reliever and antiseptic; bergamot essential oil also has antibiotic and anti-spasmodic properties. 

It can help with stomach disorders, act as a mild sedative, and a deodorant.

Use of Bergamot Essential Oil:

Bergamot oil has traditionally been used for treating depression, to relieve stress and tension, and fight all types of infection, including various skin infections. 

Bergamot essential oil has shown promise in treating anorexia, and speeding convalescence.

People known to have suffered from Seasonal Affected Disorder, or SAD, are urged to try bergamot essential oil therapy; check with your physician before starting treatment on your own. 

This versatile essential oil is also a great antiseptic proven very useful for treating skin conditions, and can also be used on herpes, chicken pox (herpes Varacella) and shingles (herpes zoster).

Because bergamot 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, it is of great use to those who are on prolonged Tylenol therapy or have reduced liver or kidney function.

• In vapor therapy, bergamot oil can be used for depression, or conditions such as PMS or SAD, and respiratory problems such as colds, influenza, or COPD.
• It can be used in blended massage oils, or diluted in a bath for topical use.
• As a constituent in a blended base cream, bergamot oil can be used on abrasions, psoriasis, oily skin, scabies, eczema, acne, and various forms of herpes.

Side Effects of Bergamot Essential Oil:

Bergamot oil contains bergaptene, which can exacerbate the effects of sunlight and result in burns. It is highly advised to stay out of the sun when bergamot is used on the skin. 

Even when the ingredient Bergaptene, or Furocoumarin, is removed from the oil, it is still advisable to keep treated skin out of the sun, and to use bergamot blended with a carrier oil in concentrations of less than 1%.