Bergamot Essential Oil
Citrus bergamia
Properties:
The scent of the oil is basically citrus, yet fruity and sweet with a warm spicy floral quality, and is reminiscent of Neroli and Lavender oil. The color ranges from green to greenish-yellow and has a watery viscosity.
Origin:
The tree is native to South East Asia but was introduced to Europe, and particularly Italy, but is also found in the Ivory Coast, Morocco, Tunisia and Algeria.
The name Bergamot is derived from the city Bergamo in Lombardy where the oil was first sold.
Extraction Method:
The rind of both ripe and unripe fruit is used to extract the oil by expression.
Chemical composition:
Limonene, Linalyl Acetate, Linalol, Gamma Terpenene, Bergaptene and Dipentene.
Therapeutic properties:
The therapeutic properties of Bergamot essential oil include: antiseptic, antibiotic, anti-spasmodic, stomachic, calmative, and a febrifuge.
Uses:
Bergamot essential oil can be used in the treatment of:
- depression
- stress
- tension
- fear
- hysteria
- infection (all types including skin)
- anorexia
- psoriasis
- eczema
- general convalescence.
Precautions:
- Bergamot oil can cause severe burns when used on a sensitive skin exposed to sunlight, since the high content of bergaptene can cause photo-toxicity
- It is advisable to keep out of the sun if used on the skin.
Blends well with:
Black pepper, Clary sage, Cypress, Frankincense, Geranium, Jasmine, Mandarin, Nutmeg, Orange, Rosemary, Sandalwood, Vetiver & Ylang ylang.