Bergamot Essential Oil Qualities
Take a whiff of bergamot oil and notice how uplifting and stimulating this fragrance is. The lemon-lime aroma of bergamot has been described as rich, exotic, fresh and sweet. Used extensively in cosmetics and perfume, bergamot oil is also used to make Earl Grey tea. It is also used in some home remedies.
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Origin
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A hybrid plant that combines lemon and bitter orange, the bergamot tree produces inedible fruit and is grown primarily in the Calabria region of southern Italy.
The emerald-green oil is expressed from the peel of the nearly ripe bergamot fruit. It takes approximately 100 kilos of fruit to make about 500 g of essential oil.
Used in Italian folklore medicine since the 18th century, bergamot oil was considered helpful in reducing fever, treating malaria and removing worms from the body. Its name is derived from Bergamo, the Italian city where the oil was first sold.
Therapeutic Properties
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Bergamot oil may work effectively as a natural antidepressant, antispasmodic and nerve tonic, as well as an antiseptic cleanser, antibiotic and analgesic. By stimulating the liver, stomach and spleen, bergamot oil may also be used as a natural digestive aid.
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Practical Applications
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Applying bergamot oil to the skin allows you to experience its disinfectant qualities. It helps heal insect bites, shingles, psoriasis and eczema, and can also combat oily complexions and acne.
When massaged onto the abdomen, bergamot oil may help relieve indigestion, flatulence and colic. When added to the bath, bergamot oil is reputed to help cure urinary-tract infections.
Aromatherapy
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Due to its antiseptic properties, adding a few drops of bergamot oil to a bowl of steaming water can provide relief during a respiratory and help clear chest congestion. Place a towel over the head and hold the head about 12 inches above the water. Breathe in the aroma for a few minutes. This procedure may also help relieve premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and seasonal anxiety disorders.
Because it has a neutralizing effect on the nervous system, inhaling bergamot oil also helps balance the appetite. It can be a helpful sedative useful during times of worry or stress.
Warning
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Bergamot oil has a high concentration of bergaptine, which causes it to be photo-toxic. For this reason, avoid using bergamot when spending time out in the sun.
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