Bergamot Essential Oil

Botanical Name: Citrus bergamia

Bergamot is pressed from the fruit which actually offers 4 common varsities of essential oils: Bergamot, Neroli (from the flowers which become the fruit), Petitgrain, from leaves and branches with unripe fruit, and "Neroli Petitgrain", the branches distilled when they are in full-bloom. Citrus bergamia, also called Citrus aurant bergamia is native to the Mediterranean growing up to 12 meters in height when uncultivated; Bergamot's origin a small coastal area of southern Calabria in Italy, where the trees grow to their fullest..

The tree has smooth oval leaves and produces small yellow fruit that is very bitter and thus, normally not eaten. Unable to be propagated by seed, Bergamot cuttings are often grafted onto other citrus tree rootstock such as lemon or bitter orange.

This light greenish-yellow essential oil is cold-pressed from the outer peels of Bergamot orange fruit picked from trees organically grown in Italy. Bergamot can have a range of aroma's and aromatic intensities. There are some that are produced from fruit that are not picked quite at the right time, or perhaps have not had ideal rains and temperatures for the season -- this can result in oils that seem week when sampled. Other finer oils can be more distinctly sweet, and the finest are those that give you a true "sweet/tart" experience. This is the oil that we've been able to find, and it's absolutely one of our favorites.

Bergamot is considered the number one anti-depressant essential oil, and its sweet and tart combination of aromas are both relaxing and invigorating at the same time. Needing something to perk you up during the afternoon hours at work? Put a little in a personal diffuser. Need to relax after that day of work? Do the same at home. Many also have success wearing aromatherapy jewelry (which absorb, then slowly release a few drops of the old over time, and catch hints of the scent throughout

Used in Italy for centuries as a treatment for fever (including malaria), and many infections including those of the mouth, skin, respiratory system and urinary tract.

The essential oil was also a main ingredient in the famous Italian 'eau-de-cologne' developed by the Feminis family in the 16th century, and continues to be found in many "high end" perfumes. Further, it is added to black tea as a flavoring, making "Earl Grey" tea; black tea with a hint of tart fruit flavor.

Antibacterial, Antidepressant, Antiseptic (pulmonary and genitourinary), Antispasmodic, Aphrodisiac, Cictrizant, Deodorant, Febrifuge, Hypnotic, Laxative, Stimulant, Stomachic, Vermifuge, Vulnerary. (See Definitions.)

Psychological:

• Powerful antidepressant (especially when exacerbated by fatigue and frustration).
• Restorative and calming to over-active mental states
• Aids in unlocking repressed emotions
• Alleviates tension and stress
• Lessens the perceived intensity of pain

Studies suggest that the aroma of Bergamot essential oil has the ability to lessen the formation neural pathways for stress. Repeated exposure to elements in our environment will normally carve connective pathways for our neurons to fire between (this creates thoughts that are always associated with other thoughts and produce reflex reactions based on the emotions drawn out by these associations).

This means that Bergamot acts as a diversion in the neural pathway, allowing individuals a chance to intercept thoughts and prevent associated reactions such as stress, fear or anxiety. In effect, acting as a buffer, it affords an opportunity to re-teach the brain what thoughts to associate and which should be disconnected. This can take many years (depending on how deeply grooved the pathways are), and work with a psychologist to dissociate the thought patterns is always beneficial.

Another study published in the British Journal of Pharmacology (2007), concluded that Bergamot stopped neural damage -- specifically that caused by excitotoxins (such as MSG, or Mono Sodium Glutimate) which releases certain neurochecmials so fast that the normal physiological means of the brain "cleaning up after them" cannot happen.

Inhalation of Bergamot essential oil has also been found effective at reducing serum cortisol levels, as well as the blood pressure of clients with essential hypertension in a recent study performed at Geochang Provincial College, Korea.

The antimicrobial properties of Bergamot have been studied and shown to be exceptionally effective against various bacterial strains -- those which cause acne, and viral strains -- the source of HSV-2 outbreaks.

Dermatological:

• Can clear and heal acne
• Balances oily skin
• Calms eczema and psoriasis
• Can repel insects
• Alleviates itching of insect bites
• Effective deodorant
• Tones aged skin
• Detoxifies upper skin layers

Digestive System:

• Regulates appetite
• Calms indigestion and flatulence
• Promotes healthy eating cycles (can be effective in treatment of anorexia nervosa)

Immune System:

• Inhibits the herpes simplex I virus that causes cold sores
• Effective treatment for chickenpox and shingles (when blended with Tea Tree and Lavender)
• Boosts immunity and promotes the elimination of colds and the flu

Urinary System:

• Treats cystitis and urinary tract infections
• Stimulates healthy liver function

Cardiovascular System:

• Can help to lower blood pressure
• Slows heart rate

Respiratory System:

• Combats halitosis (bad breath)
• Effective for all oral and throat infections
• Treats bronchitis and laryngitis

Application and Use

Bergamot is added to many essential oil blends created to bring mental clarity. Bergamot is really wonderful by itself when an exceptional variety is used -- and here are some examples of blends utilizing Bergamot for its uplifting and releasing effects:

• To release aggravation and pressure: 2 parts Roman Chamomile, 2 parts Bergamot and 2 parts Sweet Orange.
• To overcome nervousness and agitation: 3 parts Lavender, 2 parts Neroli and 1 part Bergamot.
• When frustrated and negative: 3 parts Bergamot, 2 parts Sweet Orange and 1 part Neroli.
• When bitter and brooding: 2 parts Roman Chamomile, 2 Parts Bergamot and 2 parts Helichrysum.

These blends may be used in a diffuser, or diluted to 3% total concentration in one or more carrier oils for an effective aromatherapy massage.

Ingestion:

• Bergamot can be used orally for aiding with halitosis (bad-breath), canker sores, sore throat and tonsillitis.
• It can also be diluted and ingested to combat colds, the flu and other mild infectious diseases.
• Note that only one to five drops are ever used at any one time, and not for long periods. Because it is from the peel of a fruit, it is gererally safer in this regard than other oils.

Local-Topical:

• 1-3 drops in a bath will work to prevent and combat cystitis along with urinary infections

Safety

Bergamot oil is considered non-toxic, yet it does contain bergaptene, a constituent that can be phototoxic and therefore skin should not be exposed to excessive amounts of direct sunlight for 72 hours after topical application. Further, Bergamot oil is recommended for use at low concentrations (3% or less in carrier oil), as it can irritate the skin. If pregnant or breastfeeding, consultation with a physician is recommended.