Bergamot essential oil is subtle and uplifting, uniting one
of the most enticing perfume aromas with the transformative
potential of this plant's powerful healing effects. The
light green oil is pressed from the peels of the nearly
ripe bitter oranges, with an scent like candy for
grown-ups; the bright top note combines a fresh sweet-tart
orange with slightly spicy balsamic undertones. A member of
the botanical family Rutacae, the Bergamot tree (Citrus
bergamia) grows up to 15 feet high and yields small round
fruit that look much like miniature oranges. The Bergamot
essential oil used in aromatherapy should not be confused
with the familiar bergamot plant, also known as 'bee balm',
an herb indigenous to North America.
Originating in tropical Asia, the Bergamot tree is now
widely grown in Italy, as well as the Ivory Coast, Guinea,
Morocco, and Corsica. Bergamot is named after the Italian
city of Bergamo in Lombardy, where the essential oil was
first sold for perfumery. The fruit is not edible as the
pulp is too sour, resulting in the Bergamot tree being
primarily cultivated for its essential oils. It is one of
the most popular essential oils used in perfumery '
approximately one third of men's colognes contain Bergamot,
and nearly one half of women's perfumes. Bergamot imparts
the characteristic flavor to Earl Grey tea, and is used as
a flavoring agent in pastries, root-beer, chewing gum, and
toothpastes.
Fresh Bergamot essential oil has nearly 300 compounds:
mainly linalyl acetate (30-60 %), linaool (11-22%) and
other alcohols, sequiterpenes, terpenes, alkalines, and
furocoumarins (including bergapten 0.30-0.39%). Certain
furocourmarins, notably bergapten, have been found to be
photosensitizing (causing an increased sensitivity to
ultraviolet rays), hence Bergamot should not be heavily
used on skin that will be significantly exposed to sunlight
in the following 72 hours. A 'bergapten-free'
partially-refined variety is available, and is an excellent
choice for massage and skin care formulas.
Bergamot is an excellent antiseptic for use in cases of
acne, oily skin, and infected skin. As a natural toner and
detoxifier, Bergamot may help to prevent premature aging of
the dermis. Bergamot oil is noted to have a slightly
irritating effect on the skin in high concentrations, but
the opposite healing effects occur when the oil is used at
low concentrations (1% or less in carrier oil). Bergamot's
general deodorizing effects derive from its antiseptic
properties, which are also effective against bladder and
urinary infections. Adding 3- 4 drops of Bergamot to warm
water bath can help bring relief to the early stages of
urinary tract infections.
Bergamot essential oil is foremost a miraculous
neuro-tonic, and a powerful helper against depression
caused by fatigue or unreleased tensions and frustrations.
Aromatic massage with the oil is naturally indicated for
those with poor circulation, heart palpitations,
hypertension, and general stress related dis-ease. As noted
by author and aromatherapist Gabriel Mojay, "Bergamot oil's
psychological action depends on its ability to disperse
stagnant Chi (life-force energy). This condition can
manifest as tension, irritability, and frustration, and if
never released or processed, can eventually lead to
depression...Bergamot helps us to relax and let go."
Depression due to the stagnation of life-force energy is
often the result of accumulated stress and repressed
emotions of grief, frustration or anger. A protective oil
by nature, Bergamot is indicated whenever the flow of
natural energy is disrupted, leading to imbalanced states
such as irritability, anxiety, and sleep disturbances.
Bergamot encourages the release of repressed and inhibited
feelings, thus helping to release and decompress. The
sparkling and yet gentle floral scent gives the oil a
sedative yet uplifting quality with the primary effects
being calming, balancing centering and clarifying.
Bergamot is further indicated where anxiety and stress
related symptoms present as a loss or change in appetite.
Bergamot's antidepressant properties and its regulatory
effect on appetite offer assistance when used in cases of
eating imbalances such as anorexia nervosa, emotional
eating, and bulimia. A natural carminative, digestive aid
and antispasmodic make Bergamot effective in instances of
colic as well as helping to reduce and relieve flatulence.
The essential oil can be used as a single note, or blended
with companion aromas such as Chamomile, Coriander and
Fennel in a neutral base, applied using caring-tough
massage techniques.
That Bergamot essential oil has found its way into our
lives in forms that we inhale, splash on ourselves, and
even eat is no mistake. Humans have certainly developed a
fondness for its brilliant touch to the olfactory and
gustatory senses. Its greatest potential may be as a
'broad-spectrum' natural antidepressant; the yellow-green
color of the oil hints to its affinity to the heart and
solar plexus chakras, where many of us are challenged to
remain open in our daily routines. It is the opening of the
heart and a fluid allowing of the emotions that lies at the
center of our healing journeys. Using Bergamot through all
primary aromatherapy techniques can assist in this process,
opening us to freedom and joys in our everyday lives.
Bergamot essential oil blends well with Chamomile,
Geranium, Jasmine, Lavender, Lemon, Orange, Neroli,
Tangerine, and Ylang Ylang essential oils. Bergamot can be
used by means of bath, compresses, massage, or inhalation.
Blends utilizing the Bergamot essential oil's uplifting and
releasing effects are recommended as follows: 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. To enhance
relaxation and self-confidence ' 2 parts Lavender and 1
part Bergamot.
These blends may be used in a diffuser, or diluted to 3%
total concentration in one or more carrier oils for a
wonderful aromatherapy massage.
----------------------------------------------------
Michelle is a degreed naturopath and iridologist with a
specialty in aromatherapy. She regularly uses essential
oils in her practice. More on the therapeutic use of
essential oils is available at
http://www.anandaapothecary.com
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