Bergamot oil
Citrus Bergamia is considered the most valuable citrus tree by many citrus growers. Aromatherapist considers Bergamot a very valuable oil. Let’s look at my Top 10 uses and benefits of Bergamot essential oil.
Bergamot is from the rind of the fruit of the bergamot tree. Bergamot is named after the city of Bergamo which is in the north of Italy. They are the largest producers of bergamot and the bergamot tree originated from there. The oil is produced by pressing of the rind of the fruit.
Aroma : Fresh, citrusy aroma more on the sweet side.
Family : Citrus
Active constituents: d- limonene, linalyl acetate and linalool.
Classified as having a top note Bergamot oil is most commonly used in perfume and deodorants for both men and women.
Bergamot is probably one of the most useful essential oil and is especially valuable in the following areas:
Here is my top 10 uses and benefits of Bergamot oil.
1.Depression and anxiety
Bergamot contains antidepressant properties and is a very uplifting oil and beneficial for people struggles with depression or anxiety. Diffuse it or use a couple of drops in the bathtub, however most sufferers will benefit more by having a massage and experiencing the skin on skin contact. Bergamot oil can create joyful feelings and energy by improving blood circulation. Daily use can be a very helpful addition to treatment to treat depression and anxiety.
Ideal for nervous system conditions such as mood swings and frustration.
2. Urinary tract infection
Bergamot is a powerful disinfectant of the urinary system and a very effective way of treating and preventing the infection of spreading is to add a few drops to the bathwater. Perhaps 3 drops will be enough. It can also be used as a local wash but needs to be highly diluted. I would say 1 % dilution.
3. Skincare
Bergamot’s antiseptic properties make it a very good oil to treat acne. It can be used in a massage oil for facial treatments. A hot compress of Bergamot can be put on boils or carbuncles to draw out the infection and promote healing of the skin. It is purifying and cleansing for the skin but also have a calming effect. Effective in treating seborrhea of the skin and scalp and act as a parasiticide in scabies. Also, an effective eczema treatment when diluted to a 1 % dilution with a carrier oil such as coconut or almond oil.
4. Immune boosting and lymphatic support
A wonderful immune boosting oil and a lymphatic support oil as well. It can be very soothing for respiratory conditions. Mixed with Lemon oil it is very useful to give relief of bronchitis. Bergamot oil contains expectorant properties which is why this is a useful oil to use for getting rid of excess mucous and phlegm.
5. Digestive support
One of the properties of Bergamot oil is that it is anti-spasmodic, therefor it is very beneficial for digestive disorders. It can bring relief for colic, flatulence and indigestion. The D-Limonene in Bergamot oil has the ability to help relieve heartburn and reflux.
6. Bergamot is an insect repellent
7. Use it on cold sores
At the first sight of a cold sore you can apply a diluted mixture of Bergamot and Eucalyptus oil to the cold sore. The Bergamot oil inhibits certain viruses such as the Herpes Virus. Applying a diluted mix of Bergamot oil, so for instance drops of Bergamot oil on 25 ml carrier oil such as almond oil, grape seed oil, coconut oil can bring relief for anyone struggles with chicken pox.
8. Eliminate bad breath
It helps to eliminate bad breath because it is a disinfectant. Make your own mouthwash to eliminate halitosis
9. Appetite, food cravings and emotional eating
Quite effective as a food craving fighter and very helpful with emotional eating. Once again, either diffuse it or apply it topically. Diffusing Bergamot oil between meals also help with hunger pangs. It almost acts as an appetite regulator because Bergamot has been used very effectively in treating anorexia nervosa. Influencing the appetite center of the brain it helps with over and under eating.
10. Effective deodorant
A very versatile oil that can be used for both men and women as a deodorant. Never put it undiluted on the skin, always make sure it is diluted first. It has a cooling and uplifting effect so a very useful oil to use for especially women in their menopause.
Female deodorant or perfume combination:
- Bergamot
- Geranium
- Lavender
Blends well with other flower oils such as:
Lavender
Geranium
Jasmine
Neroli
as well as Lemongrass and Frankincense.
Caution
NEVER use Bergamot oil undiluted on the skin because it will irritate the skin. Do not apply diluted oil mix to sensitive areas for instance the eyes. Keep essential oils away from children and do not use Bergamot oil for children younger than 5.
Safety warning – Bergamot oil should be used cautiously if you are a diabetic as it may affect blood sugar levels.
Cats are very sensitive to oils that contain d-limonene so be careful to avoid diffusing Bergamot oil around your cat.
Bergamot has a photosensitizing effect and can cause sunburn with sun exposure . Avoid sun exposure for 12 hours after applying the Bergamot mix topically on the skin on an exposed area. It is fine to apply the mix for instance on your tummy if you are covering the tummy area up on a normal sunny day but not if you go swimming.
How to use Bergamot oil?
- Apply topically – Bergamot needs to be diluted with a carrier oil. It can be applied on the wrists, neck and abdomen. Rubbing it on the tummy area also helps with digestion and to regulate appetite.
- Inhale directly – breathing in Bergamot straight from the bottle will help to lift your mood and relieve stress.
- Diffuse – 2 -3 drops in the diffuser will balance the mood and create feelings of refreshment.
Always use a good quality essential oil. The best essential oil to buy is organic essential oil which is much better than therapeutic grade.
Take care of you, so that you can take care of those you love
Elize
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