Bergamot oil

Origin and characteristics of bergamot

Bergamot (Citrus Bergamia) is part of the genus of citrus fruits belonging to the Rutaceae family. The fruits of the evergreen bergamot are similar to oranges, but are smaller in size and have a round or pear shape, and when ripe, their color is green-yellow. Bergamot juice is less sour than lemon juice, but more bitter than grapefruit.

Genetic studies show that bergamot is a hybrid of two citrus fruits, one of which is a type of lime, and the other is a sour type of orange. It is not known whether this is a random hybrid.

There are several versions of the origin of the name Bergamot. The most vivid explanation is that it comes from the Turkish word beg-armudi, which means “Pear of the Lord” or “Prince of Pears”. It is also suggested that the name comes from the Italian city of Bergamo, from which the Italian word “bergamotto” comes. In any case, the only reliable fact is that the history of bergamot oil began in Calabria, in southern Italy, where the fruit is still widely cultivated.

The bergamot tree grows up to 5 meters in height, it has smooth oval leaves and clusters of white star-shaped flowers that bloom in winter. It bears fruit only 3 years after grafting. The tree is fully matured at about 12 years and bears fruit abundantly for up to 70-80 years.

Bergamot Oil and Its Benefits

The most ancient use of bergamot oil, known from Italian herbal references, was mainly for its antiseptic properties and digestive stimulation. Italians still love bergamot oil as a natural skin care and anti-aging remedy. In Ayurvedic treatments, bergamot oil is well known for its ability to soothe and treat many ailments – both external and internal – such as rashes, ulcers, psoriasis and acne, sore throats, coughs and colds, help reduce fever and relieve anxiety and depression. Bergamot can even be used for oral health.

Extracted from the peel of unripe fruit, bergamot oil has a light, fresh citrus aroma with some floral notes. Its green-orange color may change to olive green over time, which does not affect its quality. Bergamot oil is said to not only have medicinal properties, but is also widely used as a main ingredient in perfumes and other cosmetics, as well as a flavoring agent, such as in Earl Grey tea. Bergamot oil is also considered useful in aromatherapy.

The unique components of bergamot oil are the source of its analgesic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, digestive, sedative, and even aphrodisiac properties. In alternative medicine, bergamot oil is believed to treat and prevent a number of conditions such as acne, eczema, anxiety, chronic fatigue syndrome, depression, headaches, insomnia, non-allergic rhinitis, arthritic joint pain, and psoriasis.

Bergamot oil for skin

Bergamot oil has long been known for its antibacterial and antifungal properties, which can treat skin infections and even those that affect the oral cavity. The disinfectant and antibiotic properties of bergamot oil accelerate skin regeneration and improve the condition of minor wounds, eczema, ulcers, acne and psoriasis, it cleanses pores and evens out skin tone. Due to its great benefits for the skin, bergamot oil is added to many creams and lotions for oily skin with acne. Bergamot oil refreshes the skin, nourishes and has a draining and strengthening effect. The aroma lifts the mood.

Diluted bergamot oil is especially good for normal, sensitive and dry skin. Bergamot oil keeps the skin youthful by homogenizing the distribution of pigment and melanin in the skin. When applied topically, it can help relieve eczema and prevent fungal infections, loss of pigmentation, and psoriasis.

Like all citrus oils, bergamot oil is phototoxic. This causes the skin to become more sensitive to sunlight, so it should not be used when tanning, especially when exposed to tropical sun. It is preferable to use bergamot oil in the evening before bed.

Bergamot Oil as a Deodorant

Bergamot oil is a good natural substitute for deodorant. Its disinfectant properties prevent the growth of microbes in the body. Bergamot oil can also be used against lice and parasites or as a mouthwash to improve oral health.

Bergamot Oil for Pain Relief

Due to its analgesic properties, bergamot oil can reduce pain as it stimulates the secretion of certain hormones that reduce the sensitivity of nerve endings to pain. Therefore, it helps well with headaches, sprains and muscle pain.

Bergamot Oil and Aromatherapy

Joy in a bottle! Bergamot essential oil has a unique stimulating and calming effect. It can be used to relieve stress, improve mood, and also for its calming and cleansing effect on the skin. Get rid of dark and gloomy thoughts with the invigorating effect of bergamot oil. Its strong antidepressant effect will give you strength, calmness and patience when you are nervous or worried. Bergamot oil improves mood and adds self-confidence, with it you will experience more peace and joy.

Aromatherapy enthusiasts are convinced that when essential oils are inhaled or absorbed through the skin, signals are sent to the limbic system, the area of ​​the brain that regulates emotions and memories. This can cause physiological effects such as lowering blood pressure, heart rate and breathing, while increasing levels of the feel-good hormone serotonin and the neurotransmitter dopamine.

The components alpha-pinene and limonene in bergamot oil are antidepressants and natural stimulants. They improve blood circulation, and this creates a feeling of freshness, joy and energy. But that’s not all: stimulating hormonal secretion promotes good metabolism, which leads to proper absorption of nutrients, assimilation and breakdown of sugar and, as a result, lower blood sugar levels.

The scent of bergamot is great for your living room, workout room, or workspace. It’s great for yourself and of course for the people who come into your space. It’s a mood booster. The scent of bergamot pairs well with many complementary scents, such as lavender, chamomile, jasmine, geranium, juniper, or lemon. Bergamot oil, like lavender, has the ability to enhance the effects of other essential oils.

Bergamot Oil as a Natural Antidepressant

Bergamot oil acts as a natural antidepressant and stimulant, making it ideal for aromatherapy. Anxiety and stress can be reduced by improving blood circulation. Changing your neurological and mental state can also have a positive effect on sleep. Bergamot oil helps stimulate hormones such as dopamine and serotonin, causing relaxation. The aroma of a few drops of bergamot oil in hot water or from a vaporizer has a calming effect. It also helps with upper respiratory tract conditions such as colds and flu.

Bergamot Oil for Massage

Relieve fatigue with an invigorating massage using a 1:1 blend of bergamot and ylang-ylang oils in a carrier oil.

Digestive problems can be treated by massaging the abdomen using a few drops of bergamot oil mixed with almond oil.

Stomach cramps – if necessary, massage the area with a carrier oil mixed with bergamot, lavender, chamomile or marjoram.

Bergamot Oil for a Medicinal Bath

Regular addition of bergamot oil to bath water improves the body’s ability to resist infections by inhibiting the growth of bacteria, viruses and fungi. While stimulated metabolism and gland secretion cause sweating, which helps remove toxins from the body.

A bath with bergamot oil will help reduce fever, relieve coughs and also solve respiratory problems such as flu, bronchitis and asthma. Its relaxing effect on muscles and nerve endings helps soothe headaches, muscle pain, cramps and sprains.

Bergamot Oil for Hair Care

Bergamot oil can be used as a soothing agent for irritated scalp. Add a few drops of bergamot oil to shampoo and massage it into the scalp.

How to Use Bergamot Oil

When applied to the skin, bergamot oil is recommended to be diluted with a carrier oil or other skin care product. Due to the phototoxic effect, direct exposure to the sun or UV radiation should be avoided. Bergamot oil should be stored in a dark place away from sunlight.