Bergamot Essential Oil

Bergamot Essential Oil Its Uses And What It Is

Bergamot Essential Oil is derived from the fruit of the Bergamot tree, Citrus bergamia. The fruit itself is a small orange like fruit, which yields an oil of a citrus nature. The tree, and thus fruit, are named for the town of Bergamo in Northern Italy, from where the cultivation originates. It is a valuable oil due to its constituents, with good medicinal effects. Due to which it has a long history in Italian folk medicine, though the properties carry through time well and it is exceptionally good for stress relief. You can discover about the various Bergamot Essential Oil Uses further below.

Plant

Citrus bergamia is native to Italy, it is now principally cultivated in Southern Italy, though it is also cultivated for its oil in Southern France and in the Ivory Coast.

Essential Oil Characteristics

The essential oil is chiefly extracted from the peal of the fruit, this is achieved by pressing. To this day many still hold the belief that the best oil comes from using hand pressing techniques. Though many producers have moved to mechanical methods now.

The oil itself is greenish and clear in nature, with a viscosity similar to water. The aroma is defined as a top note and is citrus, though sweet and fruity at the same time, with this comes a warm and spicy air.

Constituents

The components which form the properties most people are interested in are limonene, linalyl acetate, linalool, γ-terpinene and β-pinene, plus small quantities of geranial and β-bisabolene.

Safety Note For Bergamot Essential Oil

As with various citrus natured essential oils it can induce photosensitivity with skin. As such the advice is to avoid usage of Bergamot if you are going to be out in the sunlight, especially if the sun is strong where you are.

Cautionary Note For Bergamot Essential Oil

It is also worth noting that approximately three thousand tonnes of declared essence of bergamot are marketed worldwide. However, the genuine essence of bergamot produced each year is around one hundred tons (Tonio Licordari La riflessione Valorizzare ora questa risorsa sulla scia dell'onda... profumata Gazzetta del Sud Cronaca di Reggio 18-02-2010). The disparity coming from some producers who create the oil synthetically and then colour it using chlorophyll. As such if you really wish to access thee healing properties of Bergamot properly you need to be certain the essential oil comes from good source.

Effects of aroma hand massage on pain, state anxiety and depression in hospice patients with terminal cancer

"As for the experimental treatment, the experimental group went through aroma hand massage on each hand for 5 min for 7 days with blended oil-a mixture of Bergamot, Lavender, and Frankincense in the ratio of 1:1:1, which was diluted 1.5% with sweet almond carrier oil 50 ml. The control group went through general oil hand massage by only sweet almond carrier oil-on each hand for 5 min for 7 days."
"Aroma hand massage had a positive effect on pain and depression in hospice patients with terminal cancer."
Chang SY
Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18753801

Bergamot Essential Oil Uses

Bergamot essential oil is used by many as a way of helping with depression issues, for which it is very effective. It has also been used by many with success to hel with urinary tract infections and skin care. A cautionary point is that this oil is known to cause photosensitivity, which can last several days. As such if you are planning on being out in the sunlight, especially in areas of strong sunlight, then do be aware that the increased light sensitivity of your skin after using Bergamot should be factored into your plans and activities, look after your skin well.

The Therapeutic Effects Of Bergamot Essential Oil

Analgesic
Antibacterial
Antibiotic
Antidepressant
Antiseptic
Anti-Inflammatory
Analgesic
Antidepressant
Anti-Infectious
Anti-Parasitic

Antiseptic
Antispasmodic
Calmative
Cicatrisant
Deodorant
Digestive
Febrifuge
Hormonal Support
Sedative
Vermifuge

It is probably the antidepressant effect that Bergamot is most well known for. The citrusy aroma is a powerful mood lifter and helps to dispel tension and stress fast. Whatever you are using this oil for it will give you good mental support as an additional benefit, something which is very useful regardless of the primary condition being treated.

Conditions That It Helps With

Addictions
Agitation
Anorexia
Anxiety
Loss Of Appetite
Colic
Depression
Eczema
Fear
Healing In General
Hysteria
Indigestion

Infections (all Types)
Inflammation
Insect Repellent
Insomnia
Oily Skin
Parasites
Psoriasis
Rheumatism
Stress
Tension
Vaginal Candida

One of the reasons that Bergamot is effective in treatment of conditions like anorexia and insomnia is the effect that it has on the mind and emotions. Both of these conditions are related to mental activity and have stress as a component. The uplifting quality of the oil, and its ability to induce a greater sense of good feeling and wellbeing helps to overcome such issues.

Notable Points On The Uses Of Bergamot Essential Oil

First and foremost, this oil causes increased photosensitivity, something which should be considered carefully when you are thinking about using it. If you live in an area of strong sunlight then limit your usage, and in that time your exposure to the sun too, or choose another oil. Also for urinary tract and genital infections consult medical help before doing anything else.

Those things said the antidepressant, antiseptic, antibacterial, antiviral and other properties bring strong benefit to themany uses of Bergamot essential oil. Whatever you are using it for you will access the uplifting effects that are inherent, helping you to enjoy a more positive feeling regardless of your reasons for using it. Just remember to keep the dosage low, 0.5% to 1% of any wash or massage oil mix, and only 1 to 2 drops mixed with carrier oil first for use in aroma baths. Discover more wonderful essential oils and where to buy quality Bergamot essential oil.