Bergamot Essential Oil
Eases Stress from Mind & Body
Bergamot is rarely consumed as a fruit or fruit juice. It is primarily used to make sweets, liquers and of couese for its essential oil. Bergamot Essential Oil is obtained through cold compression of the fruit’s rind. It is used in medicinal and therapeutic applications and is widely used in perfumes, cosmetics and as a flavoring agent for Early Grey Tea. Almost half of women’s perfumes and one third of men’s contain bergamot oils.
The chemical composition of this oil includes alpha-pinene, alpha bergapten, alpha-terpineol, limonene, linalool, linalyl acetate, nerol, neryl acetate, beta bisabolene, geraniol, geraniol acetate, and myrcene.
Genus
Citrus bergamia
Part of the Plant Used
Rind
Basic therapeutic properties
Deodorant, vulnerary, vermifuge, antibiotic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, sedative, analgesic, antidepressant, disinfectant, febrifuge, cicatrizant, and digestive
Aromatic Affect on the Mind
Its sweet and fruity aroma is uplifting and relaxing.
Psychological Influence
Releases emotional pain, is calming and often used to treat depression by providing energy. Bergamot supports us to release the need to be in complete control so that we can flow with life more easily. It also, supports us when dealing with dependency or compulsiveness that may be associated with smoking, drugs or alcohol.
When we can relax and trust the universe to handle details of any life situation, we release the fear of the unknown and become clear about our own mission.
Spiritual Influence
It opens the heart chakra and eases stress and tension in mind, body and soul. We can have a few drops on the heart to release patterns and embrace relationships with self and others.
Volatility index
Middle
Ayurvedic Wisdom
According to the ancient healing system of Ayurveda, bergamot essential oil decreases problems caused by Vata and Kapha (the biological forces of wind and phlegm). By balancing “phlegm”, bergamot oil helps to reduce sluggishness, complacency and melancholy. Its mood-uplifting qualities support heightened and brightened energy.
Blends well with
Most essential oils, including other citrus oils, spice oils, Rose Otto, Sandalwood, Vetiver, Lavender, Ylang Ylang, Jasmine, Geranium, Neroli and Melissa.
Specific benefits and uses
Improves Blood Circulation
The components of bergamot oil, like alpha-pinene and limonene, are antidepressant and stimulating in nature. They improve the circulation of the blood, creating a feeling of freshness, joy, and energy in cases of sadness and depression. They also stimulate hormonal secretions, thereby helping to maintain proper metabolic rates. This effect also increases the secretion of digestive juices, bile, and insulin which aids in digestion, proper absorption of nutrients, assimilation, and decomposition of sugar and the resultant lowering of blood sugar. The hormonal impact of this essential oil is part of the reason that it is so powerful on these neurological and mental conditions.
Prevents Infections
Certain components of Bergamot essential oil are antibiotic and disinfectant in nature. They inhibit the growth of germs, virus, and fungi. They also effectively prohibit infections, including those of the skin. If regularly used with bathing water or in soaps, the skin and hair remain protected from infections and become shiny. It also cures infections in the colon, intestines, urinary tract, and kidneys.
Reduces Pain
Bergamot essential oil reduces the feeling of pain in the body. It stimulates the secretion of certain hormones which lessen the sensitivity of nerves to pain. Therefore, it is very helpful in case of headaches, sprains, muscle aches or any other symptoms/ailments which require a heavy dosage of analgesic pills.
Relaxant & Sedative
It soothes the nerves and reduces nervous tension, anxiety, and stress, all of which can help cure ailments associated with stress such as high blood pressure, insomnia, and depression. They can also stimulate the activity of certain hormones in the body like dopamine and serotonin, which induce feelings of relaxation and sedation.
Aids in Digestion
Bergamot essential oil activates and increases secretions of the digestive acids, enzymes, and bile, thus facilitating digestion. It also synchronizes and regulates the peristaltic motion of the intestines and in this way, it quickens the digestive process and reduces strain to the intestinal tract. In this way, this essential oil can reduce constipation, make bowel movements regular, and prevent gastrointestinal complications like colorectal cancer.
Skin Care
Bergamot Essential oil is used extensively in cosmetics and skin care products such as beauty soaps, creams, and lotions. The cicatrizant in bergamot helps heal scars and other marks on the skin. It also makes the distribution of pigments and melanin uniform, resulting in the fading away of marks and an even, attractive skin tone. This essential oil is commonly used to eliminate the unsightly effects of acne, which can leave noticeable scars on the affected areas for many years.
Eliminates Bad Odor
Bergamot Essential oil is an excellent deodorant. The refreshing aroma and disinfectant properties of bergamot oil inhibit the growth of germs causing body-odor. Citrus smells are very powerful and can overcome or eliminate many other odors.
Reduces Fever
A febrifuge is a substance that reduces fever and lowers body temperature. Bergamot is a good febrifuge for a number of reasons. First of all, as an antibiotic, it fights infections that arise from viruses, bacteria, and protozoa that cause fever, including influenza (virus), malaria (protozoa), and typhoid (typhus bacteria). Secondly, it stimulates the metabolic system and gland secretions, thereby providing a feeling of warmth and resulting in additional secretion (perspiration or sweat) from the eccrine glands (sweat glands) and sebaceous (sebum) glands, thus reducing body temperature. This can also reduce the toxicity of the body through perspiration, and clean out the glands and pores of any foreign toxins that can result in a variety of skin conditions.
Kills Germs
It kills worms, and it is a subtle and fragrant choice for children who have contracted worms that can result in malnourishment and other serious deficiencies including various forms of anemia.
It can also be applied to unhealthy, infected teeth or used as a mouthwash to kill oral germs and protect teeth from the development of cavities.
Relieves Spasms
It relaxes nerves and muscles, thereby giving quick relief from cramps, convulsions, and painful muscle contractions. This can also be important for people with chronic coughing, respiratory conditions or asthma, which is similar to a spasmodic reaction.
Speeds-up Healing
The disinfectant and antibiotic properties of bergamot essential oil make it a good antiseptic agent. It promotes fast healing of wounds, cracks in the skin and heels, ulcers, eczema, and itching. Simultaneously, protects wounds from becoming septic. It also treats and heals the effects of other infections and inhibits the formation of new ones.
Other Benefits
Bergamot essential oil is a tonic, which means that it tones up the respiratory, circulatory, digestive, excretory, and nervous system, as well as skin and muscles. It is also anti-congestive and is used in vaporizers to relieve congestion and respiratory problems, particularly during coughs and colds. It works as an expectorant to loosen up phlegm and mucus in the respiratory tracts and helps the body to eliminate it through natural avenues like sneezing and coughing, thereby eliminating some of the germs and toxins that caused the condition in the first place.
How to use it
Direct Inhalation
Perhaps the easiest way to use bergamot oil is through a simple direct inhalation. Place a drop in the palm of your hand, gently rub the palms together, bring them towards your face and take a deep inhalation. Repeat at any point in your day when you would like to feel uplifted and clarified. As a quick palm inhalation blend, do this with a drop of rose oil to discourage feelings of sadness or melancholy.
A drop of Bergamot essential oil on wrists will give joy and open our heart.
Diffuser
Bergamot is a good choice to be included in any blend to change the atmosphere of your environment. It is loved by all. Children especially find Bergamot enjoyable. Bergamot is a great year round fragrance for creating a fresh, welcoming home.
Safety Precautions
Bergamot is generally safe, but it is photosensitizing, meaning it can increase the risk of sunburn and rash. It is best to avoid use within 12 hours of sun exposure.