Bergamot

Bergamot

Bergamot is a popular oil and in my opinion, very pleasing.  It is uplifting, comforting and refreshing.  In this article I will be referring to the expeller pressed form.

Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) is a top note, cold pressed from the rind of the bergamia orange. Its furocoumarins; bergamotine, bergaptole and especially bergaptene make it photosensitizing. This means it should never be applied before sun exposure as it can cause severe burns which can keep damaging skin for days later.  This oil should also NEVER be applied neat.   

Trace elements of the alcohols: geraniol, nerolidol, farnesol, s-pathulenol, including the sesquiterpene aldehyde b-sinesal,separate this oil from other citrus oils, giving it a distinct aroma.  As well as adding to its extensive healing properties, affecting both body and mind.

It’s high concentration the ester linalyl acetate, makes it popular in the fragrance and flavouring industries.

Native to Morocco and tropical Asia.  It is said the bergamia orange was brought by Christopher Columbus to Bergamo in northern Italy from the Canary Islands. We all know it’s recognisable flavour from well-known Earl Grey Tea.  What you may not know is, its a pillar in traditional Italian medicine, including for the treatment of malaria.   Bergamot has also been used in the middle east for hundreds of years, treating skin conditions associated with oily complexions.

It’s plethora of medicinal properties include: analgesic, antidepressant, anti-bacterial (staph, meningitis), anti-inflammatory, antiparasitic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, digestive, cicatrizant (promotes healing through the formation of scar tissue), cooing, relaxing, sedative to the central nervous system as well as uplifting.  

These properties mean bergamot is a stellar oil for pretty much every system in the body. Refreshing and uplifting for our mind and emotions, helps open the heart chakra, cooling anger and frustrations as well as aiding with depression. Helpful to our respiratory system, aiding in the fight against respiratory infections such as bronchitis and colds.  A great general stimulant for our circulatory systems.  Helpful with painful digestion, nausea and vomiting.  Very useful with our integumentary system (skin, hair, nails) helping with everything from oily skin to eczema and repelling insects.   Bergamot is a great immune support. Aiding healing from colds, flu, herpes viruses: simplex 1 & 2, shingles and chickenpox.

It’s immune supporting effects are what lead bergamot to be touted as another anti-cancer oil. This is likely due to its high concentration of monoterpenes (linalyl acetate) and esters.  As well might be related to its complex phytochemical composition, suggesting that different components might activate different pathways to execute (cancer) cell death and reprogram DNA.  

‘The Fragrant Mind’ by Valerie Ann Worwood, recommends bergamot helpful for inducing these and more the following positive states:  concentration, balance, confidence, strength, joy, motivation, harmony, completeness.  

‘The Fragrant Mind’ also recommends bergamot for emotional healing of but not limited to: depression, anxiety, helplessness, bitterness, despondency, emptiness, exhaustion, grief, sadness, stress, tension, emotional imbalances.  

You can see why many people find bergamot so comforting and uplifting.  I for one have been having to deal with a lot of strife in my personal life at the moment.  Just last night after a particularly stressful and illuminating meeting.  I was on the subway toward home eating an orange.  I focused on my breathing and rubbed the rind releasing it’s natural oils.  I immediately felt myself breathing literal sighs of relief…  Actually making an ahhh sound as I exhaled.  I turned my frown upside down and allowed the aroma to guide me away from the weight of the situation and into a bubble of serene calm.  Citrus oils in general are very uplifting.  As I write this I have couple drops of bergamot on the material that covers my chair.  Scents really do affect us on so many levels.  I invite you to let your favourite aroma transport you and your innerstate to the serene.  A pool of calm.  Let your mind float into the ether while keeping your feet firmly on the ground…

Here are some suggestions for use.

- Blend a few drops with a carrier oil and rub on chest and or whole body to help with respiratory illnesses, immune support, muscular pain, digestive issues, skin conditions or a circulatory stimulant

- Add to water and diffuse through your home to aid in opening your heart chakra, uplifting your mood and refreshing your mind.

- If you are interested in wearing a subtle fragrance with hints of bergamot, check out my roll-on fragrance LOVE




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