Cultivation of bergamot trees:
Bergamot is part of the citrus genus and, like oranges and lemons, is a result of cultivation. Bergamot is probably a hybrid between bitter orange and lemon, but the fruit is not really edible, as it is extremely bitter and sour. The essential oil is cold pressed from the skin of the bergamot fruit.
Reggio di Calabria at the tip of Italy's boot, is the only place in the world where bergamot trees are actually grown successfully.
Common uses:
Perfume
Bergamot oil is very highly regarded in the perfume industry, and is used in quite a few types of perfumes, such as e.g. Tom Ford Black Orchid, Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium and Aqua Allegoria Bergamote Calabria by Guerlain. Jean Paul Gaultier produces Ultra Male and La Belle for men and women respectively.
Earl Grey Tea
Lovers of this fresh citrus flavored tea are often so enthusiastic about it, that they want to only dring this tea. Earl Grey tea can be made by either adding the dried peel of the fruit to ordinary black tea leaves, or by adding the essential oil to the tea leaves.
Acquisition of oil:
Cold pressed from the peel of the almost ripe fruit of Citrus bergamia.
Properties of the oil:
Smell
Bergamot's scent is floral, with herbal undertones.
Texture
Greenish
Rather mobile – not thick
Therapeutic uses:
Digestion
It has an uplifting yet calming effect and is very good for those who lose their appetite due to stress. (Drinking some Earl Gray tea after a big meal is actually very helpful for indigestion and flatulence).
Immune system
A mixture of lavender, bergamot and tea tree oils can be used for fever blisters/cold sores.
Combine bergamot with jasmine and ylang-ylang to help build physical strength after illness.
Urinary tract system
To help relieve urinary tract infections, about 3 drops of oil can be added to a bath and used as a topical wash.
Nervous system
Bergamot helps with the following emotional conditions:
• Dealing with unexpressed anger. Combine with lavender. Lavender and bergamot both help to release pent-up emotions.
• Feelings that are not expressed often lead to depression, insomnia, mood swings and anxiety.
• Bergamot can also help relieve sadness.
• A combination of bergamot, rosemary and lemongrass or verbena is mentally/emotionally stimulating, refreshing and uplifting.
• To calm emotions and restore and calm the nerves.
• It helps to get energy flowing again.
Natural preference for oils.
People with a lighter and more joyful approach to life seem to instinctively like bergamot.
Bergamot people are also often those who are caring, thoughtful and full of energy.
Bergamot as bridge oil:
Bergamot is a good oil to use if you need an oil for a certain treatment but don't really like the smell. For example, it will greatly disguise cypress, frankincense and pine.
Sources:
Battaglia, S.
The complete guide to aromatherapy, 2nd edition.
The International Center of Holistic Aromatherapy, Brisbane, Australia, 2003
P261-262
Fischer-Rizzi, S.
Complete Aromatherapy Handbook, English Edition 1990.
Sterling Publishing Company Inc. New York USA. pp. 70 - 76.
Disclaimer:
The use of essential oils must be done responsibly, and does not replace any medical treatment. You use it at your own risk.
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