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nature direct 2u
Most common oils Chamomile
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Glossary |
Bergamot |
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Citrus aurantium v.Bergamia
The origin of this tree is obscure. One theory says that Christopher Colombus brought the bitter orange plant, Citrus aurantium, back from the Antillas or the Canaries to Spain. It then reached Calabria, mainland Italy, from the town of Berga, near Barcelona, from where it took the name, 'Bergamot'. In 1750, the recurring demand of essence from abroad persuaded Mr. Nicola Parisi to increase the number of bergamot trees in his own Giunchi estate in Calabria. Then many other landowners followed his example and started planting all around. Repeated attempts, around 1815, to cultivate bergamot outside Calabria (French Guinea, USA, North Africa, South America, and Sicily) were unsuccessful. Ivory Coast was, however, the only real exception to this series of failures. Bergamot is now only commercially grown in Italy and Ivory Coast. The plant has smooth, oval leaves and the tree bears small round fruit that turns from green to yellow on ripening. It looks like a minature orange. The oil is extracted from the peel of the fruit when it is nearly ripe by cold expression. It is a light greenish yellow that turns a brownish olive colour on ageing. It has a fresh, sweet, lemony, warm scent with a spicy balsamic undertone. As the initial sharp notes fade, it leaves a lingering scent similar to neroli. It is a top note and blends well with lavender, neroli, jasmine, cypress, geranium, lemon, chamomile, ylang-ylang, juniper, coriander & violet. It has been a folk remedy in Italy since the 16th century, used for fevers like malaria and as an antiseptic. In recent aromatherapy, bergamot has been successfully used in douches and hip baths for urinary and vaginal infections, and inhaled for respiratory infections like tonsillitis, bronchitis and tuberculosis. Bergamot has been used for hundreds of years for acne, boils, cold sores, eczema, insect bites, insect repellent, oily complexion, psoriasis, scabies, spot varicose veins, skin ulcers, wounds, sore throat, thrush, infectious disease, and depression. It is said to inhibit the herpes virus and is also used by some people to relieve chicken pox and shingles. It is known to have about 300 chemical constituents. It's traditional uses are antiseptic, deodorant, perfume, soothing agent & skin conditioner. Bergamot is a cooling, uplifting and refreshing oil. It is a good oil to diffuse as a room freshener, because almost everyone likes it. It is calming and euphoric both at once. It can be used for anxiety, anger, relieving tension, frustration and depression. It's main action is on the nervous system where it has a strong sedative and soothing effect. Recent studies have shown that bergamot's gentle, citrus fragrance has been profoundly useful in helping people build self confidence, calm the mind and balance instability. It is also an anti-spasmodic which is helpful for problems in the digestive system & gastric infections. It stimulates digestion by increasing energy in the liver, stomach, and spleen. Bergamot has shown a sanitary effect in air of medical institutions, including ones highly polluted with pathogenic microflora. It also showed high antibacterial and antifungal activity by inhalation, thus it may be useful for treating candidoses of the mucous membrane and staphylococcus infections. During the 18th and 19th centuries the oil from bergamot was used to flavour snuff and gin and subsequently tea. Bergamot is responsible for the distinctive flavour of the renowned and most famous Earl Grey tea. The most likely explanation of Earl Grey's link to the tea lies in the fact that when tea was coming to public attention he was an extremely popular reforming prime minister of Great Britain. Another story goes, an emissary to the Earl of Grey saved the life of a Mandarin nobleman. As a reward for his courage, the emissary was given the honoured and closely guarded secret of bergamot tea, valued for its ability to bring forth serenity and wisdom to those who drink it. Care: Bergamot is a photosensitiser. It contains bergaptene and bergamotine. These can cause over pigmentation on the skin when exposed to sunlight. They can also provoke abnormalities that can degenerate. This photosensitising effect can last a few days. If using the oil, avoid the sun for at least 3 days after. DISCLAIMER: This page is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for accurate diagnosis and treatment by a qualified health care professional. The author is neither a chemist nor an herbalist and has had no medical training whatsoever. The content herein is the product of research, not practical experience. |
