| Bergamot essential oil is subtle and uplifting, uniting | | | | This condition can manifest as tension, irritability, and |
| one of the most enticing perfume aromas with the | | | | frustration, and if never released or processed, can |
| transformative potential of this plant's powerful | | | | eventually lead to depression...Bergamot helps us to |
| healing effects. The light green oil is pressed from the | | | | relax and let go." |
| peels of the nearly ripe bitter oranges, with an scent | | | | Depression due to the stagnation of life-force energy |
| like candy for grown-ups; the bright top note | | | | is often the result of accumulated stress and |
| combines a fresh sweet-tart orange with slightly | | | | repressed emotions of grief, frustration or anger. A |
| spicy balsamic undertones. A member of the | | | | protective oil by nature, Bergamot is indicated |
| botanical family Rutacae, the Bergamot tree (Citrus | | | | whenever the flow of natural energy is disrupted, |
| bergamia) grows up to 15 feet high and yields small | | | | leading to imbalanced states such as irritability, |
| round fruit that look much like miniature oranges. The | | | | anxiety, and sleep disturbances. Bergamot |
| Bergamot essential oil used in aromatherapy should | | | | encourages the release of repressed and inhibited |
| not be confused with the familiar bergamot plant, | | | | feelings, thus helping to release and decompress. The |
| also known as 'bee balm', an herb indigenous to North | | | | impressively bright aroma belies its calming, centering, |
| America. | | | | and clarifying nature; it is able to bring cheer and |
| Originating in tropical Asia, the Bergamot tree is now | | | | sooth simultaneously. |
| widely grown in Italy, as well as the Ivory Coast, | | | | Bergamot is further indicated where anxiety and |
| Guinea, Morocco, and Corsica. Bergamot is named | | | | stress related symptoms present as a loss or change |
| after the Italian city of Bergamo in Lombardy, where | | | | in appetite. Bergamot's antidepressant properties and |
| the essential oil was first sold for perfumery. The | | | | its regulatory effect on appetite offer assistance |
| fruit is not edible as the pulp is too sour, resulting in | | | | when used in cases of eating imbalances such as |
| the Bergamot tree being primarily cultivated for its | | | | anorexia nervosa, emotional eating, and bulimia. A |
| essential oils. It is one of the most popular essential | | | | natural carminative, digestive aid and antispasmodic |
| oils used in perfumery ' approximately one third of | | | | make Bergamot effective in instances of colic as well |
| men's colognes contain Bergamot, and nearly one half | | | | as helping to reduce and relieve flatulence. The |
| of women's perfumes. Bergamot imparts the | | | | essential oil can be used as a single note, or blended |
| characteristic flavor to Earl Grey tea, and is used as a | | | | with companion aromas such as Chamomile, Coriander |
| flavoring agent in pastries, root-beer, chewing gum, | | | | and Fennel in a neutral base, applied using |
| and toothpastes. | | | | caring-tough massage techniques. |
| Fresh Bergamot essential oil has nearly 300 | | | | That Bergamot essential oil has found its way into |
| compounds: mainly linalyl acetate (30-60 %), linaool | | | | our lives in forms that we inhale, splash on ourselves, |
| (11-22%) and other alcohols, sequiterpenes, terpenes, | | | | and even eat is no mistake. Humans have certainly |
| alkalines, and furocoumarins (including bergapten | | | | developed a fondness for its brilliant touch to the |
| 0.30-0.39%). Certain furocourmarins, notably | | | | olfactory and gustatory senses. Its most most |
| bergapten, have been found to be photosensitizing | | | | important and enticing application may be that of the |
| (causing an increased sensitivity to ultraviolet rays), | | | | natural mood-enhancer; the yellow-green color of the |
| hence Bergamot should not be heavily used on skin | | | | oil hints to its affinity to the heart and solar plexus |
| that will be significantly exposed to sunlight in the | | | | chakras, where many of us are challenged to remain |
| following 72 hours. A 'bergapten-free' partially-refined | | | | open in our daily routines. It is the opening of the |
| variety is available, and is an excellent choice for | | | | heart and a fluid allowing of the emotions that lies at |
| massage and skin care formulas. | | | | the center of our healing journeys. Using Bergamot |
| Bergamot is an excellent antiseptic for use in cases | | | | through all primary aromatherapy techniques can |
| of acne, oily skin, and infected skin. As a natural | | | | assist in this process, opening us to freedom and |
| toner and detoxifier, Bergamot may help to prevent | | | | joys in our everyday lives. |
| premature aging of the dermis. Bergamot oil is noted | | | | Bergamot essential oil blends well with Chamomile, |
| to have a slightly irritating effect on the skin in high | | | | Geranium, Jasmine, Lavender, Lemon, Orange, Neroli, |
| concentrations, but the opposite healing effects | | | | Tangerine, and Ylang Ylang essential oils. It can be |
| occur when the oil is used at low concentrations (1% | | | | used through any primary aromatherapy technique, |
| or less in carrier oil). Bergamot's general deodorizing | | | | such as adding a few drops to a bath, mixing in a |
| effects derive from its antiseptic properties, which | | | | massage formula, or simple inhalation. |
| are also effective against bladder and urinary | | | | Here are a few formulas employing the dramatic |
| infections. Adding 3- 4 drops of Bergamot to warm | | | | antidepressant and emotional-releasing properties |
| water bath can help bring relief to the early stages | | | | using some of these companion oils: To release |
| of urinary tract infections. | | | | aggravation and pressure ' 2 parts Roman Chamomile, |
| Bergamot essential oil is foremost a miraculous | | | | 2 parts Bergamot and 2 parts Sweet Orange. To |
| neuro-tonic, and a powerful helper against depression | | | | overcome nervousness and agitation ' 3 parts |
| caused by fatigue or unreleased tensions and | | | | Lavender, 2 parts Neroli and 1 part Bergamot. When |
| frustrations. Aromatherapy massage - using a | | | | frustrated and negative ' 3 parts Bergamot, 2 parts |
| massage oil with a low concentration of essential oil | | | | Sweet Orange and 1 part Neroli. To enhance |
| and any healing massage technique - is exceptionally | | | | relaxation and self-confidence ' 2 parts Lavender and |
| effective for any stress induced disease. As noted | | | | 1 part Bergamot. |
| by author and aromatherapist Gabriel Mojay, | | | | These blends may be used in a diffuser, or diluted to |
| "Bergamot oil's psychological action depends on its | | | | 3% total concentration in one or more carrier oils for |
| ability to disperse stagnant Chi (life-force energy). | | | | a wonderful aromatherapy massage. |