Essential Oil of Bergamot
The Bergamot tree takes its name from the small town of Bergamo in Northern Italy. The fruit, which looks like a miniature orange, has been used in folk medicine for hundreds of years. The oil is obtained by hand-squeezing the rind of the Bergamot.
The active ingredients in Bergamot Oil are linalyl acetate, limonene and linalol. It has a delicate citrus aroma, and is a light green in color.
Bergamot Oil is used to treat urinary tract infections, depression, anxiety and is valuable for skin care. Bergamot Oil, if used at the early stage, can prevent a urinary tract infection from spreading from the urethra into the bladder. For this condition it should be used in a bath or diluted as a wash.
The antiseptic properties make it an ideal treatment for acne, oily skin and skin infections. A hot compress of Bergamot can be used to draw the infection out of boils or sores. It is cooling to the skin during fever and is also an excellent insect repellant. Bergamot Oil inhibits the herpes simplex virus, which causes cold sores and is a relief to those with chicken pox.
Bergamot is also considered a photosensitiser, making the skin more reactive to the sun. If you have very pale or delicate skin do not apply to exposed areas, and then go directly out into the sun. If you tan easily, this oil will help you develop a tan faster.
I love the smell of Bergamot Oil! I put 10 drops in my bottle of Jojoba oil. I use this as a facial moisturizer. I find that it balances out my skin. Because it is an uplifting oil (not stimulating) it is a great bath oil and is good for my mood.
Annoying Health Disclaimer:
The information and opinions expressed here are believed to be accurate, based on the best judgement available to the authors, and readers who fail to consult with appropriate health authorities assume the risk of any injuries.
Basic29 Healthy Living said,
March 8, 2012 at 7:20 AM
Have you ever heard of Bergamot oil being used to help relieve issues associated with eczema? My little niece has horrible eczema and I am wondering if this would be helpful to her. She is very fair and has very sensitive skin. I will definitely pass on this post to my sister in law so she can ask their doctor about this.
arealfoodlover said,
March 8, 2012 at 8:23 AM
The best healing resource I’ve ever heard of for eczema is the GAPS diet. It works wonders! Have her read the book Gut and Psychology Syndrome (GAPS) by Natasha Campbell-McBride
Shelley said,
March 8, 2012 at 11:56 AM
Heather I have a friend who is going for surgery for colon cancer Monday. Do you have any recommendations for her after she gets home for her surgery scar and helping her feel better?
arealfoodlover said,
March 8, 2012 at 3:59 PM
Your own body’s healing mechanism is the ultimate determining factor in scar development. So plenty of nourishing foods would be my first recommendation, but after her sugery she may not be able to eat for a while. If she can still drink liquids I would try bone broth, and smoothies containing lots of fruit, raw dairy and green vegetables.
I have also heard that 100% Aloe Vera does stimulate the body to produce new skin cells, and relieves inflammation, causing the new skin to be flat, rather than a raised scar. I would also try straight rosehip seed oil, or mix it with the aloe.
Perhaps an aloe vera plant would be a good gift for your friend instead of flowers
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Lambert Hicks said,
November 18, 2012 at 5:26 PM
This versatile essential oil is also a great antiseptic proven quite useful for treating skin conditions, and can also be used on herpes, chicken pox (herpes Varacella) and shingles (herpes zoster). Because bergamot has a powerful effect on stimulating the liver, stomach and spleen and has a brilliant antiseptic effect on urinary tract infections and inflammations such as cystitis, it is of great use to those who find themselves on prolonged Tylenol treatment or have reduced liver or kidney function. In vapor therapy, bergamot oil can be useful for depression, or illnesses such as PMS or SAD, and respiratory problems such as colds, flu, or COPD.
Jed said,
March 12, 2013 at 9:21 AM
can I add this oil to drinks – is it safe to consume please – like making my own earl grey for example.
many thanks
Jed
arealfoodlover said,
April 1, 2013 at 2:47 PM
I would never recommend ingesting any essential oils of any type without consulting a Naturopathic Doctor first. They can be very highly concentrated and toxic.