Citrus Bergamia (Bergamot Oil)
Bergamot essential oil is mainly grown in the north and south of Italy and originates from South East Asia. It is named after the Northern Italian city of Bergamot, where it was first sold. The skin of the fruit is cold-pressed to produce essential oils, scents and flavours. The fruit looks like a miniature orange.
Recent research in Italy has shown that bergamot has a wide range of therapeutic benefits, particularly for skin, respiratory and urinary tract infections. There are so many beneficial properties to bergamot - a few are listed below:
Properties:
Due to its antiseptic properties, bergamot is helpful for many skin conditions, including acne, eczema and psoriasis
Its uplifting, cheerful aroma helps reduce anxiety and stress
Said to boost the immune system, thereby helping relieve symptoms of colds, flu and other respiratory problems
Digestive system support
Said to support the genito-urinary system
Note that bergamot contains certain furocoumarins (notably bergapten), which have been found to cause phototoxicity on the skin. Therefore please do not use bergamot before going in the sun or on a sunbed. If in doubt please seek advice from a professional Aromatherapist. Bergapten-free bergamot is available to buy, which is said to be safe to use, but due to the modification may not smell quite the same.
Fun fact - Widely used in Earl Grey tea. Apparently also used for many years in Italian folk medicine to treat fever (including malaria) and worms!
Blends Well With
Most oils, especially citrus and florals
Chamomile
Cypress
Geranium
Jasmine
Juniper
Lavender
Lemon
Neroli
Recipe Suggestion
Facial Steaming for Oily Skin:
1 drops Bergamot
2 drops Rosemary
Combine the essential oils together at a ratio of 2:1 as above. Add 2-4 drops of the blend to a bowl of steaming water (start with less drops and increase to 4 drops if you feel comfortable). Stir well, cover your head with a towel (make sure the sides are closed). Gently steam your face for about 5 minutes, keeping your eyes closed. Avoid facial steaming if you have broken veins, sensitive skin, acne, rosacea or sunburn.
Essential Oil Safety:
Always read the EO safety guidance which should accompany your purchased bottle
Always dilute before use (seek advice for recommended quantities)
Avoid contact with the eyes/mucous membranes
Do not use if pregnant without seeking advice
Do not use on children younger than 5 without seeking advice
Use lower dilutions for children/elderly
Ensure pets can leave the room if diffusing essential oils (they might not like the aroma as much as you do)
If you have any medical conditions seek advice
Never ingest
Stop use immediately if you experience a reaction - inform your therapist and seek medical advice
If you are asthmatic or have any other lung condition, test your body response by smelling the caps of each oil before using to ensure the oils do not cause any sensitivity.
Note that bergamot contains certain furocoumarins (notably bergapten), which have been found to cause phototoxicity on the skin. Therefore please do not use bergamot before going in the sun or on a sunbed. If in doubt please seek advice from a professional Aromatherapist.
I thought I'd change the theme for the final picture - still in Africa, in the beautiful country of Zambia - here is an impressively huge anthill - taken in the bush in 2015.
References:
"Essential Oil Safety" by Robert Tisserand - E-book published by Elsevier Health Sciences
"The Encyclopaedia of Essential Oils" by Julia Lawless - Updated Edition (2014) published by Harper Thorsons
"The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy" by Valerie Ann Worwood - published by New World Library
"What is Begamot?" Blog post by Twinings (accessed 1st September 2021).
Get in touch if you'd like to smell any of the oils in my collection, get help with creating your own blend, or have an Aromatherapy massage, hot stone treatment or holistic facial.
Medical Disclaimer - The above information is intended for educational purposes only, and not to be taken as an endorsement or replacement for any particular medical health treatment. Please check with your health provider before embarking on any type of herbal treatment.
Contact:
camaromatherapy@gmail.com
Follow me:
#essentialoil #aromatherapy #bergamot #massage #wantage #oxfordshire #oilyskin #eczema #acne #psoriasis