Bergamot
- Citrus
bergamia
Bergamot
essential oil is expressed simply from the rind
of the fruit found on the Bergamot tree - the fruit
looks like a miniature orange and has been used
for hundreds of years in Italian folk medicine.
Until relatively recently the Bergamot tree was
almost unknown outside of Italy. Bergamot
is now perhaps most well known as a fragrant ingredient
of Earl Grey Tea.
The
essential oil of Bergamot is an uplifting, relatively
relaxing citrus oil used
in aromatherapy to remedy depression and anxiety
and is a useful antiseptic for skin conditions such
as acne, oily skin and infected skin conditions.
It is also a useful oil to add to treatments for
greasy hair. I have found the oil to be effective
as a headache remedy - particularly headaches caused
by stress or anxiety. Add a few drops to a tissue
and sniff as required, or use in an oil burner to
infuse the room with the wonderful aroma.
Bergamot
is antiviral and inhibits certain viruses, including
the herpes simplex I virus (the one responsible
for ocld sores). It is also cited as being particularly
effective at treating urinary tract infections -
especially in the very early stages of infection,
a few drops of Bergamot oil can be added to bath
water. It has also been used to remedy respiratory
and digestive problems - I would suspect that it
is particularly useful if these ailments are caused
or accompanied by anxiety.
Bergamot
essential oil is a photosensitiser, meaning it increases
the skin's reaction to sunlight. The effect can
last for several days so avoid using Bergamot oil
on skin exposed to sunlight.
!
Bergamot essential oil is a Photosensitiser ! |