The Benefits of Bergamot

Bergamot:

Bergamot is a citrus fruit that is primarily grown in the Mediterranean region, particularly in Italy. It is most commonly known for its distinctive flavor and aroma, which is used to flavor Earl Grey tea and other beverages. Bergamot essential oil is also commonly used in aromatherapy for its calming and uplifting properties.

The fruit itself is roughly the size of an orange, with a yellow or greenish color, and a distinctive fragrance. The oil is extracted from the peel of the fruit and is used in a variety of industries, including perfumery, food and beverage, and cosmetics.

In addition to its flavor and fragrance, bergamot is also believed to have several health benefits. It has been used traditionally to treat digestive issues, respiratory problems, and skin conditions. However, it is important to note that bergamot oil can be phototoxic (when used topically), meaning it can cause skin irritation or sensitivity when exposed to sunlight

Here are some traditional uses:

–   In traditional medicine, bergamot has been used to treat various ailments, including fever, digestive issues, and respiratory problems.

• Bergamot essential oil has been used in aromatherapy for its calming and uplifting properties. It is believed to help relieve stress and anxiety, as well as improve mood and mental clarity.
• Used to treat anxiety by itself or in blends

–   Bergamot has been used to flavor food and beverages, particularly Earl Grey tea. It is also used in Italian cuisine to flavor desserts, such as the popular Bergamot marmalade.

–   Bergamot essential oil is used in perfumery to add a fresh, citrusy note to fragrances. It is a key ingredient in many classic fragrances, such as Chanel No. 5.

• Bergamot oil has been used in traditional skincare for its antiseptic and astringent properties. It is believed to help soothe and heal skin conditions such as acne and eczema.
• The pulp is used to make citric acid
• 100 kilos of the fruit produces 500 grams of essential oil
• Great for fluctuating emotions or moods
• Inhaled on a daily basis bergamot may help to reduce blood pressure
• Helpful with anxiety, stress, and depressive states
• May help reduce negative thinking both about oneself and others
• A tremendous harmonizer of the higher and lower natures
• Diffused it can be a significant help to harmonize relationships 
• Baths are helpful for skin related issues and can be quite uplifting
• Sprays can be used to reduce stress and for its uplifting effects
• It has been used to reduce cortisol levels

Skin: acne, boils, cold sores, eczema, insect bites, oily skin, psoriasis, scabies, varicose ulcers, itching (pruritis), varicose ulcers, wounds, herpes (cold sores)

Digestive: loss of appetite, flatulence, painful digestion, parasites, indigestion, colic, intestinal infections, candida

Genito-Urinary: cystitis, leucorrhea

Immune: sore throat, tonsillitis, mouth infections, mouth wash, colds, flus, fevers, infectious diseases, may have an impact on staphylococcus, has a strong impact as a disinfectant either diffused or sprayed on surfaces, cold sores (combined with lavender and tea tree)

Circulatory: blood pressure (by itself or blended with lavender and Ylang Ylang, this blend must be used daily), palpitations 

Endocrine: helpful in reducing cortisol

Nervous: anxiety, stress related conditions, depression, neuroprotective, slight pain relieving properties, restlessness, insomnia

Psychological: helps to generate emotional stability, negative thinking, repressed anger, psychological pain, stress, frustration, depression (especially when blended with lemon and orange oil), repressed emotions, anxiety, harmonizing , diminishes triggered defense mechanisms due to a perceived threat based on past conditioning, reduces irritability, may be helpful for manic tendencies or mood swings

Energetic: activation of the heart, strengthens the basic, helps to circulate energy through the body