Bergamot Essential Oil

Botanical Name: Citrus bergamia
Common Method Of Extraction: Cold expression, vacuum distillation, and in some cases steam distilled
Parts Used: Peel of the ripe fruit
Note Classification: Top
Aroma: Citrus spice with a high floral note
Largest Producing Countries: Italy, California, and Mediterranean countries

Traditional Use: The oil has been used in Italian folk medicine for many years, primarily for fever (including malaria) and worms. It is used to impart a delightful flavor and distinctive aroma to Earl Grey tea.

Properties: Analgesic, anthelmintic, antidepressant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antitoxic, astringent, carminative, cicatrisant, deodorant, digestive, diuretic, expectorant, febrifuge, laxative, parasiticide, rubefacient, sedative, stimulant, stomachic, tonic, vermifuge, and vulnerary.

Benefits: Abscess (cold), acne, anxiety, boils, bronchitis, cancer (uterine), carbuncles, cold sores, colds, colic, cystitis, depression, diphtheria, dyspepsia, eczema, fevers, flatulence, flu, gall stones, glossitis, gonorrhea, halitosis, herpes, infections, insect repellant and insect bites, intestinal parasites, leucorrhoea, loss of appetite, nervous tension, oily complexion, psoriasis, respiratory tract infections, sore throat, thrush, vaginal pruitis, and varicose veins.

Blends Well With: Almost all essential oils, including: black pepper, chamomile, clary sage, coriander, cypress, frankincense, geranium, helichrysum, jasmine, juniper, lavender, lemon, mandarin, melissa, neroli, nutmeg, orange, rosemary, sandalwood, vetiver, violet, ylang ylang.

Of Interest: Bergamot is a mutation of the sour orange and not a hybrid.  In 1600, French perfumers started using Bergamot to enliven fragrances, particularly eau de cologne.  Not to be confused with Bee balm bergamot (Monarda didyma).

Safety Data: Avoid in cases of liver problems. Not for use when pregnant or nursing. Possible skin irritant - dilute well. If not specified bergapten-free it may cause photosensitivity (the Bergamot offered by Mountain Rose Herbs is Bergapten free).

Disclaimer:
This information is for educational purposes only, it is not intended to treat, cure, prevent or, diagnose any disease or condition. Nor is it intended to prescribe in any way. This information is for educational purposes only and may not be complete, nor may its data be accurate.

As with all essential oils, never use them undiluted. Do not take internally unless working with a qualified and expert practitioner. Keep away from children. If applying an essential oil to your skin always perform a small patch test to an insensitive part of the body (after you have properly diluted the oil in an appropriate carrier.