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| Illustration of bergamot orange (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
Bergamot Essential Oil is derived from Citrus bergamia of the Genus "Citrus" and the family "Rutaceae". The Bergamot fruit is roughly the size of a regular orange but with the strong yellow colour of a lemon.
The fruit has a very obvious odour which cannot be mistaken. It provides the familiar smell of Early Grey Tea and has several medicinal qualities. I can also remember having Marmalade at an Italian friends house made with a Bergamot base.
Second to Early Grey Tea it most likely recognised as an Aromatherapy Oil.
The Extraction process
Bergamot Oil can be extracted by Cold pressing or steam extraction. I always consider Cold pressing to be the best extraction method. Cold pressing is a method of extraction of citrus oils such as orange, lemon, grapefruit and bergamot. This is the freshest and purest form of extraction but the shelf life of oils extracted in this manner is reduced.
Uses as an Essential Oil
Bergamot Essential is a must have in your Aromatherapy kit. Its uses are many and varied.
Try some of these:
- Bergamot oil when mixed with other citruses like orange or grapefruit oil makes a welcoming air freshener. Placed in a bowl near the front door or near a window. Ensure placement allows the scent to drift around the room and not lose out the door or window.
- Bergamot oil is an ideal addition to an office environment. It has been known to have a calming effect and has been used by those who are depressed or anxious for its calming effects.
- Put half a dozen drops of Bergamot oil in a bowl with hot water. Breathing the vapours may assist in the prevention and treatment of Acne and other skin conditions. Bergamot oils Anti-bacterial properties may assist in the treatment of Acne.
- Bergamot oil has anti-bacterial properties. Citrus based oil such as Bergamot are excellent for use as cleaners and Disinfectant.
- Adding a few drops of bergamot oil to your regular bath will help prevent skin born infections and may aid in the prevention and reduction of eczema.
- Bergamot oil can also make an excellent Deodorant.
Precautions
Essential oils have many benefits and can aid in the prevention or healing of many complaints. Every individual is different. Some essential oils can be toxic. Some oils must never be ingested while others require limited exposure to the sun due to phototoxicity. Read the label and ask your supplier if you are in doubt of the safest use for any particular oil. Not just the one in this article.
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