Bergamot oil

Common Name: Bergamot oil

Botanical Name: Citrus bergamia

Other Names: Citrus aurantium, Bergamot orange, Bergamia.

Introduction

Derived from the Citrus bergamia plant, bergamot oil has many uses. The tree is a South East Asia native, but was later introduced to Europe. It is grown in other countries like Morocco, Ivory Coast, Algeria and Tunisia. The tree can attain a height of about 4 meters, with smooth leaves and star shaped flowers.

The fruit is green when unripe. But the ripe fruit becomes yellow.  The rind of the fruit is used to extract oil, in both ripe and unripe stages. The oil displays properties such as deodorant, analgesic, anti spasmodic, sedative, anti biotic, anti septic, anti depressant etc. Chemically, the oil is composed of Alpha Pinene, Alpha Terpineol, Limonene, Linalool, Nerol etc.

Uses of Bergamot oil

Aromatherapy:  The citrus scent of the oil is believed to have an emotionally uplifting effect. However, the oil should not be used in excess. It is used in aromatherapy treatment of stress, depression, anxiety and nervous disorders.
      
Medicinal uses: It is used for the treatment of variety of diseases. Bergamot oil is effective as an antiseptic for treating infections. The oil may be used in the treatment of serious medical conditions such as gallstones, bronchitis, colic and diphtheria. It is also used in the treatment of digestive and respiratory ailments. It is very effective in the treatment of hysteria, depression and mental stress.

It is very important to note that the oil should always be protected from direct sunlight, as it can turn toxic on sunlight exposure. Even after you have applied the oil on skin, sunlight exposure is not recommended.  The oil is stored in dark bottles kept at dark places.