BORN TO LOVE BERGAMOT

BERGAMOT - (Citrus Bergamia)

A member of the (Rutaceae) family, Bergamot originated in tropical Asia. Today, Bergamot grows in the Ivory Coast in Africa, in the Calabria region of Italy, Morrocco and in Sicily.

Lush green leaves and star-shaped flowers cover the branches of the Bergamot tree, which can attain a height of sixteen feet. It bears a pear-shaped yellow fruit that is smaller than an orange and was once called the Bergamot pear. The Bergamot tree is the result of the crossbreeding of the lemon tree and the bitter orange tree, which created the Bergamot hybrids (Citrus bergamaia and (Citris auranium, subspecies bergamia).

A simple pressing or expression of the rinds of the sour green fruit renders a pale emerald-green oil. It has a flowery lemon-orange smell with a slightly sweet, balsamic undertone. The best quality oil is hand pressed. Peels from 1,000 Bergamot fruits yield about 30 ounces of oil.

There seems to be controversy about the origin of the word Bergamot. According to one story, the name originates from the Turkish word beg-armudu, meaning "prince's pear. Another account claims that it comes from the name of the small town of Bergamo in northern Italy, supposedly the site of the original distribution of Bergamot oil in Italy. Early tales credit Christopher Columbus with transporting Bergamot from the Canary Islands to Italy, where it has been cultivated ever since. Bergamot was virtually unknown to the rest of the world until relatively recently, and therefore most of the folklore concerning Bergamot comes to us from Italy. Italians used it to cool and relieve fevers and protect against malaria. They took it internally to expel intestinal worms. Italians valued Bergamot for its antiseptic actions. French perfumers enlivened fragrances, particularly eau de cologne, with the sweet citrus notes of Bergamot. It imparts a delightful flavor and distinctive aroma to Early Grey and Constant Commitment teas.

Bergamot oil possesses strong antiseptic properties, making it useful against urinary tract infections such as cystitis and urethritis. Using it in sitz baths helps to prevent bacterial infections from spreading from the urethra to the bladder. Bergamot oil's antiseptic properties also alleviate respiratory ailments. It cools fevers, subdues the symptoms of colds and flu, and soothes sore throats, tonsillitis and laryngitis. As a digestive aid, bergamot oil calms stomach cramps and regulates the appetite, either stimulating or suppressing it as needed.

Applied topically, Bergamot oil can minimize the discomfort and hasten the healing of cold sores and other herpes infections, as well as mouth ulcers. It alleviates the pain of shingles and chickenpox, which are also caused by the herpes virus, varicella zoster. It can heal dry, chapped, and irritated skin, making it an excellent choice for relieving symptoms of eczema and psoriasis.

Bergamot is useful in treating chronic fatigue syndrome. When used as an inhalant or in a lamp or diffuser, Bergamot oil can help people who wish to break the smoking habit. Bergamot oil fights fatigue from stress, helps restore physical and emotional strength, and is useful for restoring immunity in a person convalescing from a long illness.

Bergamots oils antiseptic action makes it useful for the treatment of acne and skin infections. Its astringent quality helps regulate excessive oiliness of the skin or scalp. Its deodorizing action can freshen your body, your home, or your office. Bergamot oil compresses help draw out the inflammation of blemishes or boils and promote rapid healing. Bergamot also repels insects and soothes insect bites. Along with neroli, orange, and rosemary, Bergamot was a component of the origianal eau de cologne. Modern perfumers prize it for the fruity-floral bouquet it imparts to their creations.

Bergamot oil is refreshing and uplifting. It acts as a stimulant and tonic to balance the emotions and nerves. Research conducted in Italy indicates that Bergamot oil relieves feelings of fear, anxiety and panic. It diminishes
depression and sadness. It can calm aggression and anger. Its soothing nature encourages release of resentment and forgiveness through the beneficial expression of repressed emotions that distort perception and interfere with health. Studies show that it equalizes emotions and moods by balancing the activity of the hypothalamus. It regulates trapped or misdirected energy and redirects it toward healthy pursuits. Smelling Bergamot oil can stabilize a person in a shaky emotional state. It evokes feelings of happiness and joy and can restore self-confidence and self-esteem. Bergamots balancing properties help minimize the tendency toward compulsive or obsessive behaviour. During times of sadness or grief, Bergamot oil helps to heal emotional wounds and can inspire or restore loving feelings.

The only precaution of Bergamot oil is that is promotes sensitivity to the sun. Avoid wearing it outdoors in sunlight to prevent sunburn or uneven darkening of the skin.

Bergamot also makes very lovely scented candles for use any time and in any season.