Bergamot Essential oil. What is it and where does it come from?

Bergamot Essential Oil?

What is it and Where does it come from?

Bergamot is a type of Citrus Fruit. Citrus Bergamia.

It is a hybrid between a sour orange and sweet orange.
 The aroma is warm. Fresh, and fruity.
The oil is taken from the rind through steam distillation or cold extraction.

Points of Interest.

Bergamot can be both calming and uplifting.
Earl Grey must have known that when he put Bergamot in his tea.
It s perfect for those days when you are feeling sad or having anxious feelings.
Bergamot roots are in S.E. Asia but it is widely cultivated in Italy.
Its name is from Bergamo in Lombardy.
Bergamot is widely used in Chinese Medicine. It helps the flow of vital energy so the digestive system can work properly.
Bergamot is frequently used by the pharmaceutical industry to absorb unpleasant smells of medicinal products and for it's antiseptic and antibacterial properties.

Main Active properties.

limonene
linalyl acetate *
linalool*
gamma terpinene
beta pinene.
*Similar chemistry to Lavender. Is very skin-friendly.

Bergamots’s Expertise.

• Relaxing, Sedating and Uplifting. Helps release suppressed and negative emotions.
  
• Respiratory support
  
• Clearing Mucus and congestion.
  
• Supporting digestion
  
• Easing nausea, experiencing ‘nervous butterflies’, motion sickness.
  
• Feeling motivated and Inspired.
  
• Relieves anxiety combats aggression, reduces insecurity, despondency and loneliness.
  Bergamot is especially recognised for its use against depression , especially with people suffering from Alzheimer and Dementia.
  
  There have been many studies were done with Alzheimer patients.
  Check out the Journal for Neuro Science
  Check out the
  To use for depression rub 1-2 drops into the hands and cup to mouth and nose.
  Rub 2-3 drops into the stomach, back of neck and feet.
  Use in a diffuser, about 5 drops.
  
  Cautions.

Bergamot is very photosensitising.
Do not expose skin to UV rays for at least 24 hours after topical application.
Check with your doctor, if taking medications as there may be drug interactions.
For those of you who want to learn more about the medical side of Bergamot and other essential oils, I recommend this book by Gary Young. Essential Oils. Integrative Medical Guide

Hope you enjoy this very diverse oil.