Bergamot

Safety data – certain furocoumarins, notably bergatpten, has been found to be phototoxic in concentration and in dilution even after some time.  Extreme care must be taken in dermal applications -- or substitute with a rectified or bergapten-free oil.  Otherwise non-toxic and relatively non irritant.

Family -- Rutaceae

Herbal/folk tradition- Named after the Italian city of Bergamot  where the oil was first sold.  Has been used in Italian folk medicine for many years.  Primarily for fever including malaria and worms.  Recent research in Italy has shown that bergamot oil has a wide spectrum of applications, being particularly useful for mouth, skin, respiratory and urinary tract infections.

Aromatherapy/home use

Skin care -- Acne, oils, cold sores, eczema, insect repellent and insect bites, oily complexion, psoriasis, scabies, spots, varicose ulcers, wounds.

Respiratory system.  -- halitosis, mouth infections, sore throat, tonsilitis.

Digestive system -- flatulence, loss of appetite.

Genito-urinary system -- cystitis, leucorrhea, pruritis, thrush.

Immune system -- colds, fever, flu, infectious diseases.

Nervous system -- anxiety, depression and stress-related conditions having a refreshing and uplifting quality.

Other uses -- extensively used as a fragrance and to a degree, a fixative in cosmetics, toiletries, sometime lotions and perfumes -- it is a classic ingredient of eau de cologne.  Widely used in most major food categories and beverages, notably Earl Grey tea.

Distribution -- native to tropical Asia, extensively cultivated in southern Italy and also grown commercially on the Ivory Coast.

Extraction -- essential oil by cold expression of the peel of the nearly ripe fruit.

Characteristics -- a light greenish-yellow liquid with a fresh, sweet-fruity, slightly spicy-balsamic undertone.  On aging it turns a brownish-olive color.  It blends well with lavender, orange blossom, jasmine, cypress, geranium, lemon, chamomile, juniper, coriander and violet.

Actions -- analgesic, antidepressant, anthelmintic, antiseptics (pulmonary., Genito-urinary), antispasmodic, antitoxic, carminative, digestive, diuretic, deodorant, febrifuge, laxative, antiparasitic, rubefacient, stimulant, stomachic, tonic, febrifuge, voluntary.

EO115A    Bergamot Italy    1/2oz    $10.00

EO115B    Bergamot Italy      1oz       $17.00

EO115C   Bergamot Italy      2oz      $29.00

Back to Oils