Bergamot essential oil is liquid sunshine. Bright, clean, slightly floral, and fresh, brings light into your life. It guides your way through the dark, illuminating your path to higher consciousness. Bergamot melts away shadows, uplifting the spirit and opening the heart. This is the number one oil to reset your nervous system, putting the kibosh on things like stress and anxiety. Known as the “prince of citrus” Bergamot is sure to uplift your spirits and banish negativity.
Citrus bergamia
Bergamot essential oil comes from Citrus bergamia, and is a member of the Rutaceae, or citrus, family. It should not be confused with the herb Bergamot, Monarda didyma, or Bee Balm. Bergamot essential oil comes from the fruit off of a citrus tree. These trees can grow up to 40 feet tall, but are normally kept much shorter. They are grown solely for cultivating the essential oil from the fruit peel, as the fruits are too sour to eat. Bergamot is believed to be a hybrid of lemon and bitter orange trees, so you can only imagine how sour that would be.
The origins of Bergamot have been lost to history. It may be native to the Calabria region in Italy, It may also have originated from the Antilles or Canary Islands and have made its way to Europe via Christopher Columbus. Regardless of where it came from Bergamot is happiest in dry, Mediterranean climates. In warm climates Bergamot is an evergreen tree. You can, however, grow in tropical areas. Currently more than 90% of the world’s supply of Bergamot comes from the Calabria region. Bergamot is such an important crop for this region, it is the symbol of the city Reggio di Calabria. The rest of the world's Bergamot supply comes from Argentina, Brazil, Algeria, the Ivory Coast, Morocco, Tunisia, Turkey, and South-East Asia.
Fun Facts
One hundred bergamot oranges yield about 3 ounces of bergamot oil.
Bergamot is used to flavor Earl Grey and Lady Grey teas, as well as the confectionery Turkish delight.
Bergamot is used by the pharmaceutical industry, both to absorb the unpleasant smells of medicinal products and for its antiseptic and antibacterial properties.
Bergamot oil was an important remedy used in Italian folk medicine.
Propogation
It is possible to grow bergamot from seed, but it grows really well from cuttings. The only problem with that is not many people choose to grow Bergamot, as its culinary uses are non existent.
If you choose to grow Bergamot, follow the same guidelines you would for any other citrus tree. It will need a lot of sun and space. Bergamot likes a warm, dry climate, but will need quite a bit of water as the roots establish.
Bergamot Essential Oil Info
Bergamot's citrus, floral beauty is often used in perfumes and fragrances. Bergamot is also a highly beneficial medicinal oil. That’s why it’s used in so many of our products.
Phototoxicity
Bergamot is a phototoxic oil. This means that when it is exposed to sunlight on your skin it can contribute to the formation of skin cancer. We include Bergamot in a number of our formulas. All our formulations use Bergamot well within the safe limits to use this oil. You can also buy Bergamot oil that has the furocoumarins removed, which decreases the phototoxic effect.
Properties of Bergamot Essential Oil:
Analgesic, antibiotic, anti-infectious, antibacterial, anti-toxic, antiseptic, anti-depressant, antiparasitic, antispasmodic, antitussive, aperitive, calmative, carminative, cicatrizant, cordial, deodorizer, diuretic, digestive, deodorant, expectorant, febrifuge, insecticidal, laxative, rubefacient, sedative, stomachic, tonic, vermifuge, vulnerary
Skin
Bergamot is highly antiseptic and antibacterial. This makes it a top choice for using on wounds. Bergamot is also anti inflammatory and eases acne, itchy skin, eczema, and psoriasis. It is also a wonderful choice in reducing inflammation. Boils, abscesses, varicose veins, and hemorrhoids all shrink in the light of Bergamot. It also provides relief for cold sores. Bergamot is a good deodorant and an effective insect repellent.
Muskulo-Skeletal System:
Bergamot is a muscle relaxant and can help relieve muscle cramps and aches.
Digestive System
Bergamot is a powerful ally for the digestive system. It helps activate digestive enzymes which will ease indigestion and gas. Bergamot will also stimulate the appetite. Its antimicrobial properties get rid of halitosis, mouth infections, tonsillitis, and a sore throat. It also kills intestinal parasites.
Nervous System
Bergamot is the number one oil to reset your nervous system. It is extremely relaxing and calming to the nerves. It is sure to release nervous tension, anxiety, and ease insomnia. It is so powerful in this manner it can regulate your appetite if it is suffering from anxiety.
Urinary System
Bergamot's antimicrobial properties extend through the entire system. It can ease cystitis and UTIs that plague the urinary system.
Respiratory System
Bergamot is a wonderful oil to help combat colds, flu, bronchitis, and tonsillitis. It not only helps fight the infection, it reduces the inflammation that exacerbates systems.
Mind:
Bergamot is a miracle worker for the over stressed, anxiety ridden mind. Recently bergamot has been used in cancer treatments to ease the anxiety caused battling this disease. It just helps you relax and let go. Think of Bergamot as a palate cleanser for the mind. It is uplifting and serves as an antidepressant. It is a joyful oil that eases anger and depression. It is an easy oil that relieves feelings of frustration. Bergamot is also balancing for those that suffer from mood swings. Bergamot is a wonderful oil that boosts focus and clarity. It jives with the energy of the solar plexus chakra, boosting strength, motivation, and confidence.
Energetic properties
Bergamot restores peace in your soul. It lends you strength when dealing with problems. Bergamot boosts the confidence and courage needed to face the shadows life brings us. Bergamot helps us let go of toxic emotions. It helps manifest kindness, luck, and success. Bergamot is an amazing meditation aid. Use it when you’re trying to align your soul with your purpose.
Home Use
Bergamot is a deodorant and is very helpful in eliminating odors from the home, especially pet odors. It is also an insect repellant and can help keep pesky critters at bay.
Precautions
Bergamot is phototoxic. Do not use it in areas that are exposed to the sun unless it’s in an extremely low dilution (like 0.4%). Possible irritant to sensitive skin or in strong dilution.
Just like the sun, Bergamot shines light into the dark. It is cleansing to our body systems, helping us rid ourselves of microbes and parasites. Bergamot is a powerful oil to use on the skin, in moderation. It is cleansing to our minds, ridding fear and anger. It gives your nervous system a powerful reboot, ridding the system of stress and anxiety. Bergamot is also illuminating to the spirit. It will give you the courage and confidence to make your way through the dark. Use Bergamot when you need to find your way, discover your purpose. Bergamots uplifting floral citrus is always there for you.
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All the Goos
Bergamot is in all of our salve products. Miracle Salve, Blessed Balm, and Tattoo Juju all harness the power of Bergamot. It lends its powerful antimicrobial, vulnerary, and anti-inflammatory properties to make these products purely magical. The Bergamot we use is well under the limit for phototoxicity.
Marie Laveau
Bergamot lends its uplifting power to our Marie Laveau blend. It takes your hand, and guides you through the dark into safety. Marie Laveau is all about being uplifted, cared for and nurtured. This is one of the happiest, yet grounding blends in the line.
Svadhisthana- Bergamot channels joy in our Sacral Chakra blend. It eases and focuses you to truly express your unique creativity. This calming essential oil blend is designed to incite joy, creativity, harmony, warmth, and fight negativity.
