Bergamot essential oil

Bergamot oil is an essential oil, highly praised both for its beautiful aroma and for its significant medicinal properties.

About bergamot oil

This oil is extracted from the fresh peel of the bergamot fruit, which is a citrus fruit of green or yellow color, somewhat similar to lemon. It grows on a small tree that originates from Asia and Morocco. Today it is cultivated in other parts of the world as well.

The properties of bergamot essential oil were first discovered in Italy. In fact, some claim that the name “bergamot” came as a reference to the town of Bergamo in Northern Italy.

Bergamot essential oil is emerald-green and its aroma is citrusy, fruity and a bit floral too. This oil is used for making perfumes and cosmetic products, and it holds a special place in aromatherapy. Aside from this, it has several health benefits and can be used to treat certain ailments.

Health benefits of bergamot oil

Bergamot oil is believed to possess several medicinal properties, such as antidepressant, analgesic, antiseptic, anticonvulsant, sedative, digestive and febrifuge.

In aromatherapy, bergamot oil is praised for its mildly sedative, soothing and antidepressant effects. It aids relaxation, soothes tension of muscles and nerves, relieves stress and restores emotional balance. Bergamot oil is great for massaging and it is particularly helpful for those suffering from anxiety and insomnia.

Bergamot oil stimulates the production of gastrointestinal juices and enzymes, which makes it a very good digestive.

Because of its confirmed antibiotic and antiseptic properties, bergamot oil can be used in treatment of skin problems such as eczema, dermatitis and acne, and also for cuts, wounds, burns, boils, ulcers and insect bites.

Other health benefits

This oil provides quick relief for spasmodic conditions, such as muscle cramps and menstrual pain. It is also great for sore muscles after intense physical activity.

Since it acts as a febrifuge and a mild natural analgesic, bergamot oil can be used for diseases that involve fever and pain, such as flu, common cold, pneumonia and such.

This oil can even be used to expel intestinal worms and other parasites from the body.

Usage of bergamot oil

This beneficial oil should still be used with some caution. Persons who have very sensitive skin should only use it in diluted form, otherwise it may irritate them. In addition, it is recommended to avoid exposure to sun right after applying bergamot oil to the skin, because it may lead to a reaction called phototoxicity, characterized by irritation, redness and rash.