Bergamot in herbal medicine and aromatherapy

Bergamot essential oil is produced from the peelings of the Bergamot orange (Citrus bergamia). The scent is spicy, delicate, light, and refreshing which makes it a favorite in aromatherapy.

Woman with sad face — Bergamot essential oil helps people that are exhausted, depressed, or recovering from illness. Bergamot lifts the spirit - photo courtesy of Pexels.com.

Bergamot essential oil is also used in mouthwash for treating gum disease, in astringents for skin problems, and in warm compress for urinary infections.

When treating the bladder or a urinary infection, combine with chamomile essential oil for best results. Apply warm compress to lower abdomen several times a day.

All citrus oils have an aroma that is light, tangy, and crisp. Children love the scent and it helps to calm them at bed time.

Bergamot sour orange on a plate — Photo of bergamot sour orange provided by Wiki Media

Bergamot has many uses.

Bergamot helps regulate the appetite, calm the nerves, repel insects, and improve digestion.

Bergamot essential oil soothes herpes, shingles, and chicken pox outbreaks.

It is good for bronchitis, oily skin, acne, eczema, psoriasis, scabies, varicose veins, skin ulcers, wounds, herpes, and dandruff.

Bergamot is a powerful antiseptic and should be diluted before use.

It is used in natural deodorants and in breath fresheners.

Bergamot uplifts the spirit.

Bergamot is used to uplift the spirit, reverse depression, and sedate the nervous system. Use bergamot when treating someone that is exhausted or recovering from an extended illness.

Bergamot and mental health

Studies show that bergamot and other essential oils provide an inexpensive, safe, and effective way to treat mental health problems.

Using bergamot in aromatherapy, people reported that after just 15 minutes, they had more positive feelings. Bergamot essential oil is even more effective when combined with lavender essential oil.

Use both for treating stress, anxiety, mood swings, and depression.

Substances in bergamot essential oil, especially limonene and pinene, have been shown to lessen depression. As the aromas are inhaled, many positive effects are noticed.

Blood pressure goes down, anxiety levels decrease, and overall mood improves. During clinical trials, no adverse effect were reported by participants.

Studies concluded that mental health facilities could benefit from using bergamot and other essential oils in waiting rooms and other common areas.

Scientists at work — Photo of scientists at work provided by Wiki Media.

More scientific studies

Bergamot has strong anti-inflammatory properties. It is useful when treating many health problems.

The heart, bones, skin, and brain all benefit from this healing essential oil.

Full of flavonoids, bergamot helps control cholesterol and triglyceride levels, increases bone volume, decreases plaque, increases collagen in the skin, and helps the hair to grow faster. Bergamot can also help when treating diabetes and obesity.

Bergamot essential oil helps insomnia.

Even hardened insomniacs will sleep better when given a pillow stuffed with dried rose buds and geranium leaves, then sprinkled with bergamot essential oil.

Studies show bergamot helps heal the liver.

According to LipidsJournal.com, "Bergamot polyphenolic extract (BPF) derived from the Calabrian bergamot citrus fruit is a potent anti-oxidant, AMP kinase activator and HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor that has been proven to address all components of the metabolic syndrome."

In other words, Bergamot essential oil and bergamot extract can help heal fatty liver disease and lower cholesterol. This study shows that bergamot also lowers high triglycerides without side effects. This is great news!

Citrus oils are healing.

Orange, lemon, grapefruit, bergamot, and neroli are all popular in aromatherapy and herbal medicine. I love them all.

More about orange essential oil

More about lemon essential oil

More about grapefruit essential oil

More about neroli essential oil

Bergamot causes sun sensitivity

Bergamot increases sensitivity to sunlight so do not use on the skin before exposure to the sun.

*When using citrus essential oils on exposed areas of the skin, avoid direct sunlight. Citrus oils can cause irritation when used before sun exposure. Keep all essential oils away from the eyes. Do not take essential oils internally without consulting a qualified professional.

Always dilute essential oils with good carrier oil and test on small area of skin before use. Always consult with a healthcare professional before using any herbal remedy especially if pregnant, nursing, or taking other medicines.

Sources:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5434918/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6392855/

Blessings to you and yours!

Thanks so much for reading my blog. Jan.

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