Bergamot Essential Oil

Since ancient times, bergamot has been an essential oil of many uses. Did you know that the signature flavor in Earl Grey Tea is the bergamot orange?

The bergamot orange (Citrus aurantium ssp. bergamia) is a small, extremely aromatic and roughly pear-shaped citrus fruit originating in Calabria, Italy.  It is a cross between the pear lemon and the Seville orange or grapefruit (not to be confused with Monarda didyma, which is an unrelated herb/wildflower that bears the same name).
 
It is the fresh, sweet, citrus scent of bergamot (Citrus bergamia) that is familiar to many as the flavoring in Earl Grey Tea.  An essence extracted from the aromatic skin of the sour bergamot fruit is used to flavor Earl Grey tea and many other food items such as confectionery, marmalade and preserves.

The essential oil is pressed from the rind or peel of bergamot.  It is rectified and void of terpenes.

Bergamot peel is used in perfumery for its ability to combine with an array of scents to form a bouquet of aromas which complement each other. Approximately one third of all men's and about half of women’s perfumes contain bergamot essential oil. Bergamot was a component of the original Eau de Cologne developed in 17th century Germany – in 1704 the bergamot was first used to make the now famous "Eau de toilette" from the bergamot fruit by scooping out the pulp and squeezing the peel into sponges.

Bergamot peel is also used in aromatherapy to treat depression and as a digestive aid.

Bergamot essential oil is fragrant, uplifting and relaxing. It is no wonder bergamot was the delightful fragrance that inspired the world's first cologne.  

In Aromatherapy, bergamot has been used since antiquity to enhance mood and refresh the senses.  In short, it makes life seem better.  It's also great for building confidence!  Jean Valnet, M.D., recommends bergamot as a natural antidepressant and to regulate appetite.

Bergamot also has a long history of use for oily and troubled skin. It has been used in the Middle East for hundreds of years for skin conditions associated with an oily complexion.

Bergamot has been used to lower stress, relieve anxiety and tension, improve and regulate a poor appetite, indigestion, agitation, depression, infection, inflammation, intestinal parasites, rheumatism, insomnia and for vaginal candida.  It's also been used as an insect repellent.

How did bergamot get it's name?  It is believed that the explorer, Christopher Columbus, brought bergamot to Bergamo in Northern Italy from the Canary islands.  It became a mainstay in traditional Italian medicine.

Bergamot is nice to carry with you in your purse or pocket for a "stress break."  When you need a moment of respite during a long and hectic day, just open the bottle, hold it near your nose and take a long, slow inhale, letting your body relax and take in the wonderful aroma relaxing effects.

How to use: Diffuse or apply to temples and forehead. May be added to food or beverages such as tea, smoothies or rice milk as a delicious flavoring and dietary supplement.

Caution: Bergamot is very photosensitive and should NOT be applied to skin that will be exposed to direct sunlight or ultraviolet light within 48 hours. If pregnant or under a doctor's care, consult your physician.
 
How to Order Bergamot Essential Oil

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Toll-free order line: 800-371-2928 (7am-7pm Mountain Time, 6am-6pm Pacific, 9am-9pm Eastern Time). If you are a new customer, you'll need this referral number when placing your order: #87339

* This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.