MAIN Health Alternative Aromatherapy Bergamot

The bergamot tree originated in tropical Asia but today it grows in the Ivory Coast in Africa and in Calabria and Sicily in Italy. Although many farmers have tried, there has not been much success in other countries growing the bergamot tree.

A member of the Rutaceae family, it can reach about 16 feet.

The fruit that grows on the tree used to be called a bergamot pear due to its shape. However, when the rinds of the fruit are pressed a pale emerald green oil is produced that has a lemony-orange smell. This is due to the fact that the bergamot tree is a crossbreed of the lemon tree and the bitter orange.

1,000 fruits yield about 30 ounces of oil, and has been traditionally used by Italians to protect against malaria and relieve fevers. Its antiseptic value was important, but the French used it to spruce up fragrances with its citrus aroma. In Germany, meanwhile, bergamot was a component of the original "Eau de Cologne" developed in 17th century.

Today, its more practical uses include adding the essential oil to sitz baths to prevent urinary problems. If digested, bergamot oil also helps to alleviate stomach cramps and regulate a person's appetite. It will either stimulate or suppress the appetite as needed.

When applied topically, bergamot oil can lessen the discomfort caused by shingles and chickenpox. It is also good for healing different skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. Compresses made of bergamot oil help draw out boils or blemishes and promote quick healing.

Interestingly enough, inhaling bergamot oil or adding it to a lamp or a diffuser can help people who are trying to quit smoking. The scent can help stabilize an emotionally shaky person. By balancing the hypothalamus activity, the oil is able to equalize moods and emotions, thereby helping ease depression. The balancing properties of bergamot oil help minimize the tendency towards obsessive or compulsive behavior.

A word of caution to sun lovers: do not use bergamot oil outside. It causes sensitivity to sunlight which might lead to a sunburn (or worse) and, at best, an uneven tan.

More about bergamot oil around the Web:

Bergamot - Wikipedia - Brief summary of bergamot history, its uses in scents & perfumes, as a food flavoring, information on healthl benefits, with related references and resources.

How Stuff Works - Bergamot - Facts on its various uses with related resources pointing the way to more information on aromatherapy, herbal and home remedies.

Organic Facts - Health Benefits of Bergamot - Very thorough, easy to read listing of the available benefits of bergamot.

Related Chiff.com Feature Articles:

This information is intended as reference and not as medical advice.
All treatment decisions should be made by medical professionals.