Latin Name:	Citrus bergamia
Synonyms:	Bergamot
Family Name:	Rutaceae
Plant and Part Used:	Fruit Rind
Method of Extraction:	Cold Pressed
Country of Origin:	Italy
Aroma:	Citrus, light, fresh
Note:	Top
Evaporation Rate:	Fast
Odour Intensity:	Light to Moderate
Blending Factor:	10
Blends Well With:	Most oils
Main Chemical Constituents:	Geraniol, linalool, limonene, bergapten, linalyl acetate
Description
Inedible fruit, pale yellow in colour and round to pear shaped. It grows to 4-5m in height and has oval shaped green leaves and white star shaped flowers.
History
It is uncertain where Bergamot got its name, some say it is named after the town in Italy, Bergamo, where the oil is cultivated or it could've been named after the shape of the fruit, which resembles the bergamot pear. The oil was an important remedy in Italian folk medicine and from the 16th Century onwards was used as an antiseptic and febrifuge*. In the days of Napoleon it was especially popular as a perfume and is still a valuable ingredient in perfumery today. Bergamot is used in Earl Grey tea and gives it that distinctive flavour. The bergamot fruit is not edible because the pulp is said to be very sour. The juice from the pulp is used to make citric acid. Bergamot oil keeps longer than other citrus oils and the greenish colour of Bergamot is due to the presence of chlorophyll. * reduces fever
Properties
Refreshing, Balancing, Relaxing Bergamot oil may be helpful in settling the digestive system and may promote appetite. It can be inhaled or massaged into the skin (with a base oil) to promote these properties. When used on the skin, Bergamot's antiseptic properties may help combat spots and other skin problems. Its anti-inflammatory properties may make it useful for skin inflammations such as eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis, when diluted in a base oil and massaged onto the skin. It has anti-viral properties and may be used to help get rid of cold sores by dabbing the diluted oil onto the affected area. Its analgesic properties may help with sore muscles. Bergamot is very helpful when suffering from anxiety, just inhale it and feel yourself relax and 'let go'. It has been suggested that Bergamot helps to instil self-confidence and optimism.
Energetics
Bergamot has 'yang' qualities. It is cool and dry. It is refreshing and anti-depressive. It is gently relaxing but also distinctly uplifting due to the fresh, fruity-floral aroma and it smoothes the flow of Qi (Chi) energy, especially in the liver. (Mojay, Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit).
Chakra Influence
Heart, sometimes Throat and Solar Plexus as well. (Guba, The Centre for Aromatic Medicine)
Cautions
Phototoxic, avoid exposure to direct sunlight or sunbeds for 4 hours after application onto the skin
Methods of Use
Massage, Body Rub, Bathing, Inhalation, Vaporisation
Recipes
For Oily Skin (Blemishes) - 2 drops each of Chamomile, Bergamot and Basil in 30ml Luxury Base oil

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