Aromatherapy Oils - Bergamot

Botanical name: Citrus Bergamia
Botanical family: Rutaceae

Note: Top

Part of plant used: Rind

Origin: Obtained from a lime like tree but slightly bigger and not so green, native to Italy. Possibly a lime tree mixed with a pear tree.

Description: Light, delicate and refreshing. Orange/Lemon overtones.

History: Only heard of since the 1500s. Christopher Columbus was said to have brought it back from the Canaries.

Properties and Indications:

• Stimulates the hypothalamus in the brain which is responsible for basic instincts (hunger, thirst, rage, libido) and some primitive behavior
• Meningitis (viral infection which affects the inner membrane that covers the brain)
• Brain and head operations
• Antispasmodic, calmative
• Stomachic
• Lack of appetite, stimulates the enzymes in the stomach for food to break down
• Urinary system, cystitis
• Skin - acne of certain types, scar tissue, oily skin
• Cold sores
• Sharpens the senses
• Aids in concentration

Personality:

• Good for people who build up a lot of stress in their head and for the over-emotional
• Dissipates head tension for people who frown a lot

Contra-indications:

• Highly photosensitive (contains bergaptus) - lower protection against UV rays

Blending:

• Benzoin, Cajuput, Citronella, Cypress, Jasmine, Lavender, Lime, Marjoram, Myrtle, Neroli, Palmarosa, Patchouli, Sage, (talk), Verbena

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