Bergamot oil is extracted from the rinds of citrus fruit (Citrus bergamia) that grow on bergamot orange trees. The scientific name of bergamot is Citrus aurantium var. or Citrus bergamia. It is a tropical plant but thrives in Europe as well. Its powerful sweet aroma of bergamot oil makes it a popular component in many perfumes, and it is often used as the “top note”. It is derived from cold compression, as opposed to the steam distillation through which many other essential oils are derived. The chemical composition of this oil includes alpha-pinene, alpha bergapten, alpha-terpineol, limonene, linalool, linalyl acetate, nerol, neryl acetate, beta bisabolene, geraniol, geraniol acetate, and myrcene.
Prevents Infections
Bergamot essential oil has the ability to inhibit the growth of germs, virus, and fungi. It can also effectively prohibit infections, including those of the skin. It also cures infections in the colon, intestines, urinary tract, and kidneys. Research led by the Department of Drug Sciences and Products for Health, University of Messina, Italy, suggests that certain components of the essential oil of bergamot are antibiotic and disinfectant in nature.
Relaxant & Sedative
The flavonoids present in bergamot oil are very good relaxants as well. They soothe the nerves and reduce nervous tension, anxiety, and stress, all of which can help cure ailments associated with stress such as high blood pressure, insomnia, and depression. They can also stimulate the activity of certain hormones in the body like dopamine and serotonin, which induce feelings of relaxation and sedation.
Aids in Digestion
Bergamot essential oil activates and increases secretions of the digestive acids, enzymes, and bile, thus facilitating digestion. It also synchronizes and regulates the peristaltic motion of the intestines and in this way, it quickens the digestive process and reduces strain to the intestinal tract. In this way, this essential oil can reduce constipation, make bowel movements regular, and prevent gastrointestinal complications.
Reduces Fever
A febrifuge is a substance that reduces fever and lowers body temperature. Bergamot is a good febrifuge for a number of reasons. First of all, as an antibiotic, it fights infections that arise from viruses, bacteria, and protozoa that cause fever. Secondly, it stimulates the metabolic system and gland secretions, thereby providing a feeling of warmth and resulting in additional secretion from the sweat glands and sebum glands, thus reducing body temperature. This can also reduce the toxicity of the body through perspiration, and clean out the glands and pores of any foreign toxins that can result in a variety of skin conditions.
Relieves Spasms
It relaxes nerves and muscles, thereby giving quick relief from cramps, convulsions, and painful muscle contractions. This can also be important for people with chronic coughing, respiratory conditions or asthma, which is similar to a spasmodic reaction.
Speeds-up Healing
The same disinfectant and antibiotic properties of bergamot oil make it a good antiseptic agent too. It not only promotes fast healing of wounds, cracks in the skin and heels, ulcers, eczema, and itching but also protects wounds from becoming septic and developing deadly tetanus. It also treats and heals the effects of other infections and inhibits the formation of new ones.
Helps Relieve Depression
The components of bergamot oil, like alpha-pinene and limonene, are antidepressant and stimulating in nature. By improving the circulation of the blood, they generate a feeling of freshness, joy, and energy in case of sadness and depression. An article published in the Phytotherapy Research journal in 2017 revealed that the hormonal impact of this essential oil is part of the reason that it is so powerful in these neurological and mental conditions.
