Bergamot Essential Oil is slightly spicy citrus and floral in scent. It has been used for centuries by aromatherapists who say that it may be used to promote a feeling of wellbeing and warmth. It is also one of the ingredients in Earl Grey Tea, giving it the warm aroma that is so distinctive.
Once called a Prince’s Pear, the fruit of the Bergamot tree is a hybrid between Lemon and Bitter Orange. The uncommon shade of green and orange skin of the fruit is quite distinctive. Christopher Columbus is said to have been responsible for taking a plant to Italy from it’s original home in the Canary Islands. It now grows throughout Italy, Morocco and the Ivory Coast. Releasing the oil from the skin is done through the process of cold pressing, or crushing it.
Some of the more popular methods of using essential oils are very easy to do. Running a warm bath and putting up to twenty drops of various oils is very effective. No more than twenty should be used however, as it may cause irritation of to skin, drying it out or causing redness instead of relief. A small metal ring is available in some shops that can be placed upon a light bulb. As the heat from the bulb warms through the oil, it releases the scent. Another widespread method is the use of a diffuser, which is a small pottery dish with space for a tea light underneath. All these can create a subtle fragrance in the air.
It has been claimed that it is effective in easing chicken pox, shingles, psoriasis and cystitis. Careful application to the skin may reduce symptoms of acne and skin infections. It was once used to heal sexually transmitted diseases. In a sitz bath, its antiseptic properties can reduce the symptoms of bacterial infections and prevent their spread. A sitz bath is taken by sitting in shallow warm water, only deep enough to cover the effected area. Bergamot has been used as an insect repellent and is also particularly effective when keeping pets away from plants.
There are many ways of using essential oils. One of the most popular involves putting a few drops into a warm bath. However, it should be noted that never more than twenty drops should be used. Any more than that could irritate the skin. Another method is to add some to a little water in the top of a diffuser. Diffusers come in two different styles. One is a a small metal ring placed upon a light bulb. The other is a pottery chimney with a space for a tea light in the base and a small dish for the oil and a few drops of water at the top. In both, the heat from the source, warms the oil and releases the aroma into the air.
One side effect of use to be careful of is the increased photo-sensitivity when used undiluted on skin. There may be increased irritation, blisters or odd spots of tanning when in sunlight. As always, a medical expert should be consulted for any ailment or when looking into alternative medicine.
Some of the traditional properties of the essential oil are said to include an ability to uplift spirits, aid in combating depression and calming the nerves. Aromatherapy works through scent, and many practitioners like to use this to soothe those in distress. It could be used, if wished, near the front door where it is said to be welcoming as an addition to a bowl of potpourri.
Aromatic oils give you a broad set of health enhancing applications. Discover more regarding individual oils like amyris oil and organic vetiver essential oil.