Bergamot zest, Citrus bergamia
Latin: Citrus aurantium ssp bergamia
French: Bergamotier (z.), “zestes de bergamote”
English: Bergamot z.
Family: Rutaceae
Source: Italy
History and Origin
Bergamot is the fruit of the bergamot tree, a hybrid of bitter orange and lime (also called green lemon), mainly cultivated in Calabria (an Italian region). The fruit resembles to a small orange with a greenish pulp and a soft and thick bark, yellow when it reaches maturity. Its flesh is too acid and too bitter to be eaten. But the zest is used to produce the natural extract.
It is said that the white flowers from this tree are the symbol of the Virgin Mary, and that its fruits represent her chastity.
| Parts Used |
Fruit bark
|
Extraction
|
Cold pressing |
| Main Components |
monoterpenes (mainly limonene), terpenic esters (linalyl acetate), coumarines and furocoumarines. |
| Oil Characteristics |
Clear liquid of a pale yellow to yellow-green color with a rich and fragrant, sweet and fruity, slightly flowery smell. |
Properties
|
Anti-infectious, antibacterial (strep., staph., men.), antiseptic++, tonic, stimulant (at low dosage), stomachic, tranquilizer and sedative+++, antispasmodic++, digestive, intestinal anti parasitic. |
| Indications |
Anorexia, aerocoly++, meteorism, spasmodic colitis+, malaria+, itch, acne, eczema, wound, dermatosis, haemorrhoids, agitation and insomnia+++.
|
| Energetic and Emotional Action |
Applied on the heart chakra, it helps healing blockages caused by mourning and sorrow; it eases forgiveness and unconditional love.
Also, applied on the seven or ten chakras in meditation, it helps reaching the Light, and stimulates the openness of the crown chakra.
The oil seems to combat the frights withheld by the physical body.
|
| Type Chromatography |
to be added |
Aromatherapy: See “Aromatherapy Data Sheet” tab
Culinary: Bergamot is used in cooking to prepare desserts and various dishes.
Cosmetics: It is used in the preparation of soaps and cosmetics.
Environment: Bergamot oil can be diffused in a nebulizer to purify the air.
Perfumery
Safety data: External Use: Highly photosensitizing! Never apply on skin if it is to be exposed to sunshine within 12 hours after application.
Discharge: In case of health concern, Aliksir strongly recommends that you consult with a physician or aromatherapist. You must get accurate information concerning contraindications and interactions with other substances. Essential oils are powerful, and they must be used in respect of the physiological doses.
L'AROMATHÉRAPIE EXACTEMENT, P. Franchomme and D. Pénoël
LA GUÉRISON VIBRATOIRE, Deborah Eidson