Description:
Bergamot is a plant scientifically named as Citrus bergamia, belongs to Rutaceae family. Bergamot is a topical, small tree and citrus fruit which is a hybrid between sour orange and lemon, it blossoms in winter. Bergamot tree is native to Southeast Asia and cultivated mainly in Ivory Coast, Argentina, Brazil, Morocco and Turkey.
Extraction:
Bergamot oil is obtained from peel of the citrus fruit of Citrus bergamia through cold compression and also extracted by steam distillation method.
Composition:
Its main components are alpha pinene, alpha bergaptnen, alpha terpineol, linalyl acetate, myrcene, limonene, beta bisabolene, linalool, nerol, neryl acetate, geraniol and geraniol acetate.
Properties:
Bergamot oil is a light yellow green clear liquid, has sweet smell with floral note. Its scent is light citrusy which is uplifting and relaxing.
Blending:
Bergamot oil is nicely blends with other essential oil like cedar wood, citronella, neroli, lemon, palmarosa, rosewood, tangerine, ylang ylang, geranium, clary sage, lavender, frankincense, sandalwood, nutmeg, cypress, jasmine and black pepper.
Uses:
- It is used as ingredient in perfumery, to common top note in perfumes.
- It is used in black tea to flavor then it is known as Earl Grey tea and Lady Grey tea.
- Bergamot oil has antiseptic quality; it heals scars, skin marks, cold sores, mouth ulcers and sores.
- It is effective against headaches and muscles tension.
- Bergamot oil stimulates hormones and digestive juices, bile and insulin as it aids digestive system and encourage proper absorption of nutrients.
- Bergamot oil is used to scent food as it has fruity flavor and also used in cosmetics.
- Bergamot oil is used in aromatherapy as it reduce stress and anxiety and provide relieve in depression and boosts positivity.
- It is used in genital wash as it has ability to prevent urinary tract infections and cure bacterial infections from the urethra into the bladder.
- It has carminative property so it helps in indigestion and flatulence.
- It is febrifuge as it brings down temperature and also expels intestinal worms as it fights with viruses, bacteria and protozoa which can cause infection and lead to fever.
- It provides prevention against heart attacks and strokes as it acts as substitute for statins.
- It improves skin conditions as it cleanses oily skin and soothes skin irritation by preventing fungal infections, kills germs and bacteria.
- Bergamot oil has capability to prevent growth of germs that causes body odor by its refreshing and citrusy smell; it acts as natural deodorant and air freshener.
- It is used as ingredient in toothpaste and mouth wash, it prevents germs & also cures developing cavities in teeth.
Safety and Precautions:
- Avoid internal administration of bergamot oil to pregnant or nursing women and infants.
- Do not use bergamot oil if individual suffering from potassium deficiency as it depletes potassium stores in body and cause muscle cramps & twitching.
- Do not use bergamot oil with photosensitizing drugs; it can cause sun damage.
- As bergamot oil contains bergamottin and bergapten so that it may lead to sunburn and other complications.
Specification of Bergamot Oil:
Appearance – Fluid liquid
Colour – Clear yellow to yellow green to dark green.
Odour – The odour is extremely rich, sweet-fruity characteristics oily herbaceous & somewhat balsamic body & dryout.
Physico-Chemical Properties:
Specific Gravity – 0.860 – 0.881
Refractive Index – 1.450 – 1.468
Optical Rotation – +11° – +28°
Solubility – Soluble in alcohol and other organics solvents & insoluble in water.
Storage – In well fitted container in cool and dark place.
