Bergamot is a sweet, fruity fragrance with a warm, spicy tone. Originating from the small town of Bergamo in Lombardy, Italy, this citrus fruit, a relative of the bitter orange tree, was commercially grown not for its fruit, but for its scent.
According to a legend, it was Christopher Columbus who brought the tree from Canary Islands to Europe. It was highly valued in the 15th to 16th century, being a sought-after flavouring and fragrance in teas and cosmetics. During this time, the aristocrats in King Louis XIV's court would only wear bergamot perfumes. Perhaps this is the reason why it was also dubbed “The King’s Pear.” During a malaria outbreak in Italy, the locals use the fruit as medicine to treat the disease. The occults consider it magical, as it was perceived to ward off evil.
Bergamot tree produces a small fruit that turns yellow when ripe and is harvested for cold extraction and distillation. Tea lovers may find its scent familiar, for it is one of the prominent flavouring agents in the popular Earl Grey Tea.
Your go-to positivity scent
Refreshing, clean and rounded, the scent of bergamot is used against symptoms of depression and anxiety. An instant perk-me-up, bergamot's cool citrus tone negates heated emotions such as anger and irritability and is often used to release locked-up emotional pains. Ward off the bad vibes and use this scent to start your day on a positive note; just add 5 drops of bergamot oil on your bath and inhale the vapours. This will charge up your body with energy and enthusiasm.
At work, bring back the zeal by placing the oil in a diffuser, or by lighting a bergamot scented candle by your desk.
A secret beauty balm
The valuable fragrance of bergamot has been used in many cosmetics, but that’s not the only reason. Its antiseptic properties perform double duty when slathered on your skin. Using small amounts, less than 1% in concentration, this oil can help fight signs of acne and eczema. For the same reason, bergamot has been a popular ingredient in soaps, giving you a luxuriously smelling after-feel.
Want to smile brightly? Bergamot is also a powerful aid in protecting your teeth against cavity and bacteria. Add a small amount of oil on your toothpaste or rub it directly on your teeth for a cleaner, fresher mouth.
It strengthens your digestive system, too
Bergamot has been used for regulating the appetite, helping you defeat symptoms of anorexia nervosa, as well as flatulence and indigestion. Here's a recipe for a massage on your abdominal area; do this just as you change into your nightgown for a good night's sleep:
- 1 tsp. carrier oil
- 2 drops bergamot oil
- 2 drops fennel oil
- 2 drops German chamomile
Unsurprisingly, bergamot is also a potent cure for those suffering from UTI. Thanks to its antiseptic properties, you can prevent the spread of infection in a hot, fragrance-filled bath. Combine 3 drops of bergamot, lavender and tea tree oils plus a cup of plain yoghurt. Add the mixture to a bath tub with warm water, just enough to cover your hips. Sit in the tub for 10 minutes and do this for at least a week to get rid of those nasty toxins.
Paired with natural healing properties, bergamot is a calming floral scent that will aid you in better sleep. Maximize the use of this oil by exploring its healthy benefits.
