Bountiful Bergamot

Do you know much about Bergamot essential oil? Here are a few facts!

Gilley's Bergamot is from Italy, made from the crude fruit peel of a citrus fruit, a hybrid cross of orange and lemon. It has a slightly citrus yet fruity scent. Warm and a little spicy floral, it can seem like the quiet undertone of Neroli. it's name comes from Bergamo, in Italy where the oil was first sold.

Suggested oils to blend with are Black Pepper, Clary Sage, Cypress, Frankincense, Geranium, Jasmine, Mandarin, Nutmeg, Orange, Rosemary, Sandalwood, Vetiver and Ylang Ylang. (I like it with Grapefruit!)

Bergamot's flavoring is used in Earl Grey and Lady Grey teas and in the delightful confection called Turkish Delight (remember the story from The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe?!)

A powerful antibacterial and antiseptic, it has soothing effects used traditionally in folk medicine to cool fevers. A study from April 2009 published in the Journal of Applied Microbiology stated that Bergamot is a powerful antibacterial oil, effective against urinary tract infections (UTI), meningitis, endocarditis and other bacterial infections. It can be added to a sitz bath to help prevent the spread of bacteria into the bladder.

When the pain of shingles or chicken pox flares, try diluting it with a carrier oil and applying it on affected areas until you see improvement. Highly antifungal, it may be used as a topical remedy for infections from candida fungus strains. In aromatherapy, it may help lessen stress and anxiety levels, used especially before surgery. Helpful with depression, it may also help lessen the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome.

How to best use it? Add to water in a difuser for a quick stress reducer. Inhale, apply to bites to soothe, mix with chamomile and fennel essential oils to gently massage into your abdominal area for pain from gas or indigestion. Finally, mix with lavender, salt and filtered water to use a a wash to prevent UTI recurrences.

Just one warning----if you'll be basking in the sun or outside, Bergamot may increase the intensity of the sun rays and cause serious burns or other issues. Internal use isn't generally recommended and caution is encouraged with pregnant women and children.