Bergamot

Botanical Name:      Citrus aurantium subsp. bergamia
Synonym:                 Citrus Bergamia
Botanical Family:     Rutaceae
Country of Origin:    Calabria, Southern Italy
Plant Part:                Peel of the small, pear-shaped citrus fruit
Extraction Method:  Expression
Characteristics:        Light, fresh, uplifting, similar to lemon with a warm, balsamic undertone
Properties:                Analgesic, antidepressant, antiseptic, carminative, cicatrizant, deodorant, digestive, febrifuge, sedative, stomachic, tonic, vermifuge, vulnerary

Indications:
Mind & Spirit:
Uplifting and refreshing
Sedative
Extremely beneficial for nervous tension, anxiety, depression and irritability.

Body:
Effective with infection and inflammation, particularly cystitis.
Positive effect on the immune system
Helpful for colds, flu, bronchitis, tonsillitis and sore throats.
Deodorant and will help kill germs in the home.
Treats cold sores, chicken pox and shingles.
Treats conditions such as acne, wounds, eczema, psoriasis and herpes
Increases appetite, maybe be beneficial to sufferers of anorexia.
Contraindications: Phototoxic, not to be used with exposure to sunlight
Note:   Top
Blends well with:      Basil, chamomile, cypress, eucalyptus, geranium, grapefruit, juniper, jasmine, lavender, lemon, lime, marjoram, neroli, orange, palmarosa, patchouli, peppermint, pettigrain, rosemary, rosewood, rose, sandalwood, ylang ylang

Traditions:
The Bergamot fruit is produced from a cross of the pear lemon and the Seville orange or grapefruit. It is primarily used for it’s flavouring in Earl Grey tea, essential oil and perfumes.  Bergamot was a component of the original Eau de Cologne developed in 17th century Germany.  Bergamot was said to be used in witch craft by the Italian Calabrian wiccas who used the fruit in potions to make women fertile, men impotent or to get rid of warts or blemishes.