COMMON NAME: Orange Bergamot

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Citrus bergamia, Citrus aurantium subsp. bergamia

FAMILY NAME: Rutaceae (Rue)

INDIGENOUS COUNTRY: Asia

COUNTRY OF PRODUCTION: Italy

HISTORY INFORMATION: The name bergamot originated from the Italian city of Bergamot in Lombardy. It is said that this tree was discovered by Christopher Columbus and he introduced it to Spain and Italy, but this is not likely. The first Italian record of its use was in 1725. Its historical applications were for fever and worms. Research in Italy has shown this oil to be very versatile such as useful for mouth, skin, respiratory, and urinary tract infection.

GENERAL INFORMATION: The word bergamot is associated with orange or citrus scent. There are two other oils called bergamot because of their orange scent. Careful attention needs to be paid to scientific names. There is Mentha Citrata (Mentha citrata), bergamot mint or lemon mint which is the famous oil used in Eau de Colgne. There is also Monarda (Monarda fistulosa or M. didyma) also called bergamot mint which is native to the Americas and used as a tea substitute called oswego tea. It was used as tea after the English tea was thrown over board at the Boston Tea Party. We will not refer to this oil as Bergamot but Orange, Bergamot so that confusion will be eliminated. Orange bergamot in scientific studies has shown the inhibition of the herpes simples I virus which causes cold sores. Blend with tea tree and lavender for treatment of cold sores, chicken pox, and shingles. Bergamot was used in Europe as a tanning agent until it was discovered that it was a skin carcinogenic. Most orange bergamot now produced has the bergaptene or the carcinogenic agent removed.

DESCRIPTION OF PLANT: A small tree growing to 15ft high with smooth oval leaves producing miniature oranges. Said to be the most delicate and particular citrus to cultivate.

PARTS PROCESSED: Peel of nearly ripe fruit.

PROCESSING METHODS: Cold expression; often rectified called FCF or furocoumarin removed

COLOR RANGE: Greenish-yellow.

CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS: Class: Alcohol/Ester. Linalyl acetate, linalool, pinene, camphene, citrata coumarine, furocoumarin.

PHYSICAL ACTIONS AND USES: Analgesic, anthelmintic, antidepressant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antistress, antitoxic, aperitive, calmative, carminative, cicatrizant, cordial, deodorant, digestive, expectorant, febrifuge, insecticide, laxative, parasiticide, refreshing, rubefacient, sedative, stomachic, tonic, uplifting, vermifuge, vulnerary. Used for acne, boils, cold sore, eczema, insect repellent, oily complexion, psoriasis, scabies, wounds, halitosis, mouth infections, sore throat, tonsillitis, flatulence, loss of appetite, cystitis, thrush, colds, fever, flu, infectious diseases, anxiety, depression, stress related conditions, and uplifting.

MENTAL USES: I am different and I like me. I can have what I want. I enjoy seeing others doing well and getting what they want.

EMOTIONAL USES: Feeling uncertain, not confident (jealous), despair TO encouraged, relaxed, more loving towards self and others, cooperative.

SPIRITUAL USES: Can indicate you live in a competitive world and are good at being competitive. The stress you have put yourself under has caused damage to your energy field. It is time for you to let this go and learn more about being a cooperative person in a cooperative world. Orange Bergamot heals inferiority damage caused by a competitive, stressed life style. Winning at all costs means I lose nothing (even if it looks like you have won over me) and you lose everything. It supports a more clear sense of who you are and why you are here.

APPLICATIONS: Aroma lamp, bath (may need fixed oil), compress, diffuser, hair conditioner, inhaler, light bulb ring, massage, mist spray.

WARNINGS\CONTRAINDICATIONS: Tested nontoxic, skin sensitive especially as oil ages, phototoxic do not go outside after using on skin, rectified oil better for skin.