Updated: Jan 9, 2020
The History of Bergamot
Citrus Bergamia Melarosa, more commonly known as Bergamot Sicilian, belongs to the Rutaceae family, which is better classified by the name Citrus. This tree’s fruit is a hybrid between the lemon and the orange, giving the small, round fruit a slightly pear-shaped and yellow or green colouring. Some believe the fruit appears to look like a lime. Bergamot is a favourite scent in the perfumery industry, and its strong fragrance makes it a major constituent in many perfumes in which it acts as the top note.
Historically, Bergamot fruit juice was employed by the indigenous people of Italy to treat malaria and to expel intestinal worms, while Bergamot Oil was applied in Italian folk medicine as an antiseptic and to reduce fevers. When Bergamot Essential Oil was utilised as a flavouring in black tea, the tea became known as Earl Grey Tea. In Ayurvedic medicine, Bergamot Oil has been used to soothe acne, skin rashes, sores and sore throats, and bladder infections. It is also used to reduce fever, obesity, depression, eczema, gingivitis, flatulence, loss of appetite, and compulsive behaviours.
The current Bergamot Essential Oil production in Italy’s coastal regions of Sicily and Calabria makes up 80% of the world’s total crop and is considered to be of the highest quality in the international trading market. Bergamot is among the most popular essential oils used today for its effectiveness, health benefits, and its wide variety of applications.
The other Bergamot's available include Calabrian and Bergaptene Free.
Bergamot in Numbers
Price Bergamot is without a shadow of a doubt, a complete bargain. You can get hold of 10ml for a mere £1.94, and when it does get to the larger 1KG sizes, it is still fantastic value for money, £50.95. The only reason it's not getting a ten from me is that there are cheaper oils out there. But for all the benefits Bergamot can bring to the table and that gorgeous citrus scent that accompanies it, it certainly deserves a near perfect score.
Scent Bergamot oil yields a citrus-like aroma, with a notable spicy-floral quality. The scent is both spicy and sweet and is prized in perfumery for its ability to blend well with other aromas to produce pleasing, complex scents. In my opinion, yeah I agree it's nice on the nose, but it is one of my favourites? Probably not, it's certainly got some room for improvement.
Strength I personally believe that citrus scents don't really carry themselves that well and can sometimes find themselves being easily overpowered by other essential oils. But seeing as it is a top note, it is always one of the first scents which I recognise, if I put a few drops of a blend into my diffuser. So, yeah the smell is still distinctive, but sometimes it can lose itself. Therefore I give it...
Uses The uses for Bergamot Essential Oil are plentiful, ranging from medicinal and odorous to cosmetic. It can be used in oils, lotions, soaps, sprays, and candles.
When diluted with a carrier oil, it can be used topically. Bergamot Oil eases muscle aches and body pains including headaches and discomforts associated with arthritis. Its anti-inflammatory properties relieve redness, itching, and swelling. Due to its antiseptic and astringent characteristics, Bergamot Essential Oil makes an excellent addition to cosmetics that are meant to help achieve glowing and evenly toned skin. As a toner, it cleanses pores and strengthens skin tissues. Blending Bergamot Oil into shampoo and body washes and rubbing it into the scalp and body may strengthen hair, stimulate its growth, and relieve itchiness and irritation on the scalp and skin.
In aromatherapy, Bergamot serves as a natural perfume and a non-toxic air freshener that creates a relaxing atmosphere and deodorises offensive scents. When Bergamot Essential Oil is blended into a moisturiser such as a face cream or lotion, it can soothe and promote the faster healing of cuts, acne, psoriasis, and chicken pox. When diffused, its carminative properties offer assistance to the digestive system. It can be added to natural homemade scented cosmetics, candles, and soaps. It is known to be beneficial for creating a feeling of being refreshed and renewed, for uplifting negative moods to prevent depression, and for relieving lethargy, nervousness, and insomnia.
All in all, Bergamot does have many uses, but when comparing it to other essential oils available it certainly is blowing me out of the water. People may find my scoring of it a little harsh, but Bergamot has earned a very well deserved...
Popularity I guarantee the majority of people around the world have heard of Bergamot, so we know it's popular. Price wise it's excellent, and it's packed full of benefits, even the ability to leave you feeling fresh and rejuvenated. There was even a rumour that Bergamot played a crucial part behind Leicester City's title-winning campaign and that in itself is enough to give this Lemon and Orange cross a big 10/10! Claudio Ranieri, no doubt brought a bit of Italian culture to that dressing room and let Bergamot works its magic.
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