Tuesday Tip- off: Bergamot

Bergamot 
Originally this fruit was harvested from the northern Italian city of Bergamo and it was only used for medicinal purposes in the local region until rather recently. The tree is of the citrus variety with a small Orange-like fruit. The peel is cold pressed to obtain the oils. The lower grade oil extractions are very commonly used in the perfume industry.

	Common	Wellness Uses	Properties
	Health Concerns
	Anxiety	Calm & Stress Relief	Analgesic
	Depression	Deodorant	Antibiotic
	Eczema	Skin Care	Antidepressant
	Indigestion		Anti-inflammatory
	Insomnia		Antiseptic
	Psoriasis		Antispasmodic
	Urinary Tract Infection		Antiparasitic
			Astringent
			Digestive
			Sedative

Historically, in Italy, it was used for fevers and digestive tract problems. More recently it has been shown to be effective in treating urinary tract infections, has excellent properties for skin care, and like many citrus oils is calming and therefore helpful with anxiety and depression.

Many find the aroma of this oil pleasing and diffuse it to help with anxiety or depression. Cup and inhale and other inhalation techniques would apply as well.

For skin problems such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis Bergamot may prove helpful in conjunction with other oils. It should be remembered that in high concentration and repeated useage, this oil can be a skin irritant but in modest useage it is very helpful for skin problems.

The oil is rated as GRAS by the FDA and can safely be used for internal consumption.

Precautions:   Bergamot is photosensitive so if used topically on the skin the area should not be exposed to sunlight or ultraviolet light for 12 hours to avoid severe burning.

*Info from: http://www.everythingessential.me/Oils/Bergamot.html