Bergamot, Citrus auratium var.bergamia, has been used for many years in Italian folk medicine where it has been used mainly for fever. Bergamot is also used for skin care, including for acne, boils, cold sores, eczema, insect repellent and bites, oily complexion, and wounds. It has other therapeutic qualities helping with halitosis, flatulence, and loss of appetite, colds, fever, flu, and infectious diseases. It also relieves anxiety, depression and stress-related conditions as it has uplifting qualities.
Citrus bergamia contains about 300 compounds; mainly Limonene, linalyl acetate, linalool and other alcohols, sesquiterpenes, terpenes, alkanes and furocoumarins (including bergaptene, which is phototoxic in concentration and in dilution. However, bergaptene-free bergamot is available).
Other than the photo toxicity of bergaptene, Citrus aurantium var.bergamia is generally non-toxic and relatively non-irritant.
One of my favorite recipes is for Bella Oils Sensual Sandalwood Linen Spray which contains bergamot,
sandalwood, ylang ylang, ginger, and lemon. The scent is heavenly and as you lie in bed and breathe deeply, the different components are revealed. This is what I call my “sensual sandalwood linen spray”, and it is!
