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What’s this
Bergamot is the fruit of Citrus bergamia, a species belonging to the Rutaceae family and cultivated mainly in Calabria, South America and Ivory Coast. The genus Citrus of which bergamot belongs are commonly called citrus fruits and include lemon, bitter and sweet orange, grapefruit, mandarin and other fruit trees. These are species native to eastern Asia that have naturalized in various areas of the Mediterranean, characterized by beautiful shiny, oval and bright green leaves and by flowers intensely scented white and purple. THE fruits, almost always edible, are marketed fresh and used for the production of essential oils, used in perfumery, aromatherapy and as food flavorings. The fruit of these plants is in fact a particular berry whose epicarp, that is the skin, is covered with pockets containing essential oil. The presence of essential oil it is so abundant that it is not necessary to proceed with distillation to extract it, but pressing is sufficient. The essential oil is also present in the leaves, whose lamina is studded with glands rich in essence.
Benefits, properties and how to use it
For well-being
Bergamot uses the essential oil obtained by squeezing the peel of the fruits and characterized by a pleasant scent. The property Bergamot essential oil mainly concern the digestive system. The essence of this citrus fruit is useful in case of difficult and slow digestion, loss of appetite, constipation and accumulation of gas in the intestine. To improve digestion and counteract aerophagia, meteorism and flatulence, it is sufficient to dilute two drops of bergamot essential oil in a tablespoon of sunflower or sweet almond oil and use the mixture for massages on the abdomen.
For beauty
In the cosmetic field, on the other hand, bergamot essential oil is useful for the treatment of oily skin and hair and skin impurities. In fact, thanks to its antibacterial and astringent action, bergamot is a natural remedy against excessive sebum production and in case of pimples, boils, blackheads. You can use it diluted in aloe vera gel (one drop for each spoonful of gel) or enjoy its benefits by choosing cosmetic products that contain it.
In aromatherapy
In aromatherapy, bergamot essence is used for its relaxing properties in people suffering from anxiety, agitation and insomnia. Spreading the essential oil of bergamot in the diffuser or in the burner (5-10 drops in water) not only perfumes the rooms but also helps to relax the nerves, fight stress and nervousness and promote a good rest. In some people, however, bergamot seems to have a stimulating and tonic action, improving the tone of thehumor and concentration in work and study. According to aromatherapy, bergamot essence can also increase self-esteem and discourage self-damaging behavior. For example, bergamot is recommended in people prone to developing addictions, to help stop smoking or drinking alcohol, or to avoid binge eating. Due to its action on the psyche, the essential oil of bergamot can be used spread in the environment, applied to the skin or added to the water of the tub for relaxing baths. The diffusion of bergamot essential oil into the environment is useful, for example, during breathing and breathing exercises meditation. As for the skin application, usually one or two drops of essence are added to a teaspoon of sunflower oil or other vegetable oil; the mixture is then applied in the inner wrist area, behind the ears or in the stomach area. Be careful not to expose yourself to the sun for 24 hours after use on the skin, as it is a photosensitizing compound.
In the kitchen
Bergamot zest, juice and food grade essence are also used as flavoring in the kitchen to add flavor to sweet and savory dishes. In particular, this citrus fruit is excellent for flavoring fish and shellfish, fruit-based desserts, cakes, biscuits and chocolate spoon desserts.
Contraindications and side effects
Bergamot essential oil is obtained by squeezing the rind and this means that there are also non-volatile molecules inside it, which are not present in other essences as they are removed during the distillation process. They can therefore be present in the essential oil of bergamot furanocoumarins, in particular bergapten, with phototoxic action. In essential oils on the market, bergapten is often removed after squeezing but, if present, essential oil must not be used on the skin before exposure to the sun, otherwise the reaction between furanocoumarins and UV rays would cause severe burns, burns and blisters. The same thing goes for the fresh juice of bergamot. Bergamot essential oil should also not be used in case of allergies, in pregnancy and in children.
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