Description
Citrus aurantium, ssp bergamia
Southern Italy
100% Organic content
The oil is produced from the rind of the bitter orange tree by cold expression. It is nearly exclusively cultivated in southern Italy in the Calabria region. The fruits are harvested from November to January.
Chemically
It contains close to 50% linalyl acetate along with bergamotine, bergaptene, limonene and linalol. The bergaptene & bergamotine content (furocomarin) means that the oil is phototoxic and will cause burns to the skin if exposed to sunlight. It is important not to apply bergamot oil prior to going into the sun or use a bergapten free bergamot oil.
The aroma
Bergamot has a lovely fresh, citrus like, slightly bitter aroma and blends well with many others oils: Flowers, fruits, woods, spices
Therapeutically
Bergamot has strong antiseptic properties. It is also carminative, analgesic. It has a strong effect on the mind, being uplifting and anti-depressant
Caution
Bergamot is phototoxic and should not be used in stay-on products or prior to going into the sun.
To use as an ingredient in creams and ointments, use the bergapten free bergamot
To know more about Bergamot