* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

BERGAMOT ~ (Citrus Bergamia) (Odour intensity 4)

The oil is obtained from the peel of the fruit of this plant which grows in Sicily. Unfortunately the oil cannot be obtained from the plant which grows so beautifully in our herbaceous border in England with the lovely bright red flowers.

The odour of Bergamot is, of course, citric, and also rich, sweet and fruity; very popular from the perfume point of view, but it must be noted that Bergamot should never be used prior to going out in the sunshine, most particularly for fair skinned people, as it increases your toxicity to sunlight.

The toxicity rating of this oil is D which renders it quite mild. One of its properties is to be used in a 1% dilution (i.e. 1 drop per 100 of base oil) for skin complaints such as eczema, psoriasis and acne, and it is also an extremely effective antiseptic.

Another very important property is that it is very effective in helping colicky babies. A friend of mine telephoned one day just about at the end of her tether, as her baby was in agony with colic, and both mother and baby were in floods of tears. I made up a half strength solution of Bergamot (see below for details on making up the massage oil) which is the correct dilution for a child or baby - unless the baby is very young in which case use only 1 or 2 drops of Bergamot. Then I rushed over - to find baby on the floor with her little legs tucked up under her chin, her face red, and screaming fit to bust.

I very gently massaged baby's tummy with the oil, going with the direction of the colon (in other words, starting from the 'patient's' appendix area, on their right-hand side, moving up, across under the ribs and down the other side in a circular motion) and within a few minutes she relieved herself, both bowel and bladder, and was heartily sick, but oh what a happy baby; her little face was wreathed with smiles, it must have been such a relief for her, and for mum too.

If you feel inexperienced with massage, a compress on baby's stomach is just as effective; just fill a bowl with warm water, add a couple of drops of bergamot and swish a flannel around in the water to distribute the oil evenly over the flannel - and then place it over baby's tummy. Do this a few times, always ensuring that the compress is warm.

On the emotional level Bergamot will lift depression, relieve anxiety, help insomnia and help with emotional instability.

If you would like to use Bergamot as a massage add 8 drops of the oil to 20ml of almond oil or grapeseed oil.

This is a real must in your oil collection!! Enjoy!!

Copyright © 1998 Jennifer. All rights reserved.

Back to the Top

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *