Considered to be “cold pressed” is an essential oil known as Bergamot. This essential oil is basically extracted from cells located within the peel of a fruit called “Bergamot orange”. Furthermore, this essential oil is a major component of the original “Eau de Cologne” perfume first prepared by Johann Maria Farina in 1709. In addition, this essential oil was first extracted from the “Bergamot orange” using a technique known as “Sfumatura” (also referred to as slow folding process).
A. Chemical constituents of the Bergamot oil:
This oil has basically been extracted from a fruit called Bergamot orange which belongs to a species known as “Citrus bergamia” in the “plantae” kingdom. In addition, this oil contains 95% of volatile organic compounds, and 5% non-volatile compounds. Furthermore, the volatile compounds consists of organic chemicals such as terpenes, esters, alcohols, and aldehydes, while non-volatile compounds include heterocyclic chemicals such as coumarins and furanocoumarins.
B. The uses/benefits of the Bergamot oil:
There are certain benefits that can be derived from the use of this essential oil. These benefits are as follows:
- Antidepressant: This oil comprise of components such as Alpha Pinene and Limonene that serve as “antidepressant”, and help curb depression by improving the circulation of blood to the brain. In addition, this oil actually helps stimulate the feeling of joyfulness and increase energy.
- Analgesic: This oil consists of “Analgesic” properties that help relieve pain within an individual. They do so by stimulating the release of certain hormones within the body that act by providing relief from all kinds of pain.
- Digestive: This oil comprises of components that promotes good digestion, and thereby serves as a digestive. In addition, this oil also helps reducing strain on the intestines and fastens digestion via regulation of peristaltic movements.
- Anti-spasmodic: This oil consists of “anti-spasmodic” properties and thereby helps reducing spasms in the muscles and nerves. In other words, this oil helps in providing relief from conditions such as body cramps, convulsions, and painful muscle contractions.
- Antiseptic: This oil also consists of “antiseptic” properties and thereby helps in providing rapid healing of wounds. In addition, it also helps in resolving issues such as cracks on the skin and heels, ulcers, and eczema.
C. The adverse effects of the Bergamot oil:
There are a couple of side effects that could occur on use of the Bergamot oil. They are as follows:
- The use of this oil could lead to skin irritation unless it is diluted properly before use. In addition, the use of this oil could also lead to blisters, scabs, redness and pigmentation of the skin.
The use of the oil could also lead to “photosensitivity” i.e. sensitivity to the sun rays. Furthermore, such sensitivity to the sun could lead to severe sun burn and changes in the cell leading to a possibility of skin cancer.
