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Better Living With Bergamot Oil
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Essential oils used to be the stuff of new age and alternative medicine, but not anymore. In fact, one such oil, bergamot oil, has been making waves as a new alternative to traditional medicine. Bergamot oil is also bursting with health benefits and some have even said that it can work miracles where traditional treatments have failed.
Bergamot oil is an essential oil that comes from the bark or rind of the bergamot tree. In order to get the oil, the rind must be pressed much in the same way you’d press olives for their oil. You may have heard bergamot associated with citrus, and that is because there is a bergamot orange tree. This tree is actually a hybrid and resulted from the grafting of a lemon and orange tree.
The tree is well known throughout Southeast Asia, but it is also grown prolifically in Italy, especially near the coast.
There are many uses for the oddly shaped fruit. For one, it has a nice smell and combines the best of both worlds in terms of aromatics. It has the sweetness of the orange paired with the tang of the lemon. In fact, this smell is part of the reason bergamot is an effective pest spray. It has been used for centuries to ward off mosquitoes.
Applications for Bergamot Oil
Bergamot oil has value in many different areas of commercial enterprises, including health and beauty. The sweet odor generated by the oil is a popular additive to many cosmetics and creams and has been used in beauty products since the late 19th century. It pairs well with other aromatics, which makes it extremely easy to use and apply.
Italians are incredibly fond of the oil for its savory, fruity flavor. The oil has been used to infuse everything from tobacco products to teas, and you can even find it in some deserts.
The Powerful Healing Properties of Bergamot Oil
Bergamot oil is packed with some amazing properties and abilities when it comes to your health. Applications for the oil include reducing anxiety, sterilizing work areas, and relieving pain. Bergamot can also target infections and lower your blood pressure. Some studies have even gone so far as to suggest that bergamot oil is more effective at treating blood pressure than current prescription medications.
That isn’t all though! Bergamot oil is extremely good at curing and healing skin ulcerations due to the antibacterial properties found within the oil itself. It even targets some fungal conditions and can be used as a cream or salve.
Bergamot gets its incredible healing powers from the components found within. These micronutrients combine in such a way to effective combat ailments and reduce stress. In fact, current studies have shown that patients suffering from depression and anxiety can benefit from soaking in a bath with a few drops of bergamot oil. Simply inhaling the vapors can produce a calming effect. It truly is an amazing oil.
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Should I Take Precautions When Using Bergamot?
Bergamot oil is all-natural and organic, but you should still talk to your doctor or health care provider before changing any of your medications. That is just good common sense. You may also want to consider an alternative if you are pregnant, since the side effects are not well known with regard to the effect of bergamot on pregnant mothers.
If you have some vitamin deficiencies, you may want to avoid taking bergamot oil by mouth. Bergamot can deplete some vitamins further and cause problems if you have an existing condition.
If you use bergamot oil in a cosmetic or cream, be aware that it can cause your skin to become sensitive to the sun. You may have a severe reaction if paired with some pharmaceuticals, too. Talk to your doctor to make sure there are no drug interactions with bergamot oil.
The most common side effect of bergamot oil is the sensitivity to light and sun exposure. Take normal precautions when going out into the sun, and you should be okay. When in doubt, keep your skin covered by wearing long sleeves, or wear a hat for more protection.
If you’re not used to essential oils, bergamot oil may cause skin irritation. When you first begin to apply the oil, use a small amount, and limit the application to just one spot on your body. Give the oil some time to absorb and observe if you have an adverse reaction. If nothing happens, you are safe to apply the rest of the oil or cream containing bergamot oil. If you have a reaction, stop using the product immediately.
Getting the Most Out of Essential Oils
Essential oils have made a place in history for their healing and homeopathic abilities.
READ ALSO: Surprising Ways To Use Coconut Oil For Your Health And Beauty Video
Bergamot oil is no different. There is a wealth of health benefits to using bergamot oil in your daily life. Be sure to research all the practical uses, and who knows — you may even come up with some new ones that are all your own.
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