Looking for a way to bring smiles to your family's faces? Aromatherapy offers many wonderful means of naturally uplifting the emotions, and one of the favorites is Bergamot essential oil. Its bright, sweet and tart aroma is loved by all ages. The oil is gently pressed from the rinds of Bergamot fruit, and is widely available in an organic variety. The oil is exceptionally safe, and can be used in diffusers, or worn as a natural perfume (as has been done for many centuries). Here we'll have a brief look at the history of Bergamot's use, and some practical applications for its use for you and your family.
Originating in tropical Asia, the Bergamot tree is now widely grown in Italy, as well as the Ivory Coast, Guinea, Morocco, and Corsica. Bergamot is named after the Italian city of Bergamo in Lombardy, where the essential oil was first sold for perfumery. The fruit is not edible as the pulp is too sour, resulting in the Bergamot tree being primarily cultivated for its essential oils. It is one of the most popular essential oils used in perfumery - approximately one third of men's colognes contain Bergamot, and nearly one half of women's perfumes. Bergamot imparts the characteristic flavor to Earl Grey tea, and is used as a flavoring agent in pastries, root-beer, chewing gum, and toothpastes.
Fresh Bergamot essential oil has nearly 300 compounds: mainly linalyl acetate (30-60 %), linaool (11-22%) and other alcohols, sequiterpenes, terpenes, alkalines, and furocoumarins (including bergapten 0.30-0.39%). Certain furocourmarins, notably bergapten, have been found to be photosensitizing (causing an increased sensitivity to ultraviolet rays), hence Bergamot should not be heavily used on skin that will be significantly exposed to sunlight in the following 72 hours. A 'bergapten-free' partially-refined variety is available, and is an excellent choice for massage and skin care formulas.
Bergamot is an excellent antiseptic for use in cases of acne, oily skin, and infected skin. As a natural toner and detoxifier, Bergamot may help to prevent premature aging of the dermis. Bergamot oil is noted to have a slightly irritating effect on the skin in high concentrations, but the opposite healing effects occur when the oil is used at low concentrations (1% or less in carrier oil). Bergamot's general deodorizing effects derive from its antiseptic properties, which are also effective against bladder and urinary infections. Adding 3- 4 drops of Bergamot to warm water bath can help bring relief to the early stages of urinary tract infections.
Bergamot essential oil is foremost a miraculous neuro-tonic, and a powerful helper against depression caused by fatigue or unreleased tensions and frustrations. Aromatherapy massage - using a massage oil with a low concentration of essential oil and any healing massage technique - is exceptionally effective for any stress induced disease.As noted by author and aromatherapist Gabriel Mojay, "Bergamot oil's psychological action depends on its ability to disperse stagnant Chi (life-force energy). This condition can manifest as tension, irritability, and frustration, and if never released or processed, can eventually lead to depression...Bergamot helps us to relax and let go." Depression due to the stagnation of life-force energy is often the result of accumulated stress and repressed emotions of grief, frustration or anger. A protective oil by nature, Bergamot is indicated whenever the flow of natural energy is disrupted, leading to imbalanced states such as irritability, anxiety, and sleep disturbances. Bergamot encourages the release of repressed and inhibited feelings, thus helping to release and decompress. The impressively bright aroma belies its calming, centering, and clarifying nature; it is able to bring cheer and sooth simultaneously.
Bergamot is further indicated where anxiety and stress related symptoms present as a loss or change in appetite. Bergamot's antidepressant properties and its regulatory effect on appetite offer assistance when used in cases of eating imbalances such as anorexia nervosa, emotional eating, and bulimia. A natural carminative, digestive aid and antispasmodic make Bergamot effective in instances of colic as well as helping to reduce and relieve flatulence. The essential oil can be used as a single note, or blended with companion aromas such as Chamomile, Coriander and Fennel in a neutral base, applied using caring-tough massage techniques.
That Bergamot essential oil has found its way into our lives in forms that we inhale, splash on ourselves, and even eat is no mistake. Humans have certainly developed a fondness for its brilliant touch to the olfactory and gustatory senses. Its greatest potential may be as a 'broad-spectrum' natural antidepressant; the yellow-green color of the oil hints to its affinity to the heart and solar plexus chakras, where many of us are challenged to remain open in our daily routines. It is the opening of the heart and a fluid allowing of the emotions that lies at the center of our healing journeys. Using Bergamot through all primary aromatherapy techniques can assist in this process, opening us to freedom and joys in our everyday lives.
Bergamot essential oil blends well with Chamomile, Geranium, Jasmine, Lavender, Lemon, Orange, Neroli, Tangerine, and Ylang Ylang essential oils. Bergamot can be used by means of bath, compresses, massage, or inhalation. Blends utilizing the Bergamot essential oil's uplifting and releasing effects are recommended as follows (add per tablespoon of carrier oil; 'parts' may be substituted for 'drops' to make your own concentration): To release aggravation and pressure - 2 drops Roman Chamomile, 2 drops Bergamot and 2 drops Sweet Orange. To overcome nervousness and agitation - 3 drops Lavender, 2 drops Neroli and 1 part Bergamot. When frustrated and negative - 3 drops Bergamot, 2 drops Sweet Orange and 1 part Neroli. To enhance relaxation and self-confidence - 2 drops Lavender and 1 part Bergamot. These blends may be used in a diffuser as well, to inhale the uplifting fragrances of these oils throughout your day.
Most dedicated athletes are willing to try anything within reason (a very flexible term in itself) to overcome injury so that they may resume training and/or competition. 'Rest' is never what they want to hear - they want to get right back into the swing of things. The more common injuries - tendonitis, strains and sprains, and variations of these conditions are found in many sports; they typically include inflammation and some sort of tissue damage. Programs for relief are fairly well-known; they each have their plusses and minuses. Rarely, however, do athletes or trainers consider the possibilities of 'aroma'-therapy. The name itself presents a very 'touchy-feel' type of medicine, not considered strong enough or truly effective enough for practical application. However, what aromatherapy is really working with are complex phytochemical compounds with a broad spectrum of interaction with human biochemistry. It is under these auspices that athletes and trainers may investigate the usefulness of Helichrysum Italicum essential oil.
From a scientific standpoint, the alternative medicine aspects of aromatherapy deals with the interaction of a wide array of natural plant chemicals with human physiological systems. Each is many, sometimes hundreds, of individual chemical constituents. These often work in concert to provide a synergy of effects - a result that is greater than the application of each phytochemical alone. A great example is the combination of chemical compounds in var. 'Radiata' - it has been called an 'aromatherapists designer oil' because of it's mix of anti-viral, expectorant, and anti-inflammatory components, plus a pleasing aroma, make it helpful in treating certain types of cold symptoms. contains a great synergy in it's own way - it's constituent chemicals are known to reduce inflammation, signal tissue regeneration, remove clotted blood, relax tissues and reduce pain.
Before approaching it's possible effects of Helichrysum essential oil on sprains, strains and other sports injuries, let's look at the root of these painful conditions. Take, for example, a an ankle twisted in a basketball game - what has happened physiologically? Connective tissues (tendons and ligaments) have been stretched beyond their normal lengths; these tissue have suffered 'micro tears', which is damage to the actual structure of the cells of the connective tissue. Some of these cells are so damaged that they die, and need to be re-grown. There is often additional swelling and bruising involved, which is generally the leaking of blood from damaged capillaries into intracellular space. This results in a loss of blood supply to surrounding cells, and blockage of nutrients, oxygen, and waste products moving to and from those cells. This in fact, leads to cellular damage beyond the primary injury of the connective tissue cells. More cell death occurs here, not only directly from the loss of nutrient/waste exchange for these cells, but also due to an increase in oxidative radical activity. The greater the amount of 'secondary' injury which occurs lengthens the time to recovery - here, one can see why applying ice to an injury soon after it occurs can speed healing - it reduces the amount of blood that clots (bruises) in an area, and lowers the metabolic activity (and oxidative radical production) in cells with a loss of nutrient supply - therefore, less secondary cell damage and death accompanies the primary injury.
Enter the activity of Helichrysum essential oil. It has a high percentage of anti-inflammatory sesquiterpene hydrocarbons - this compound acts by dissipating free radicals. The oil's other major components include neryl acetate, a monoterpenoid ester with distinct, relaxing effects that can reduce tension of the tissues in the area of the injury. The third major component are the regenerative di-ketones, found in significant quantities only in Helichrysum oil. "The pain- reducing, analgesic, and regenerative effect of everlasting (Helichrysum) is unique: If applied in time, it prevents hemorrhaging. It is also very effective for joint pain..." - Dr. Kurt Schnaubelt, Advanced Aromatherapy.
It is the synergistic activity of these components working together on an injured area that can have a pronounced effect on healing common sports-related injuries. One professional athlete recently relayed an account of his use of the oil - after lack of success in treating achilles tendonitis, he was sure he was going to have to drop out of an important upcoming event. He had been taking MSM, using topical Dimethylsulfoxide, consuming oral anti-inflamates, and attempting to address the imbalance which had caused the injury in the first place - all to no avail. After learning about Helichrysum, he decided it was worth a try, and after three days of regular application to the tendon, the pain was gone and he was able to continue his training at maximum capacity!
In this instance, the application of Helichrysum reduced pain (and likely inflammation as well) in the area, and supported regeneration of the damaged tendon tissues. The essential oil should prove just as effective with acute injuries as well - it's noted ability to reduce the clotting of blood, along with it's anti-inflammatory and tissue regenerative properties give it a seemingly complete natural arsenal to speed healing in most common sport-related injuries. In fact, this could extend to a very wide variety of trauma injuries, though great care should be taken to use as an adjunct to proper allopathic medical care in such cases.
Helichrysum Italicum is a somewhat rare and costly oil - know and trust your source of this and other . There are other varieties of Helichrysum available, but they do not have this synergy of compounds and effects. As with any injury, seek proper medical attention where appropriate, and discuss the use of Helichrysum with any therapist or doctor you might see. If you do choose to use this oil, simply apply a small amount to the injured area directly a few times a day. Helichrysum can be blended to a 5% dilution with a base made of equal amounts of Rosehipseed and Hazelnut oils to help heal broken skin with limited scarring. Finally, mixing Helichrysum oil with a cream or salve of Comfrey for sports-injury treatment may safely increase the analgesic effects for some people. The oil is well-tolerated, and no sensitivity should occur, though one should always be aware of their own body's reactions, and discontinue use if necessary. Otherwise, while it is hoped you are never in need of this oil's benefits in the first place, it may be worth a try - you could be surprised by the effectiveness of this aromatherapeutic treatment.
Both Misty Cech & Michelle R. Cech, Nd are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Misty Cech has sinced written about articles on various topics from Energy Healing. The author is a natural health professional utilizing and. Misty Cech's top article generates over 1000 views. to your Favourites.
Michelle R. Cech, Nd has sinced written about articles on various topics from Energy Healing. More information is available on at The Ananda Apothecary.. Michelle R. Cech, Nd's top article generates over 1000 views. to your Favourites.