Featured Ingredient: Bergamot

The Bergamot orange that grows in Italy is a rather small orange that with a “nipple”. It is a cross between a pear lemon and the Seville orange. Grown elsewhere (e.g., Ivory Coast, Morocco, Tunisia), the Bergamot orange may represent a cross between the pear lemon and the grapefruit. The word ‘Bergamot’ also refers to the tree on which this orange grows, a tree whose origins stem back to South East Asia.
Essential oil of Bergamot, Citrus bergamia, is cold pressed from the peel of the Bergamot orange from Italy. This is the same substance with which Earl Grey Tea is infused to give it that characteristic aroma. In some countries, marmalade is made from the candied peel of the very sour bergamot orange.
Apart from its culinary uses, Bergamot remains one of perfumery’s most appreciated essential oils. It has been an aroma ingredient as far back as the 1600’s when cologne was introduced in the town of Cologne, Germany. The aroma can be described as a middle note citrus aroma with qualities of sweetness, fruitiness, and spiciness, an alluring combination, to say the least.
Bergamot is reputed to have more than just a pleasant aroma. It is revered for its aroma therapeutic contributions to the treatment of depression, stress, tension, fear, hysteria, anorexia, psoriasis, eczema and all types of skin infections (note: we do not recommend that you discontinue prescribed medication without consultation with the professional who prescribed it).
Uplifting Bergamot essential oil contains natural linool and linalyl acetate which have sedative properties perfect for combating anxiety.
Bergamot essential oil has antiseptic properties because its constituent, linool, is also antibacterial.
Bergamot contains bergaptene, a natural substance that produces its characteristic scent, but it can cause skin irritation in some people.
In addition, Bergamot increases the propensity for one’s skin to burn, so it is best applied when one doesn’t have to be out in the sun. It does make for a great and uplifting early morning or evening scent. Bergamot must never be used on skin ‘neet’ or undiluted, although it is safe when diluted in oils and other media such as lotions and splashes.
Nen’s Bergamot Products
Bergamot is used in several of Nen’s Naturals products because of its aroma, which is citrus-like but in a fruity, floral, subtly spicy way, making for an exotic scent.
It is featured in our Bliss Incense and is the star ingredient in our Citrus Grove Perfume Oil. Bergamot also plays a role in several of our soaps and is a noteworthy ingredient in Vanilla Fields Shower Gel and our Shampoo ‘A’: Rainfall (for dry and flaky hair). Actually, ‘noteworthy’ is not complimentary enough of a word for the exotic sensory effects of Bergamot.
Our Meadows Lotion features Bergamot essential oil and, once you try it, you will be no less than enamoured with it. Don’t say we didn’t warn you!
Note: The Bergamot discussed above is not to be confused with the wild Bergamot plant, Monarda fistulosa, also known as Bee Balm, a member of the mint family.