Bergamot belongs to the mint family, and its leaves have a citrus-like flavour. Bergamot is usually the size of an orange, but has a yellow colour similar to that of a lemon.
The fruit as such is inedible, but its rind is used to extract bergamot essential oil, which has a sweet smell. Bergamot is known to contain phyto-chemicals, which further is claimed to have a lot of benefits and uses.
Following are some of the benefits and uses of bergamot and bergamot oil:
1. Anti-Depressant and Stimulant:
Alpha Pinene and Limonene are known for their anti-depressant and stimulant properties and known to be abundant in bergamot oil. These naturally rich components are known to improve circulation, thus giving a sense of freshness and energy. Some studies show that the effect of the bergamot oil when it comes to depression, anxiety and stress is as good as the pharmaceutical drug diaphezam. Bergamot oil has also been used to naturally cure postpartum blues in occurring in women after they have given birth.
2. Healthy Heart:
Bergamot oil and extracts stimulate to help maintain proper rates of metabolism. It aids in digestion, proper absorption of nutrients, assimilation and decomposition of sugar, and thus helps in maintaining blood sugar level in the body.
Bergamot is also known to inhibit the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase, which helps in reducing LDL i.e. bad cholesterol, and also dilates the blood vessels, thus helping in lowering blood pressure.
All these benefits help in maintaining the health of your heart, thus reducing the probability of any kind of heart disease.
Essential oil of Bergamot has components that are antibiotic and disinfectant in nature, thus helping in curing and preventing infections. It also helps in curing dandruff and inflammation on the scalp. Regular usage helps in protecting the skin and hair against infections. It also cures infections of colon, intestines, urinary tract and kidneys.
The disinfectant properties of bergamot also help in healing of wounds, cracked heels, ulcers, eczema, and itches amongst others. It also protects the wounds from becoming septic or developing tetanus.
4. Natural Perfume and Deodorant:
Bergamot has a very sweet smell, which makes it an ideal deodorant or perfume for daily use. It is used in aroma therapies as it has a refreshing aroma along with disinfectant properties, which claim to inhibit the growth of germs causing body-odour.
[ Read: Healthy Benefits of Lemon ]
Bergamot has antipyretic properties i.e. it helps in reducing fever. Owing to its antiseptic properties, bergamot helps in fighting virus or bacteria that causes fever. It also increases the metabolism rate of the body which leads of generation of warmth, thus resulting in increased sweating, which in turn reduces the body temperature.
Bergamot oil constitutes of Linalool and Linalyl Acetate. Both these elements are known for their analgesic or pain relieving properties. These elements stimulate secretion of certain hormones in the body that have opiate like effect and thus lessen sensitivity of nerves to pain. Thus it is known to be helpful in case of headache, sprains etc.
Though bergamot has a lot of benefits, it is a very strong natural element, so it should never be applied or consumed without a doctor’s advice. Also Bergamot Oil must be protected from sunlight as it is photosensitive. Bergaptene present in bergamot becomes poisonous if exposed to sunlight, thus it should be stored in dark bottles and in dark places. Even when bergamot oil is applied, exposure to sunlight should be avoided.
Hope this article updates you on how to use bergamot natural ingredient.!!!
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