Botanical name: Citrus Bergamia
Botanical family: Rutaceae
Note: Top
Part of plant used: Rind
Origin: Obtained from a lime like tree but slightly bigger and not so green, native to Italy. Possibly a lime tree mixed with a pear tree.
Description: Light, delicate and refreshing. Orange/Lemon overtones.
History: Only heard of since the 1500s. Christopher Columbus was said to have brought it back from the Canaries.
Properties and Indications:
- Stimulates the hypothalamus in the brain which is responsible for basic instincts (hunger, thirst, rage, libido) and some primitive behavior
- Meningitis (viral infection which affects the inner membrane that covers the brain)
- Brain and head operations
- Antispasmodic, calmative
- Stomachic
- Lack of appetite, stimulates the enzymes in the stomach for food to break down
- Urinary system, cystitis
- Skin – acne of certain types, scar tissue, oily skin
- Cold sores
- Sharpens the senses
- Aids in concentration
Personality:
- Good for people who build up a lot of stress in their head and for the over-emotional
- Dissipates head tension for people who frown a lot
Contra-indications:
- Highly photosensitive (contains bergaptus) – lower protection against UV rays
Blending:
- Benzoin, Cajuput, Carrot, Citronella, Cypress, Dill, Jasmine, Lavandin, Lavender, Lime, Marjoram, Myrtle, Neroli, Palmarosa, Patchouli, Sage, Thyme, Verbena
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