Bergaptene is a naturally occurring constituent found in cold pressed Bergamot Essential Oil. This makes cold pressed Bergamot Essential Oil highly phototoxic, meaning you may become very sensitive when exposed to sunlight or UV rays.* Severe sunburn and extreme pigmentations can be the result.*
ABOUT THE PLANT
The Bergamot tree can grow up to four meters high, with star-shaped flowers and smooth leaves. It bears a citrus fruit resembling a cross between an orange and a grapefruit, but with a pear-shape. As the fruit ripens, it turns from green to yellow. Bergamot oil is cold-pressed from the bumpy, aromatic peel of this ripened fruit.
WHERE IT GROWS
The earliest roots of the bergamot tree can be traced to Southeast Asia. However, the name Bergamot is derived from the city Bergamo in the Lombardy region of Italy. This is where this oil was first sold and achieved its prominence worldwide.
Although attempts have been made to cultivate Bergamot in the South of France and Ivory Coast, the only place in the world where the delicate tree abundantly thrives is Calabria, a region in South Italy with very specific soil which makes the Bergamot fruit particularly exquisite. This is why Amrita® receives only the Calabrian oil version.
TRADITIONAL USES & LORE
If you are a drinker of Earl Grey tea, then you are especially familiar with the flavor and aroma of Bergamot as the rind is used to flavor the tea. Bergamot Oil was added to regular black tea from China, which resulted in the creation of the popular Earl Grey tea.
Bergamot Essential Oil was used historically in Italian folk medicine and in Ayurvedic medicine. This oil was used to treat problems related to digestion, skin health, and fever.* Unfortunately, the market has been flooded with synthetic Bergamot oil which is not therapeutic to your body.* This is why you should only buy Essential Oils from a trusted source.*
Other Facts:
Scent: Sweet, Fruity, Citrus Spice with Floral Aroma
Fragrance Note: Top Note
Composition: Limonene, Linalyl Acetate, and Linalool
Family: Rutaceae Family
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.