Bergamot Orangess

Bergamot Orange
The Bergamot tree bears fruit resembling oranges which are slightly pear shaped.

Some 16 species of small, evergreen trees and shrubs comprise this genus, native to SE Asia and E Pacific islands. Most citruses have been cultivated for so long that their origins are obscure. The species are very closely related, with numerous hybrids and cultivars. Citruses were unknown in Europe in Classical times, through C. aurantium and C. bergamia were first mentioned in Chinese medicine in the first century CE. The first citrus to arrive in Europe was the bitter orange, C. aurantium, probably brought by the Portuguese from the East Indies. It was followed by C. limon, probably from China, somewhere between tthe 11th and 13th centuries. Medicinal uses of citruses are complex. Various parts of the tree are used, and also various parts of the fruit at different stages of ripeness. Commonly, the leaves, fruits, juice and bark are used, while in China several quite different drugs are prepared from the fruits alone - one of the most valuable being the peel of C. reticulata, which becomes more potent with age. The related Poncirus trifoliata (hardy orange, Japanese bitter orange) is used in identical ways to C. aurantium. Citruses are high in vitamin C, flavonoids, acids, and volatile oils. They also contain coumarins, such as bergapten, which sensitize the skin to sunlight. Bergapten is sometimes added to tanning preparations and may cause dermatitis or allergic responses. The most recent uses of citruses are anti-oxidants and chemical exfoliants in cosmetics.

Similar in appearance to C. aurantium, but with broader leaves and more aromatic, yellow rind.

Common Name:	Bergamot Orange
Botanical Name:	Citrus aurantium var. bergamia
Genus:	Citrus
Family:	Rutaceae
Location:	Ivory Coast, Southern Italy, Sicily
Cultivation:	Well-drained, neutral to slightly acid soil in sun, with ample moisture during the growing season. Scale insects, mealybugs, and tortrix moth caterpillars may affect plants under cover. Citruses do not transplant well.
Propagation:	By seed sown when ripe or in spring at 16° C (61°F); by semi-ripe cuttings in summer. Cultivars do not come true from seed.
Harvest:	Flowers (C. aurantium, C. bergamia) are picked when first open and distilled for oil. Leaves (C. aurantiifolia, C. hystrix) are picked as required for flavoring and infusions. Oil is distilled from foliage, unripe fruits (C. aurantium) and ripe fruits (C. bergamia). Fruits are picked when unripe or ripe for culinary use, candying, or oil distillation, and either unripe or ripe (C. aurantium, C. reticulata) for use in Chinese medicine.
Variations:	Femminello Has highly aromatic, spherical, smooth fruits.
Height:	10m (30ft)
Width:	7m (22ft)
Hardiness:	Min. 7°C (45°F). Sometimes withstands short periods at 0°C (32°F)
Extraction:	Expression
Parts Used:	Flowers, ripe fruit peel, oil
Color and Odor:	The essential oil is green in color and has a light citrusy and sweet aroma with a delicate floral hint.
Planet:	Sun
Background:	The bergamot fruit was developed for its scent, which has been used in perfumery since the 18th Century. It was named after the city of Bergamo in the Northern Italian district of Lombardy. It has been used in Italian folk medicine for many years. Bergamot is used to flavor Earl Grey tea; the essential oil is an ingredient of Eau-de-Cologne.
Properties:	Antispasmodic, carminative, antiseptic, sedative, uplifting. A bitter, aromatic herb that relieves tension, relaxes spasms, and improved digestion. Neroli oil (from flowers) is stimulant, and reputedly aphrodisiac; bergamot oil (from peel) is more sedative and healing.
Precaution:	Bergamot essential oil is photoxic. Do not use before being exposed to strong UV light.
Native American Direction	East
Magickal Direction:	South
Element:	Fire
Magickal Influences:	Peace, Happiness, Restful Sleep
Medicinal Uses:	Internally for colic in babies (orange-flower water). Externally for douches and baths for vaginal infections (bergamot oil), and in aromatherapy for stress-related complaints and skin conditions (bergamot and neroli oils).
Uses:	Digestive Sytem—Bergamot will stimulate appetite in cases of anorexia nervosa, and will also help to regulate the appetite of compulsive eaters. Urinary System—Strongly indicated for all urinary tract infections including cystitis and urethritis. Reproductive Sytem—Effective for vaginal pruritus and leucorrhoea. Skin—Useful in treating oily skin, boils, and acne. Also effective for coldsores Emotions—Bergamot's uplifting and balancing qualities are very useful for treating listlessness, depression, and anxiety. It can encourage a restful, relaxing sleep at night.
Culinary Uses:	Main source of orange flower waters for desserts (especially blancmange) and pastries. Fruits are used as a substitute for limes.
Economic Uses:	Bergamot oil used to flavor Earl Grey Tea. Neroli oil is used in perfumery.
Blends:
DIGESTIVE URINARY REPRODUCTIVE Bergamot 7 Bergamot 7 Bergamot 4 Anise 3 Juniper 4 Myrrh 4 Ginger 2 Sandalwood 3 Chamomile (R) 3 SKIN EMOTION Bergamot 6 Bergamot 8 Lavender 4 Cypress 3 Tea tree 3 Lavender 2
Bibliography:	Aromatherapy Blends and recipes by Franzesca Watson Copyright © 1995 Thorsons, Harper Parker Publishing Inc. Pp 62-63 The Encyclopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown Copyright & copy; 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited. pp.171-172 Magickal Aromatherapy by Scott Cunningham Copyright ©1989 Llewellyn Publications, Inc. pg. 59