Last but not least, this plant owes its present glory … tea. But not ordinary, but one that is known throughout the world as Earl Gray – the very drink with the scent of citrus. And all because the fruits of this tree themselves, because of their specific taste, are not so popular.
General characteristics
Bergamot (Citrus Bergamia) is a small citrus plant with oval green leaves, white flowers and aromatic nutritious fruits. It is a hybrid of citron and bitter orange. And the pear-shaped form of the fruit even gave rise to a legend that bergamot is a hybrid of a pear, to which a sprig of lemon was grafted.
An adult plant can reach 10 m in height, and its branches are covered with thin thorns. Outwardly it resembles an orange, but has a more pronounced smell. Ripe pear-shaped fruits of this citrus can be from yellow to bright green, have a sour-bitter taste.
The homeland of this culture is considered to be Southeast Asia, from where it spread to other regions. .… The plant got its name from the Italian city of Bergamo, where it began to be massively grown. According to another theory, this tree was brought to Spain and Italy by Christopher Columbus from the Canary Islands.
Whatever it was in the past, today the largest plantations of this crop are grown in Italy, Argentina, Morocco, Turkey, Brazil, Algeria, Tunisia. .… The plant can also be seen in India, China and the Black Sea coast. farmer-online.com… For commercial purposes, trees are cultivated primarily for essential oils, which are obtained from the zest.
Health benefits
When it comes to natural methods of treating cardiovascular diseases and metabolic disorders, bergamot has been increasingly recalled lately.
Numerous studies have shown the presence of a large amount of polyphenols in this citrus – natural compounds known for their powerful antioxidant properties. farmer-online.com… Foods containing these substances are often called superfoods because they naturally protect against cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and other degenerative diseases. And by the way, it is in vain that many refuse the fruits of bergamot, using exclusively essential oils from its peel. Its juice is extremely rich in polyphenols, including unique ones. Now let’s take a closer look at the main benefits of this amazing fruit.
Fights harmful lipids
Like statins, bergamot helps regulate blood cholesterol levels. Everyone knows that high cholesterol is the shortest path to diseases of the cardiovascular system. But you can deal with the problem, with the help of bergamot as well. Italian scientists speak about it. They conducted an experiment in which participants in the experiment were given 500 mg of bergamot extract daily. A month later, it turned out that in most of the subjects the level of bad cholesterol decreased by 23%, and the level of good cholesterol increased by almost the same amount. Scientists have suggested that the substances contained in citrus affect the liver, slowing down the process of cholesterol production and the accumulation of triglycerides in the tissues of the organ. ...
Protects vessels
High lipid levels are only one aspect that increases the risk of developing heart disease. The polyphenols found in bergamot are powerful antioxidants that protect the body from free radicals and positively affect the endothelium (the thin layer lining the walls of blood vessels). The latter is important for maintaining a stable blood pressure; it prevents inflammation in blood vessels, regulates blood clotting, the formation of new vessels. Thanks to bergamot extract, the state of the endothelium is improved, the risk of atherosclerotic plaque accumulation on the walls of the arteries is reduced.
Activates metabolic processes
Bergamot is a safe and effective treatment for metabolic disorders. Fruit extract activates the process of converting glucose and fats into energy. In addition, it increases insulin sensitivity, promotes the absorption of glucose into cells, suppresses its synthesis in the liver, thereby reducing the concentration of sugar in the bloodstream.
Clinical trials have shown that consuming 500-1000 mg of bergamot extract per day reduces blood sugar levels by about 22% ...
Improves digestion
Improves digestionThis citrus is extremely useful for the efficient functioning of the organs of the digestive system. The fruit activates the production of enzymes, digestive acids and bile, which improve digestion. In addition, the product stimulates intestinal motility.
Reduces body temperature
There are several reasons that make bergamot an effective antipyretic agent. First of all, this fruit is a natural antibiotic that fights infections, viruses, bacteria, as well as protozoa that cause influenza, malaria, and typhoid fever. On the other hand, this citrus stimulates metabolic processes and the secretion of sweat and sebaceous glands. Increased production of sweat leads to a decrease in body temperature, and also contributes to the rapid elimination of toxins.
Bergamot oil
Bergamot essential oil is obtained by pressing the peel of almost ripe fruit. This delicate yellow-green product has many health benefits in addition to its delicious aroma. And all thanks to the unique composition. The list of chemical components contained in bergamot includes many substances that are found exclusively in these fruits.
How to use
Bergamot oil can be used in a variety of ways:
- add a few drops to the bath;
- injected into the mixture for inhalation;
- use externally in places of insect bites;
- in combination with other oils – for massage.
Useful properties of essential oil
Antidepressant and psychostimulant
Bergamot oil contains alpha pinene and limonene – substances that are natural antidepressants .… They, by improving blood circulation and affecting certain points of the brain, cause a feeling of joy and a surge of energy. 
These substances stimulate the production of hormones that regulate the mental state of a person.
To get rid of fatigue, bad mood, apathy, lack of appetite, decreased libido or depression, it is recommended to apply 2-3 drops of essential oil to your hands and rub slowly but thoroughly. You can also apply a little of the substance to your stomach and legs.
Antibiotic and antiseptic
Some components of the essential oil have disinfectant properties and are natural antibiotics. This means that bergamot oil inhibits the growth of bacteria, viruses and fungi, making it an effective skin disinfectant. This product is used to get rid of infections in the intestines, urinary system, kidneys. 1.
As a natural remedy, use bergamot tea or a couple of drops of oil applied to the neck or abdomen.
Pain Reliever
This fragrant liquid can relieve pain. ..… Certain substances in bergamot oil stimulate the secretion of hormones that reduce the sensitivity of nerve endings to pain. Thus, this product is useful for reducing discomfort in the head, joints, muscles. In many cases, this citrus can replace potent pain relievers without harming the liver or kidneys.
To relieve pain, alternative medicine advocates advise applying about 5 drops of essential oil to the affected area and rubbing it into the skin with light massage movements.
Soothing
Flavonoids present in bergamot are also effective muscle relaxants. They soothe nerves, relieve tension and stress, stabilize blood pressure and relieve insomnia. Flavonoids cause additional production of dopamine and serotonin – hormones responsible for relaxation.
To relieve stress, you can add a few drops of bergamot to the aroma lamp. To enhance the effect, you can combine citrus scent with geranium, rosewood, sage, patchouli or eucalyptus.
Antispasmodic
The essential oil of this citrus has antispasmodic properties: it relaxes smooth muscles, thereby quickly relieving cramps, convulsions and painful muscle contractions. This same remedy can be useful for people with chronic coughs and asthma – to get rid of attacks.
Means for the treatment of skin diseases
Bergamot peel essential oil is an effective remedy for the treatment of fungi, herpes, psoriasis, skin inflammations 1… Researchers suggest that this product is also beneficial for athlete’s foot (a type of skin cancer). The fruit contains a substance that stimulates healthy skin pigmentation. This feature of the product is actively used to treat vitiligo. ...
To achieve a therapeutic effect, it is advised to take a bath with 10 drops of bergamot oil added to warm water.
Other benefits of bergamot oil are as follows:
- prevention and disposal of parasites;
- protection against caries;
- treatment of the pillar;
- prevention of cancer development;
- anti-inflammatory effect in cystitis;
- regulator of hormonal balance;
- acceleration of wound healing.
Use in the beauty industry
Many cosmetics manufacturers add bergamot oil to their skin care products. Primarily due to the product’s ability to treat various flaws on the skin, including making scars, age spots, and acne marks less visible. Bergamot oil is also useful for aging skin: smoothes it, moisturizes, improves color ...
This product is an excellent helper in the fight against cellulite. It is recommended to use it in combination with an anti-cellulite cream. Citrus extract relieves lymph stagnation, promotes the breakdown of fats, restores the skin, strengthens blood vessels, and also accelerates the elimination of toxins and toxins. One of the most effective anti-cellulite massage mixtures is called a “cocktail” of almond (50 ml), lemon (5 drops), bergamot (5 drops), neroli (3 drops) and rosemary (1 drop) oils.
For hair care, you can add a few drops of oil to your shampoo or conditioner, or mix with a base oil (burdock, olive, sprouted wheat, almond) and apply to your hair as a mask. Bergamot oil increases blood flow, stimulates hair growth, has antimicrobial and antifungal properties, effectively fights dandruff, restores the shine of damaged curls ...
To strengthen and enhance nail growth, you can rub bergamot extract mixed with base oils into nail plates.
For such purposes, peach, apricot, almond, jojoba, avocado, olive, burdock, rosehip or cocoa butter are perfect.
Bergamot did not pass by the creators of perfumes. They use the fresh scent of citrus in expensive perfumes (as the top note) and cheaper deodorants. With its disinfectant properties, the extract of this fruit inhibits the growth of bacteria that cause body odor, and the citrus scent improves emotional well-being.
Bergamot in cooking
Bergamot fruits have been considered inedible for centuries. But at the end of the XNUMXth century, French pastry chef Jean-Frederic Lilich came up with an exceptional way to use this fruit in cooking. ..… He created sweets from sugar syrup and bergamot essence. These translucent lollipops made citrus famous, and Bergamote de Nancy candies are still a gastronomic attraction in France today.
But this is not the only way bergamot is used in cooking. Candied fruits and preserves are made from its zest, juice is added to various hot dishes (often found in Turkish cuisine), and the essence is used in the preparation of pastries and various drinks (remember at least black tea with bergamot).
Bergamot Jam
Rinse the six citrus fruits and cut the zest off with a sharp knife. It is she who is used to make jam. Cut the peel into small cubes, add water (about 1,2 liters) and leave for 2-3 days, periodically changing the liquid. 
Simmer in fresh water over low heat (until all the acid has evaporated). Strain the finished zest, transfer to a saucepan, add 1,2 kg of sugar and water (must cover the bergamot). Cook, stirring occasionally, until tender. The finished dessert should be fairly thick and not spread over the plate.
Creme brulee
You will need 300 g of cream (fatty), 30 g of sugar, 3 egg yolks, 2 drops of bergamot extract, 2 g of pectin. Boil the cream, add the mixture of sugar and pectin, bring to a boil, stirring vigorously. Remove from heat and slowly pour whipped yolks and bergamot extract into the mixture. Stir vigorously. Pour into molds, cool (at least an hour). Sprinkle with powdered sugar and pour over the liquid caramel.
Cautions and possible side effects
Bergamot, like the oil from this fruit, is considered safe. Although using them, it will be useful to be extra vigilant, since citrus fruits in some cases can cause allergies. It is better to refuse to use essential oil for pregnant women, nursing mothers and young children. It is not advised to consume this citrus oil orally (by mouth) for people with potassium deficiency. Persons taking photosensitizing drugs are also advised to refrain from using this product. ..… In addition, it is important to note that it is forbidden to go out in the sun immediately after applying bergamot oil to the skin, as this can cause sunburn. 1.
Researchers suggest that the healing properties of bergamot have been known to mankind since the XNUMXth century. And even in magical practices, voodoo used the smell of this citrus to “drive away evil and danger.” In modern society, bergamot extract is valued as a remedy for the digestive and genitourinary systems. It is used to treat dermatitis, baldness and many other diseases, and without it it is difficult to imagine modern perfumery. This is how it is – useful, fragrant, for many irreplaceable, but inedible bergamot.
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