Bergamot, a pleasant-smelling citrus fruit, has been used for centuries as a medicine, perfume and spice. Oil of bergamot gives Earl Gray tea its characteristic scent and flavor; it also possesses powerful medicinal properties. Bergamot oil may be used as a component of modern integrative medicine, particularly in complementary treatments like aromatherapy massage. Like its cousin the grapefruit, bergamot can cause unanticipated drug interactions. Consult a health care provider before using medicinal bergamot if you take medication or suffer from a medical condition.
Neuroprotective Effects
According to a 2007 report published in the "British Journal of Pharmacology," bergamot may protect brain cells against some forms of toxin. The study determined that brain cells were more likely to survive exposure to the drug N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) if they were first exposed to a compound found in bergamot. More studies are needed to confirm this effect.
Antibacterial
Citrus fruits like bergamot are renowned for their ability to combat several common forms of pathogenic bacteria. A 2006 study at the the University of Northampton confirmed that bergamot effectively destroys many of the bacteria that cause food-borne illness, including E. coli and listeria. Bergamot is also a remarkably powerful weapon against staphylococcus aureus, a form of bacteria that may be resistant to common antibiotics. The results of this study were published in the "Journal of Applied Microbiology"; the authors suggested that bergamot oil may help to prevent or treat some forms of food poisoning.
Mood Support
In aromatherapy, bergamot is used as a treatment for anxiety, depression and emotional stress. The National Cancer Institute suggests that bergamot may ease emotional disruptions in cancer patients. Aromatherapy practitioners may recommend mixing bergamot into a tea or massage oil to enhance its effectiveness. Bergamot may be combined with other relaxing oils like ylang-ylang or lavender.
References
- "British Journal of Pharmacology": Cell signaling pathways in the mechanisms of neuroprotection afforded by bergamot essential oil
- "Journal of Applied Microbiology": The effect of lemon, orange and bergamot essential oils and their components
- National Cancer Institute: Aromatherapy and Essential Oils
