Tea with bergamot is one of the rather popular drinks that not only connoisseurs love to pamper themselves, but also everyone from time to time. A strong and very pleasant aroma makes the tea extremely tasty. However, what is bergamot, the benefits and harms of this flavoring, the methods of its production and use - few people know about it.
Bergamot Applications
Bergamot is a citrus plant that belongs to the Rutov family and is the result of the crossing of orange and citron. The fruits of this tree are very similar to ordinary lemons, although there are other varieties.
Bergamot oil is extracted industrially from fruits, leaves and branches, although most of it is found in the skin of the fruit. Further, the oil is used in cosmetics, perfumes, in aromatherapy, cooking or as a flavoring in tea. Bergamot, the benefits and harms of which have been known since ancient times, should still be used with some caution, as it has some contraindications.
Useful properties of bergamot
In addition to providing aesthetic and taste pleasure, bergamot also has many beneficial features for the body. For example, if you add bergamot to any massage oil , the benefits of the oil will increase several times, thanks to the painkiller, antiseptic and sedative properties of the plant. Massage with its use will not only quench the pain and relieve muscle tension, but also significantly improve the condition of the skin.
By dropping a few drops of bergamot oil into your cream, you can get an excellent tool for treating various skin diseases, since it also has an anti-inflammatory effect. With this cream you can get rid of acne, acne, age spots, abscesses, wounds and cuts, burns, etc. In addition, it regulates the activity of the sebaceous glands, soothes the skin, tightens pores, has a deodorizing and antifungal effect. All this makes bergamot an indispensable companion for people with oily or combination skin.
However, bergamot oil is most often used in aromatherapy - a few drops can relieve stress, relax and calm the nervous system. It will help get rid of depression, overcome fears and regain self-confidence. In combination with grapefruit and lavender oil, bergamot will calm and clear the mind, activate mental abilities and memory, which is especially useful before an important event: an exam, an interview or business negotiations.
Bergamot treatment
Before using bergamot for the treatment of any disease, the benefits and harms of which for a weakened organism have not yet been fully studied, you should definitely consult your doctor, since the plant has some contraindications and side effects. For example, bergamot makes the skin vulnerable to active sunlight, which can lead to burns, especially in people with sensitive skin. Therefore, do not use creams or lotions with this oil before going out.
But there are situations in which the use of this tool will not only be superfluous, but very useful. These are any inflammatory processes in the body - from a runny nose to cystitis. Inhalations with bergamot oil help relieve swelling of the nasopharynx, facilitate breathing, clear the sinuses and lower the temperature.
For the treatment of sexually transmitted infections, inflammation of the genitourinary system, the use of tampons moistened with 2-3 drops of bergamot oil and baths as additional means to combat the problem is recommended.
In the treatment of stomatitis, a weak solution of bergamot oil is used: 1 drop per glass of warm water.
Bergamot: benefits and harms
Despite the huge number of various positive effects, bergamot is contraindicated in some cases. In addition to individual intolerance in some people, children under 12 years old are also not recommended bergamot. Damage in case of use may exceed the benefit, since no serious studies have been conducted on this subject.
In some cases, bergamot oil can provoke a miscarriage in a pregnant girl, so it is better to abandon its use. Although for young mothers it is very useful, as it enhances lactation.
Special substances contained in bergamot, furocoumarins, can lead to age spots with prolonged use or a predisposition to them. Therefore, before applying the cream on the face or problem area, you should test it on a healthy area of the skin.
Bergamot in cooking
When cooking food and drinks, bergamot is used as a seasoning. Its leaves or fruits are added exclusively in accordance with their taste preferences in any recipes: pastries, sweets, meat and vegetable dishes. The taste characteristics of such foods vary significantly, since bergamot has a very intense aroma, so you should add it sparingly.
Bergamot is often added to liquors or tinctures, thus providing them with an unusual taste and aroma.
Recommendations for use
Depending on how to use bergamot, the benefits and harms of this fruit will be different. Therefore, you should remember a few simple rules.
- Before starting treatment, be sure to consult a specialist.
- Bergamot cosmetics should be tested on healthy and undamaged skin before use.
- If a properly conducted aromatherapy session causes discomfort (cough, shortness of breath, dizziness), further use should be abandoned.
Before you buy such oil for yourself or family members, learn about how to use bergamot, reviews of specialists, possible contraindications and features. Indeed, simple negligence can lead to unpleasant consequences.