Botanical Overview
Citrus bergamia, commonly known as Bergamot or Bergamot orange, is a member of the Rutaceae family. It is native to the Mediterranean basin, particularly Southern Italy. The primary medicinal parts used are the fruit peel and its essential oil.
Energetics
Citrus bergamia is characterized by a cooling temperature and drying moisture quality. Its taste includes bitter and sour notes. The plant’s energetic directionality is ascending and outward, with a relaxing tonic effect predominantly influencing the qi.
Primary Actions
- Anxiolytic
- Antimicrobial
- Digestive stimulant
- Anti-inflammatory
- Skin tonic
Indications
Western
- Anxiety
- Mild digestive discomfort
- Inflammation
- Skin irritation
Syndromes
- Mild anxiety states
- Dyspepsia
- Upper respiratory infections
- Skin infections
TCM
- Stagnation of qi
- Epigastric distension
Syndromes
- Liver qi stagnation
- Spleen qi weakness
Ayurveda
- Digestive impairment
- Stress
- Skin imbalances
Syndromes
- Vata imbalance
- Pitta imbalance
Unani
- Gastrointestinal disturbances
- Nervous tension
Syndromes
Constituents & Mechanisms
Main phytochemical constituents include bergapten (a furocoumarin responsible for photosensitivity), limonene, linalyl acetate, linalool, citronellal, flavonoids, and various essential oils which contribute to the antimicrobial and anxiolytic effects.
Dosage & Preparations
- Essential oil diluted 1-5% for topical use
- Aromatic inhalation
- External ointments 1-3%
- Internal use is limited; no standard dosage established
Safety & Contraindications
Bergamot essential oil can cause photosensitivity due to bergapten; avoid sun exposure after topical application. Use caution in liver disorders and during pregnancy due to insufficient safety data. May potentiate effects of CNS depressants. No major drug interactions documented.
Astrological Correspondences
No reliable sources found for planetary or elemental rulership for Citrus bergamia; thus, these correspondences remain unassigned.
Selected References
- Citrus bergamia (Bergamot), PFAF Database
- European Medicines Agency Herbal Monograph on Citrus bergamia
- Bergamot Oil Uses, Side Effects & Warnings, WebMD
- Pharmacological Properties of Bergamot Essential Oil, Cardile et al., PubMed