Bergamot
Profile
| Latin Name | Citrus Bergamia |
| Chinese Name | Zhi Shi |
| Family | Rutacae |
| Note | Top |
| Aroma | <Soft> Citrus |
| Color | Green |
| Parts Distilled | Unripe green peels |
| Regions | Guinea, Italy, Ivory Coast |
| Taste | Spicy, refreshing |
| Nature | Slightly Cooling (calming but uplifting) |
| Affinity | LU/ST |
| Major Chemical Constituents | Monoterpenols (~40-60%), linalyl acetate (~35-45%), furocoumarins (resulting in skin sensitivity to sunlight) |
| Skin Type | All, especially oily - always in dilution (can irritate skin with sun exposure) |
| Dosage | 20% dilution |
TCM Categories
Functions
- Stimulates wei-defensive for oral and urogenital infectious due to exogenous (external) or endogenous (internal) heat
- Promotes the descension of Stomach qi to assist digestion
Indications
- Rebellious Stomach Qi with nausea, indigestion, epigastric and abdominal bloating, distention
- Regulates appetite for obsessive eating
- Wind-Heat with fevers and chills, sweating, flushed complexion, sore throat, gum swelling, and headaches (LI-11, LI-4, GB-20, BL-12, BL- 13, LU-11, Ll-1)
- Helpful for LR invading the SP/ST, especially associated with wind heat
Topical Applications
- Friction rub with 10% in a carrier oil of Sweet Almond to reduce fever (use a loofah sponge).
Other Applications
- Diffuse or add to baths to calm and relax, for anxiety, depression, stress, agitation, insomnia, etc. Use caution in the bath, as it can cause photosensitivity and skin irritation.
- Sitz-bath (add 15-20 drops) for UTIs and vaginal discharge
Specific Protocols
- 10% dilution with Bergamot (50%), Neroli (20%), Eucalyptus globulus (20%), and Lavender (10%) for application to ST/LI sinew channels and the confluence point of SI-18.
Actions
- Anti-inflammatory
- Anti-infectious
- Antispasmodic
- Mucolytic
- Antiviral (genital and oral herpes)
Contraindications & Cautions
- Photosensitive (bergapten)
- All peels are photosensitive (light and heat) to some people, skin test first
Notes
- Most of the citrus oils are from the peels
- In Earl Grey Tea
- Promotes relaxation
- Strong to invite a smile
- For someone who is depressed, dark, and introverted when that is not their true self; helps them shed that sadness
- For someone who enjoys being in the spotlight too much
- Brings light so someone feels comfortable re-entering the world of light and social interaction
- 20% is probably the highest dilution in the materia medica
Additional Comments
- Bergamot is effective against herpes simplex.
- Its photosensitivity is probably due to its ability to absorb heat.
- Bergamot blends well with most essential oils.
- Use with Eucalyptus to help someone to let go
From Class
- Bergamot: Oil that resonates with BL-27 Xiaochangshu; apply a drop on the point. (Yuen)