Looking for a way to bring smiles to your family’s faces? Aromatherapy offers many wonderful means of naturally uplifting the emotions, and one of the favorites is Bergamot essential oil. Its bright, sweet and tart aroma is loved by all ages. The oil is gently pressed from the rinds of Bergamot fruit, and is widely available in an organic variety. The oil is exceptionally safe, and can be used in diffusers, or worn as a natural perfume (as has been done for many centuries). Here we’ll have a brief look at the history of Bergamot’s use, and some practical applications for its use for you and your family.

Originating in tropical Asia, the Bergamot tree is now widely grown in Italy, as well as the Ivory Coast, Guinea, Morocco, and Corsica. Bergamot is named after the Italian city of Bergamo in Lombardy, where the essential oil was first sold for perfumery. The fruit is not edible as the pulp is too sour, resulting in the Bergamot tree being primarily cultivated for its essential oils. It is one of the most popular essential oils used in perfumery – approximately one third of men’s colognes contain Bergamot, and nearly one half of women’s perfumes. Bergamot imparts the characteristic flavor to Earl Grey tea, and is used as a flavoring agent in pastries, root-beer, chewing gum, and toothpastes.

Fresh Bergamot essential oil has nearly 300 compounds: mainly linalyl acetate (30-60 %), linaool (11-22%) and other alcohols, sequiterpenes, terpenes, alkalines, and furocoumarins (including bergapten 0.30-0.39%). Certain furocourmarins, notably bergapten, have been found to be photosensitizing (causing an increased sensitivity to ultraviolet rays), hence Bergamot should not be heavily used on skin that will be significantly exposed to sunlight in the following 72 hours. A ‘bergapten-free’ partially-refined variety is available, and is an excellent choice for massage and skin care formulas.

Bergamot is an excellent antiseptic for use in cases of acne, oily skin, and infected skin. As a natural toner and detoxifier, Bergamot may help to prevent premature aging of the dermis. Bergamot oil is noted to have a slightly irritating effect on the skin in high concentrations, but the opposite healing effects occur when the oil is used at low concentrations (1% or less in carrier oil). Bergamot’s general deodorizing effects derive from its antiseptic properties, which are also effective against bladder and urinary infections. Adding 3- 4 drops of Bergamot to warm water bath can help bring relief to the early stages of urinary tract infections.

Bergamot essential oil is foremost a miraculous neuro-tonic, and a powerful helper against depression caused by fatigue or unreleased tensions and frustrations. Aromatic massage with the oil is naturally indicated for those with poor circulation, heart palpitations, hypertension, and general stress related dis-ease. Depression due to the stagnation of life-force energy is often the result of accumulated stress and repressed emotions of grief, frustration or anger. A protective oil by nature, Bergamot is indicated whenever the flow of natural energy is disrupted, leading to imbalanced states such as irritability, anxiety, and sleep disturbances. Bergamot encourages the release of repressed and inhibited feelings, thus helping to release and decompress. The sparkling and yet gentle floral scent gives the oil a sedative yet uplifting quality with the primary effects being calming, balancing centering and clarifying.

Bergamot is further indicated where anxiety and stress related symptoms present as a loss or change in appetite. Bergamot’s antidepressant properties and its regulatory effect on appetite offer assistance when used in cases of eating imbalances such as anorexia, emotional eating, and bulimia. A natural carminative, digestive aid and antispasmodic make Bergamot effective in instances of colic as well as helping to reduce gas in the intestines. Bergamot may be used by itself, or in a recipe with other digestive supporting oils like Roman Chamomile, Coriander Seed and Sweet Fennel; an excellent technique is to gently massage a low-dilution formula into the abdomen.

That Bergamot essential oil has found its way into our lives in forms that we inhale, splash on ourselves, and even eat is no mistake. Its most most important and enticing application may be that of the natural mood-enhancer; the yellow-green color of the oil hints to its affinity to the heart and solar plexus, where many of us are challenged to remain open. It is the opening of the heart and a fluid allowing of the emotions that lies at the center of our healing journeys. Using Bergamot through all primary aromatherapy techniques can assist in this process, opening us to freedom and joys in our everyday lives.

Bergamot essential oil blends well with Chamomile, Geranium, Jasmine, Lavender, Lemon, Orange, Neroli, Tangerine, and Ylang Ylang essential oils. Bergamot can be used by means of bath, compresses, massage, or inhalation. Blends utilizing the Bergamot essential oil’s uplifting and releasing effects are recommended as follows: To release aggravation and pressure – 2 parts Roman Chamomile, 2 parts Bergamot and 2 parts Sweet Orange. To overcome nervousness and agitation – 3 parts Lavender, 2 parts Neroli and 1 part Bergamot. When frustrated and negative – 3 parts Bergamot, 2 parts Sweet Orange and 1 part Neroli. To enhance relaxation and self-confidence – 2 parts Lavender and 1 part Bergamot. Feeling bitter and brooding – 2 parts Roman Chamomile, 2 Parts Bergamot and 2 parts Helichrysum. Blend equal parts Tangerine and Lemon and/or Orange. These blends may be used in a diffuser, or diluted to 3% total concentration in one or more carrier oils for a wonderful aromatherapy massage.

Youve got dry skin, but why. What dry skin causes could possibly do that? Dry skin, its quite a scourge especially as you grow older. But what causes dry skin and what can you do about it?

There are a wide range of factors that can produce dry skin. Some are more rare than others.

You’d be surprised at how common dry skin conditions are, and how many people are searching for dry skin treatments. Some conditions are easy to treat, some not so easy.

And if you have dry skin were sure you know just how irritating it can be. Maybe your skin is all dull and flaky, red or even painful. And that itching.

Normal skin has an outer layer of oils that are naturally produced by the skin, and help protect our skin. But for various reasons these outer oils can be removed resulting in what is known as dry skin.

So lets have a look at dry skin causes and treatments. Some are easier to treat than others.

1. Long hot baths. Now I know you love that bath as hot as you can get it and love to soak for hours if you can. But that takes away those natural skin oils and dries your skin. A shower is better than a bath, shorter and not as hot.

2. Skin care products and cosmetics. Is this a surprise to you? Is this the first time you’ve heard that many big brand name skin care products and cosmetics actually have ingredients in them that are dangerous to your skin?

Many of the ingredients used in big name products actually dry out our skin. For example mineral oil does just that. Mineral oil is common in skin care products, is a petrochemical derivative, in other words comes from crude oil. It dries and damages your skin but is used because it’s cheap.

High quality natural skin care products are way better for your skin, won’t damage it and will overcome dry skin conditions more easily.

3. Exposure to the sun. Sunburn is very damaging to the skin. It dries it out and can cause skin cancer. Avoid sunburn like the plague.

4. Weather. You can get dry skin in places with cold dry winters. But if it is more humid in summer it may go away. What should you do? Use a high quality natural skin care product formulated to retain skin moisture and renew skin moisture.

5. Soaps and detergents. Modern soaps and detergents can also do this. And shampoos. Many of these contain harmful ingredients as well, and should be avoided. Deodorizing and anti bacterial soaps should be avoided, you don’t need them. Any soap that makes a huge lather and makes you feel squeaky clean isn’t good. Try changing your soap, choose a natural soap, deodorant free and fragrance free, and keep changing till you find one friendly to your skin.

6. Medical conditions like psoriasis, and drugs. There are a number of medical conditions that can cause dry skin problems, and for anything like psoriasis, eczema and others, consult your doctor. And be aware that there are also some drugs that can also dry your skin.

7. Avoid itchy clothes, they too can cause skin dryness.

There’s 7 causes of dry skin. But what do you do about it? Well for medical conditions as I’ve said, see a doctor or dermatologist. But often this isn’t necessary.

I have already suggested some dry skin treatments that will work for some. Keep showers shorter and cooler, use more natural soaps and shampoos, try soaps out until you find a good one for you. And be aware of choosing natural alternatives to any product that you put on your skin. They are often cheaper and safer.

And lastly you really ought to use a high quality range of natural skin care products to combat dry skin. The highest quality natural skin care products contain natural moisturizers like Babassu oil, from the nut of the Babassu tree, and avocado oil. As well as moisturizing better they are also safer.

But surprisingly, although the ingredients in natural skin care products are more expensive than those in regular anti aging skin care products the products themselves are very cost competitive because the small niche skin care company that makes them doesn’t spend on TV advertising.

So there’s 7 dry skin causes, many of which you can treat with some of the dry skin treatments I’ve suggested here. Combine all the strategies I’ve suggested together with a regime of high quality natural skin care products and you’re well on your way to successfully combating that most annoying dry skin.

Find out more on my website.