Bergamot
Bergamot’s distinctive citrus smell helps lift a blue mood, builds confidence and self-esteem. Coming from the Citrus bergamia tree its oil is mechanically cold-pressed from the fruit’s rind. The finest quality oil however is hand-pressed.
It is believed that Christopher Columbus introduced the fruit to Italy. Originally only found in the Bergamo (northern Italy) area, it is now grown in southern Italy and by the North African coast. Its use was first dated back in 1677 as a German herbal medicine for numerous disorders and diseases. Today it is used to flavor cakes and pastries and gives the flavor and fragrance to Earl Grey tea. Its refreshing aroma found in many perfumes and colognes is always welcome on a hot, sticky day. Emotionally it is extremely useful in lifting spirits, decreasing anxiety and treating depression by calming the nervous system. Finally, it also has antiseptic, antispasmodic and deodorizing properties.
Bergamot is highly photosensitive (increases the skin’s sensitivity to the UV rays in sunlight) and so its use should be avoided before going out into the sun.Grapefruit
Grapefruit as its Latin name, Citrus paradisi suggests has a refreshing, uplifting and cheery smell which makes one think of sunny days and clear blue skies on a paradise island. As with other citrus fruits it comes from a small evergreen tree with never-ending star-shaped flowers with glossy, oval-shaped leaves.
The present day grapefruit is a cross between sweet orange and pomelo (also known as shaddock); an ancient type of grapefruit brought to Spain in the 12th century by Arab traders, from Asia and in the 18th century, to the West Indies by Captain Shaddock. Today there are many varieties of the sweet citrus fruit, including the pink grapefruit grown in Florida. Other major producers of the fruit are California, Israel and Brazil.
The oil is obtained from the fresh peel of the fruit, by means of a process known as cold expression; which involves rupturing the fresh peel and pressing out the essence or zest. This procedure produces a pale yellow or greenish liquid with a sweet, fresh citrus aroma. It can also be obtained through steaming distillation of the peel and fruit pulp; giving a similar chemical composition as the expressed oil with a sweeter and less zingy fragrance.
The expressed oil is a mild photosensitizer, which may result in brown blotches. Therefore, it is advised to avoid direct UV rays (sunlight or sun-beds) for approximately 12 hours after use.
All citrus oils, except Bergamot have a short shelf life and at bottling, a small amount of antioxidant preservative is added to delay the oxidation (the oil chemically combines to oxygen changing its structure). This results due to the oil being exposed to air. Once oxidized there is a higher risk of the oil triggering an allergic skin reaction. Therefore, it should be used within six months of the initial opening.
Grapefruit oil is believed to reduce cellulite and fluid retention, as well as reducing muscle aches and pains when massaged into the affected area. It helps drain toxic waste, however the massage itself also stimulates lymphatic drainage, which also helps the removal of present toxins. Its sweet smell may also be used in skin lotions, hair tonics and bath oils. Sparse use is good for oily skin, scalp conditions and acne since it has a gentle astringent and tonic effect. Finally, its zingy fragrance brings about a feeling of lightness and wellbeing.
Petitgrain
Petitgrain can ease tension, anxiety, mild depression and other stress-related disorders. Being produced by steam distillation of the leaves and twigs of the bitter orange tree Citrus aurantium var or Citrus bigaradia. Native to Southeast Asia, the tree now grows throughout the Mediterranean and sub-tropic areas worldwide.
Originally around Grasse, France the oil was produced in distilleries from the unripe oranges when they were the size of cherries (petitgrains which means ‘little grains’). However this proved to be uneconomical and so the oil began being extracted from the leaves and twigs of the orange tree instead.
The pale yellow or amber liquid with its reminiscent aroma of orange blossoms with a bitter, woody-herbaceous undertone is usually perceived as being cooling, relaxing and uplifting. Previously the oil was solely used in perfumery but it has now been found to have properties, which help nervous tension, anxiety, palpitations and mild depression. Working best when a few drops are added to a warm bath or in conjunction with a massage. It also has antiseptic properties.
