Bergamot: what is this plant, description and properties, application, other meanings of the word

Quite often people are interested in what kind of bergamot plant is, as well as its description, properties and applications. This culture is a variety of orange from the Rutov family. It is impossible to find a plant in natural conditions, since scientists brought it out. The fruits appeared due to the combination of citron and orange. This plant originated in southeast Asia.

Description of the plant

The name of the culture is translated from Italian as "bergamotto" . The origin of this word is connected with the city of Bergamo, where this plant is grown.At the same time, many people are sure that this species of the Rutov family was obtained by breeding in ancient China. At the same time, there is a version that the culture was created as a result of a natural mutation.

Appearance

This culture is an evergreen tree with an average height of 3-5 meters. The plant is characterized by thin long spines and shiny leaves of a bright green hue. Flowering begins in the first half of spring. At the same time, large flowers appear on the trees, which are distinguished by a pronounced spicy aroma. Flowers can be white or purple.

The fruits are considered the most valuable part of the citrus tree. They vary in size and may be spherical or pear-shaped. When cut, the fruit resembles a lemon or lime. They are characterized by an unusual bitter taste, thick skin and dry flesh. Therefore, fresh fruits are rarely consumed.

Can I grow at home

Bergamot can be planted at home. To do this, you need to pull out the seeds from the fruits and plant them in the ground. At the same time, it is not recommended to dry the seeds, as this leads to a decrease in their germination.

A special citrus substrate is suitable for growing crops. It is also permissible to use a mixture of humus and sand. Seeds need to be deepened into the soil by 1 centimeter. The crop should be watered as the soil dries out. The appearance of sprouts should be expected in about a month. When 3 leaves appear on the stem, the bushes can be planted.

Expert opinionZarechny Maxim ValerievichAgronomist with 12 years of experience. Our best gardening expert.Ask a QuestionIn order for homemade citrus to give a good harvest, it needs to provide suitable growth conditions. The plant needs a lot of moisture and light. Therefore, it needs to be placed on the south side and watered with clean and warm water. Also, the bush must be sprayed.

Useful properties

Bergamot is a fairly he althy fruit that has antiseptic properties. It can be used as an antifungal, antiviral and bactericidal agent. Also, the product successfully stops inflammation and has a sedative and antispasmodic effect.

Bergamot oil can be used for acute respiratory viral infections. It has pronounced antipyretic properties. With rhinitis and colds, the substance helps to reduce the temperature. In addition, it helps to clear the sinuses and reduce inflammation of the nasopharynx.

In addition, bergamot provides immunity strengthening in case of herpes. It helps to cope with inflammation in the respiratory tract and diseases of the genitourinary organs. The oil helps to normalize blood pressure parameters and blood cholesterol levels.It can be used to combat vitiligo and baldness.

Bergamot is used to make various dietary supplements that can be used to boost the immune system and improve he alth. Tea with the addition of this component eliminates disturbances in the functioning of the digestive organs, improves appetite, and produces a disinfectant, antiviral and antiseptic effect. The drink brings great benefits in the development of inflammation and infections. In addition, the product has pronounced antifungal properties.

Essential oil of bergamot helps to normalize the flow of lymph and blood circulation in the skin. This substance helps to regulate the water-lipid balance. In addition, it has a tonic and brightening effect on the dermis.

The composition can be used to prevent and eliminate skin inflammation. With its help, it is possible to get rid of rashes, narrow pores, relieve irritation after insect bites. To cope with headaches and tension in the neck, you can do a massage with bergamot oil.It should be combined with grape seed and neroli oils. If you massage the abdomen with bergamot, it will be possible to improve digestive functions and stimulate appetite. This is especially true at the stage of recovery after complex pathologies.

Useful properties of bergamot allow it to be used to treat a variety of diseases:

Bronchitis - in this case, it is recommended to rub the soles with a mixture of glycerin and petroleum jelly with a few drops of bergamot oil.
Increased oiliness of hair - to combat this problem, you need to apply a few drops of oil on the teeth of a wooden comb and comb your hair in different directions. Also, the substance can be added to various hair masks that need to be done every other day. In addition, it is permissible to mix the product with shampoo or perform wraps with the addition of olive oil.
Nervous exhaustion - in this case, you need to take 3-4 drops of bergamot oil in 1 glass of warm boiled water. Also add 1 tablespoon of honey to the mixture. Drinking such a drink is required 2 times a day for a week.
Herpes - if signs of pathology appear, the product should be used to treat the inflamed area.

Also, bergamot is actively used in cosmetology. In most cases, essential oil is used for this, which you can easily make yourself. To do this, it is enough to squeeze the peel of the fruit with your hands. As a result, it will be possible to obtain a light liquid of an emerald hue. The composition can be used for oily skin and hair. It copes well with inflammatory processes and normalizes the functioning of the sweat glands. In addition, the essential oil successfully destroys parasites and fungal microorganisms.

Contraindications

Bergamot contains furocoumarins, which cause excessive pigmentation of the dermis.Therefore, the composition should not be used to treat sensitive skin, as it can provoke the appearance of burns - especially in the summer. Do not apply the substance to the skin less than 1 hour before sun exposure.

Bergamot oil should not be used by people with allergies. It is also not recommended to drink tea with the addition of this product at night for people with sleep disorders. The fact is that such a drink has a pronounced tonic effect.

Chemical composition

Bergamot has a pleasant aroma because it contains linalyl acetate and linalool. As for the chemical composition of the product, it includes water, vitamins, carbohydrates, minerals. The fruit also contains dietary fiber and a small amount of proteins and fats.

The furocoumarins contained in the fruits are the main value. These substances have a photosensitizing effect.They provide fast skin pigmentation and help to get a beautiful and even tan. The peel of bergamot contains valuable essential oils that are used in the perfume and cosmetic industries. Plant oil also includes many valuable components. Among them, it is worth highlighting limonene, bisabolen, bergapten, nerol and terpineol.

Where bergamot is used

Bergamot fruits are not very good in taste. They are sour-bitter. Therefore, in cooking, this product is used quite rarely. However, in the areas of bergamot growth, candied fruits and marmalade are made from it. In Greece, it is customary to make jam from the peel of the fruit. Also, bergamot is often used to flavor various dishes, mousses, desserts, sweets. It is often added to alcoholic drinks and cocktails.

Expert opinionZarechny Maxim ValerievichAgronomist with 12 years of experience. Our best gardening expert.Ask a QuestionThe taste of products with the addition of bergamot changes for the better. This fruit goes well with meat and various vegetables. A couple of drops of bergamot can even be added to vegetable broth. This will help change its taste and aroma for the better.

Bergamot essential oil is often used in the confectionery industry. It is used as a fragrance for some teas. Oil is also often added to baked goods. This helps to make its aroma much more expressive. In addition, a small amount of bergamot oil is added to salads - vegetable and fruit. In cooking, you should use your own oil. To do this, you need to squeeze the fruit yourself.

Also, bergamot essential oil is used in the following areas of human life:

Production of gels, shampoos, detergents - the substance has a degreasing effect and does not damage surfaces.
Alcohol industry - the component ensures the neutralization of toxic substances. It has tonic properties and reduces the likelihood of alcohol intoxication.
Pharmacological industry - the composition has a disinfecting effect. In addition, bergamot oil enhances the effect of certain medicines.
Perfume - the component is used as a fragrance and has a pleasant citrus aroma.
Production of repellents - the substance helps repel insects.

Essential oil of bergamot helps to get rid of stress and depression. To cope with increased anxiety, you can light a lamp with this substance. In this case, before going to bed, you should take a bath, adding a few drops of bergamot oil there. This will help to relax the body and get rid of fatigue. Massage using this substance will also help relieve pain and tension.

Limonene, which is part of the product, improves the functioning of the digestive organs. With colds, inhalation of oil vapors helps.This helps to stimulate mucus discharge, destroy germs and facilitate breathing. Bergamot oil is used to make creams, lotions and shampoos. It helps to cleanse and disinfect the skin. Also, this component heals wounds and helps get rid of stretch marks. To repel insects and achieve a deodorizing effect in the room, it is worth treating window frames and doorways with bergamot oil.

Bergamot tea

Today, several varieties of tea are produced with the addition of bergamot. At the same time, green varieties are considered not very popular. They include a large amount of caffeine, which neutralizes the beneficial properties of citrus. In addition, many do not like the combination of green tea and bergamot to taste.

Black tea has become more widespread. The most famous variety is Earl Grey. It was named after the British Earl Gray, who brought a unique drink to European countries.

Other meanings of the word

The word "bergamot" is used not only to refer to a plant from the Rut family. This term is also used for pear and grass varieties.

Pear variety

Bergamot is a fairly popular pear variety that has several varieties. Southern varieties have a sweeter taste and juiciness. Species grown in the middle lane are cold-resistant and bear strong small fruits.

Pear trees of this variety are medium in size, but some specimens reach a height of 25 meters. They are distinguished by a dense and spreading crown.

Grass

This plant is also called "monarda" . The grass grows up to 1.5 meters and is distinguished by elongated leaves with serrated edges. Flowering culture continues all summer. Depending on the variety of the plant, it may have pink, red or lilac flowers.

Bergamot is a popular plant that belongs to the Rut family and has many beneficial properties. This culture has found wide application in various spheres of human life. At the same time, it can be easily grown at home.