Although its taste and aroma are familiar to many people today, not everyone knows what bergamot is. This is a plant (rue family), artificially bred by crossing lemon and orange (bitter orange). It owes its name to the city of Bergamo (Italy), in which it began to be cultivated. Many people think that bergamot is an herb, but it is actually an evergreen tree. It blooms in mid-spring and bears fruit in late autumn. Describing what bergamot is is easy if you list its beneficial properties.
Of course, the main source product for which this plant is grown is the essential oil. It is obtained by processing the skin of fruits, flowers, foliage. It has a pleasant fresh scent and is light green in color.
Refined into oil, bergamot has the widest application. It is a good anti-spasmodic and sedative substance, it increases resistance to viral infections, and prevents an increase in cholesterol levels. In addition, when describing what bergamot is, we must not forget that it is a good antiseptic, it increases the vitality of the body, reduces irritation frommosquito and midge bites.
In cosmetology, it is used to cleanse the skin, reduce inflammation, brighten and narrow pores, regulate perspiration and fat secretion, fight dandruff, and treat skin diseases.
What else is bergamot, what other beneficial properties does its oil have in addition to those listed above? It stimulates digestion, concentrates attention, has antiparasitic and antifungal effects, helps with allergies, is a natural antidepressant, normalizes sleep, relieves stress, and can be used as an effective antipyretic. The oil is also useful for hair, as it contains the substance bergapten, which promotes their growth. It is also an excellent aphrodisiac and can be used to stimulate and enhance sexual desire.
The use of this plant as an additive and flavoring for tea is of great importance for humans. The drink obtained in this way promotes weight loss, helps maintain vitality. It has an exquisite taste and spicy aroma. Its consumption helps fight irritability and fatigue. Both black and green teas are made with bergamot. Most of the beneficial properties characteristic of the oil of this plant are also found in the drink. The combination of bergamot with green tea helps to moderate its stimulating effect, due to the high content of caffeine. A drink prepared with this useful plant strengthens the immune system, gives strength, and has a relaxing effect. Hisdaily consumption has a beneficial effect on appearance: the skin brightens, gets rid of acne and freckles, acquires a he althy color.
True, excessive drinking of this tea in some people can cause negative consequences due to a number of substances contained in it (bergapten, thymol). In particular, vomiting, stomach pain, rash, nausea, phototoxicity may begin. It should also be avoided during pregnancy.
